Coulthard insists he is an 'asset' to McLaren

The 28-year-old Scot is languishing in seventh place in the drivers' championship with just six points after being forced to retire in three out of the four races because of McLaren's reliability problems.

He was seventh in the times too at the end of the first day's practice for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.

But Coulthard reacted to early speculation about his place to reveal he is not worrying about his prospects believing his contribution to the team's double title success last season in the drivers' and constructors'
championship will hold him in good stead.

He said, 'I realise the only thing that matters is results. Six points from four races is not a way to build a championship, but the team is working on giving me a car in which I can go out and get results.

'I believe I am an asset to the team, I develop the car in a positive way and I have contributed to the team's success.

'It's a free world and I can't stop people talking about my place, but I don't think about not being with McLaren.

'I know what is happening on the inside and it could well be that I have signed for next year, but am not in a position to confirm it. Others would not necessarily know that.'

After setting seventh fastest time in practice Friday in Barcelona he added, 'The times mean nothing on Friday. We were working through our programme.

'Tomorrow is what counts and I would be surprised and disappointed if I was in the same position after qualifying.'