Team chiefs back DC for title

"David did a brilliant job," said McLaren MD Ron Dennis.

"David showed that we are every bit as fast as Schumacher, if not faster."

Jaguar Director Jackie Stewart added his voice to Dennis's affirmations. The Scot, who won at Monaco three times in his career, is quoted as saying "David has a very serious chance of winning the World Championship now if he can continue the form he is showing."

"It's good to be ahead of Mika again but I know he will be fighting hard. There is still a long way to go in the championship," said Coulthard.

"It is hard to imagine that there is anyone who is going to be better," suggested Dennis when asked about the persistent rumours that Coulthard is to be replaced at the end of the year. He continued saying that he felt Coulthard had done "a great job this year".