DC: Contact caused suspension failure

The 37-year-old Scot, who retires from Formula One in two races time, emerged unscathed from a heavy impact from the outside barrier on the exit of Fuji Speedway's Turn 2, after his right rear suspension appeared to let go.

"Into Turn One I was trying to go down the inside of [Sebastien] Bourdais," Coulthard explained to UK broadcaster ITV. "He naturally came back across towards the apex. [Nelson] Piquet, who was in front of us both, came a bit early on the brakes and I found myself between the two of them.

"There was a little bit of bumping and grinding as we went through the apex of Turn 1. And then as we accelerated out of Turn 2, whatever damage was done in previous corner has let go and I had a tank slapper which put me off into the barrier so I guess it was suspension rather than a tyre."

The damage to Coulthard's RBR4 was significant and he admitted that he would need a new car in time for the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai, next weekend.

"I think we were all bumping together so I can't honestly say which side got the damage but for sure it will be a new chassis at the next grand prix," he said.