Coulthard kick-starts season

Despite losing third gear and fourth starting to go he came within an ace of winning as a late charge took him to just 4.3 seconds behind Michael Schumacher at the chequered flag.

He now shares second place in the championship with Rubens Barrichello - 14 points down on the other Ferrari driver.

"Given the circumstances I am very happy with second place," said Coulthard.

"I lost third gear in the first few laps and couldn't use second either. Then late in the race fourth gear started to go as well.

"I'm surprised it happened because that gear is not one of those that normally get the biggest stress.

"As well as that the radio failed so I couldn't tell the team what the problem was. I had to concentrate on my pit boards to know when my stop was.

"It was a miracle I even finished.

"At least six points is a kick start to my championship. But we obviously didn't do the maximum we could have done today so I am optimistic for the future."