Coulthard accepts support role

The Scot has his sights set on victory but just as Michael Schumacher has agreed to defer to Ferrari teammate Eddie Irvine, Coulthard has said Hakkinen's title ambitions now come first for the sake of the team.

'When it comes to this stage the worst thing would be for Eddie or Heinz-Harald to come through and win the title in Suzuka if Mika fails,' he said.

'I would love to win the Sepang race.

'But I am working for the team and the understanding is that, at this stage, it comes down to who has a better chance of winning the title.

'And Mika is the one who is in better contention for the world championship. He is leading the points and has 12 more than me.'

The Scot believes McLaren will continue their tortuous route to the title and the fight will go all the way to Japan even though Hakkinen will, he believes, ultimately win it.

For Hakkinen to triumph in Malaysia he will have to win and Irvine finish outside the top four.

'Personally I think the world championship will be decided in Japan,' said Coulthard.