Coulthard Confident of 2002 McLaren Drive

Briton David Coulthard has said he is confident of keeping his drive with the McLaren team in 2002, despite missing out on this year's Championship.

McLaren have yet to confirm their driver line-up for 2002, but Coulthard believes he still has a lot to offer the Woking-based team as he bids to overcome the disappointment of losing out to Michael Schumacher in this year's title race.

"I feel pretty confident that I will be continuing with McLaren and we just need to wait," said Coulthard. "As you know, the team has options on probably most of the drivers in the pitlane, but I feel confident now that I'll be staying with the team.

"I haven't been concerning myself too much about it. I believe that I represent the best option that McLaren have and as to who else is in the car it would be great if it was Mika [Hakkinen] because he's a good teammate and a good benchmark for me to see just how I am driving.

"If not, then I don't suppose anyone's going to be significantly quicker than he is so I don't think I need to be too worried."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said at the Hungarian Grand Prix they know the exact day their drivers line-up will be announced but refused to give any further details.