Coulthard hits back at Schumacher

The Scot initially threatened to sue the double champion over accusations he blocked the Ferrari driver illegally while being lapped.

When he had calmed down Coulthard retracted the legal threat but warned the German 'If you slander me I will defend myself.'

'There's no question of any legal action. But Michael cannot question my integrity. That does harm to my reputation as a racing driver in such a public way.

'He cannot go around saying what he likes about another driver because I certainly am going to defend myself.

'I understand he is disappointed. I cost him two-and-a-half seconds which the lap times confirm, not 10 seconds as he says, which just so happens is the same as what he was behind Mika.

'I have every respect for him as a driver and for what he has achieved in the sport, but this sort of thing does him no good at all.

'This is just another blimp in our relationship. We have spoken about it and agreed to have different views, but we have got to work together as part of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association."

Earlier he had demanded an apology or said then German would have to face his lawyers.

'If he does not apologise there could be legal repercussions because he is questioning my integrity which in a court of law is slander and libel.

'He has to realise that if he wants to discuss something he should discuss it with me, not the whole world.'

Schumacher had accused Coulthard of blocking him from Turn two to Turn 11 and using unfair team tactics to help his teammate Mika Hakkinen win the race and the world title.

It is not the first time the two have crossed swords.

Eighteen months ago in Belgium Schumacher ploughed into the back of the Scot in blinding spray, ripping off his wheel and destroying what seemed the German's easy romp to victory.

Minutes later Schumacher marched down the pits to the McLaren garage and had to be dragged away by his mechanics as he hurled insults at his rival.

A few months before that Coulthard had accused Schumacher of rough-house tactics when the German had muscled ahead during the Argentinian Grand Prix.

In Suzuka this time Schumacher said: 'David ignored the blue flags and he was really zig-zagging.

'I am not sure whether I should believe that what happened at Spa last year wasn't done purposely the way he behaved today.

Coulthard, who retired with hydraulics problems, said Schumacher was trying to deflect attention from his own mistakes in fumbling the start.

'I can only believe Michael was deflecting attention from the fact that Mika tried to beat him fair and square.

'It just shows Michael holds grudges and just has a real problem at admitting his mistake,' he said.

'I am not denying that I held him up but it was not a deliberate attempt to ruin his race.'