Coulthard Blames Pitstop Blunder for Missing Podium

Scot David Coulthard said he will have harsh words with McLaren's refuelling team - before apologising for running over one of his own mechanics - in a pit-stop "misunderstanding" at the French Grand Prix.

The McLaren mechanic holding the refuelling hose to Coulthard's car was dragged to the ground as Coulthard accelerated away before it was removed from his car after his third and final pitstop.

Coulthard went on to finish in fifth place despite losing time and a winglet in the incident but admitted the refuelling problems might have cost him a podium finish.

"We had a 'misunderstanding' in the pits in refuelling," said Coulthard. "In the pits, the nozzle didn't work so we tried another one and there was a problem with that one too. I saw the lollipop get lifted and thought I should go.

"It was a bit of a mess, especially as I think a podium was really possible. I'm going to wind up our refuelling man because he broke my winglet as he went down! I'll give him a bollocking for that first then I'll apologise for running him down."

Despite the incident, Coulthard insisted the race weekend had restored his confidence in his car ahead of his home Grand Prix at Silverstone in two weeks time. His four-point haul at Magny-Cours still leaves him 35 behind Championship leader Michael Schumacher - but he now has a more positive outlook after getting to grips with qualifying and the race.

"I had a good start and a really close battle with Michael Schumacher right through the first three or four turns," said Coulthard. "It was really close racing. Fifth is a bit disappointing especially after doing so much better in qualifying. But I feel I have had a much stronger weekend and that I'm in good shape for Silverstone."