Coulthard Apologises to Schumacher (updated)

David Coulthard ended a year of strained and sometimes acrimonious relations with world champion Michael Schumacher by apologising to him after Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

The 29-year-old Briton, who had finished behind the victorious 31-year-old German in second place in the season-ending race, said he wanted to put their troubles behind them and make a fresh start.

"To be honest, I was just apologising to Michael for the year," he said after speaking to Schumacher after their cars were in parc ferme.

"As you know, we have had some differences and I am embarrassed that sometimes I said things too publicly instead of going to see him and to talk to him face to face.

"At the end of the season, I wanted to apologise to him for that and to say he is a great champion and that I look forward to competing with him again next season."

The two have clashed on and off the track in various ways since the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps when Schumacher in his Ferrari collided with Coulthard's McLaren in heavy rain.

Since then, they have disagreed over numerous other incidents and clashed again only recently at the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis where Schumacher accused Coulthard of driving beyond a reasonable limit.

Schumacher later withdrew that comment.

After talking to Coulthard, Schumacher said: "His words are welcomed by me because it shows his true character and it takes a big heart and a lot of personality to do this.

"I hope we can be friendly again as we were before this season's problems."