Coulthard Encouraged by McLaren 'Step Forward'

Scot David Coulthard was delighted with his first podium finish since July's French Grand Prix after claiming third place in today's race at Indianapolis.

McLaren driver Coulthard boosted the Woking-based squad's hopes with a strong performance that saw him finishing less than eight seconds behind the dominant Ferraris of Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher.

The Scot's third position allowed him to move within only one point of fourth-placed Williams driver Ralf Schumacher in the Championship standings with one race to go.

"We weren't going to beat Ferrari. It was a question of just beating Williams," said Coulthard after the race. "We can take a little boost from this weekend because we've taken a step forward."

Coulthard, winner of the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year, finished ahead of William's Juan Pablo Montoya, who is now six points ahead of the McLaren driver in their battle for third place in the Championship.

Coulthard's teammate Kimi Raikkonen retired from the race with an engine problem.