'Unfortunate' Start for Coulthard

David Coulthard's attempt to delay Michael Schumacher's title celebrations this weekend did not start the way the Scot was expecting after finishing today's practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix in a disappointing tenth place while his rival topped the times.

The McLaren driver lost control of his car in the morning session and ended up hitting the kerbs in turn 12, damaging his car and being forced to miss the whole second session while his mechanics fixed it. However, Coulthard, who is 37 points behind Schumacher in the Championship, admitted he was happy with the balance of his car.

"I hit the kerb at an unfortunate angle damaging the chassis," said Coulthard." As a result I was unable to participate in the second practice which was unfortunate, but I'm pleased with the balance we have already achieved. The team will now rebuild my car with a new chassis in time for tomorrow's practice."

Teammate Mika Hakkinen enjoyed a more positive day, finishing in third place a little more than a tenth of a second behind Schumacher. The Finn, winner in Hungary in 1999 and 2000, was optimistic ahead of tomorrow's qualifying.

"I'm reasonable pleased with today and we have improved the car a lot during the two sessions," said Hakkinen. "As always on a Friday it's difficult to know where you are compared to the others but I'm optimistic. The circuit itself is difficult to drive on and physically extremely demanding."