Coulthard to learn fate before Imola

The McLaren star was stripped of his second place in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix after post-race scrutineering found the car's front wing to be illegal.

The appeal will be heard in Paris.

According to press reports, Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone sympathised with Coulthard but offered no indication to suggest the Scot would be reinstated.

Speaking to The Sun, Ecclestone said: "If a car doesn't comply to the regulations it has to be thrown out.

"The way the sport is going tow of three millimetres can be enough to give someone a huge advantage.

"If they did it deliberately to get an advantage they deserve to be chucked out.

"If it was a genuine mistake it's a pity - but what can you do?"

Coulthard, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Monday, has returned to Britain to prepare for next weekend's opening European race at Imola.

"We'll see what they decide at the appeal," said the Scot.

"But it all depends on how the world championship lies and who is supposed to be winning at the time."

If McLaren's appeal fails, Williams star Jenson Button will remain the youngest F1 driver to score a world championship point.