DC hits out at McLaren inconsistency

Coulthard's title bid has been hamstrung by a string of problems, breakdowns and startline technical gaffs this year, and in the USA, balance and handling problems have again left him mystified about his car's pace.

He is now left fighting a rearguard action for second place in the drivers' championship against Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, who is just three points behind, but fifth on the grid, and Williams-BMW ace Ralf Schumacher, who is nine points behind, is third on the grid.

"I'm probably quick enough to be fifth or on the front row, but we had quite a bit of oversteer," said the Scot. "But trying to solve that led to problems with the rear. Then if you try to improve the rear you take away from the front."

Coulthard has admitted that it will be tough to get a good result from his position on the grid, though, and his second place in the drivers' championship standings is likely to be under severe threat.

"It is going to be difficult to pass anywhere but the end of the main straight," Coulthard said. "It may be possible that we get a little better in race trim. We'll just have to wait and see. Whatever happens I am not happy with the way the car has performed up until this point.

"Even if we do get a result out of the weekend it's disappointing that we've had inconsistencies throughout the season. It's difficult to understand exactly why? We'll just try to get the best out of the race, get some points, get on to Suzuka, get the season over with and concentrate on next year."