Coulthard plays down hype

"It is important not to get carried away because of a slightly fortunate win in Monaco," he said.

The Scot's Monte Carlo victory, inherited when Michael Schumacher broke down at the head of the field, was his second in five races. The other three of those five - the Spanish, European and San Marino Grands Prix - have seen him on the podium.

"Remember I started third and won without overtaking anyone, but I feel confident in my performance and I am looking forward to the race," said Coulthard.

"Inevitably with getting some good results and being in front of Mika at this stage of the championship people are analysing everything. My advice to them is save your energy. Let's wait and see how the year goes," he added.

Hopefully I will still be in a good position at the end. There is so much of the year still to go. There's no point getting carried away at this stage.

"I just want to make sure I continue finishing on the podium at all the races. I believe I have a chance to win here and that's all the motivation I need to push."