Coulthard Hopes to Benefit from First Corner Incidents

McLaren's David Coulthard admitted that he is hoping his Ferrari and Williams rivals are caught up in an incident at the opening corner of Sunday's European Grand Prix after he qualified fifth at the Nurburgring.

Coulthard finished behind Williams pair Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher and Ferrari duo Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello as he again failed to build on his Friday practice performance.

The Scot admitted he is hoping that Michael Schumacher and Montoya are caught up in problems at the opening turn, which has received widespread criticism, as he looks to score his third successive podium finish.

"It is going to be very difficult at the first corner. A lot of drivers have expressed their disappointment at the entry and if you do take the inside line you run wide on the exit," Coulthard said.

"I think at the start we will all be going in on different lines and there is a reasonable chance of something happening. We will be racing at the maximum and the corner draws you in. In the warm-up I might play with about in turn one."

Of the prospect of an incident he added: "I would be delighted (if something happened in front). But it is all part of racing and I think I will be just as cautious as everyone else. It will be interesting.

"They (Schumacher and Montoya) have had incidents in the past in Brazil and Malaysia and Michael knows that the start is his best chance to get ahead. The start is always a difficult time - you just got to go for it."

Coulthard said that race strategy is going to be his trump card in his Nurburgring race as he looks to outthink the quicker Williams and Ferrari cars.

"I'm wondering whether it is a good position being behind the Ferraris, but it is no surprise to be on the third row," he said. "We'll hope for a good start and a good strategy."

And the 31-year-old claimed he needs a miracle to finish second in the Championship race to Michael Schumacher this year after admitting Williams' package is too strong.

He said: "It would be a miracle for me and a disaster for Williams if I am second this year. They've got a quicker car and a better package at the moment."