Coulthard plays down Irvine talk

at McLaren as he led the fight back against Ferrari in Montreal on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Scot has been given a loud vote of confidence by team boss
Ron Dennis on the eve of the Canadian Grand Prix saying he could see no
reason why the McLaren pairing will not remain the same in the year 2000.

And Coulthard started repaying his team bosses' when he ran second fastest
to Michael Schumacher - and a place ahead of Mika Hakkinen - in the last
practice session before qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix.

Hakkinen was trying so hard he ended Saturday practice in the gravel at
Turn Eight but was unhurt - a bad preparation for qualifying later in the
day. Irvine was fourth quickest.

'We all knew Irvine to McLaren was never going to happen,' said Coulthard.
'There is more chance of Nigel Mansell making a comeback.'

'It's pleasing to hear what Ron said but he was only saying publicly what
he has been telling me privately all along. That's why it annoys me when I
keep on hearing all this rubbish.'

Formula One vagaries notwithstanding Dennis all-but confirmed the Scot for
the fifth-successive season and he criticsed Irvine without mentioning him
by name. "I take great exception to other drivers' opinion and desires and
wishes being voiced in such a way that throws in any shape or form doubt on
our commitment to David and Mika.

'We are completely committed to our drivers, and at this moment in time, I
can see no reason whatsoever why they won't be our drivers next year.

'David's position in this team has never been more secure. He is driving
better this year than he did last.'

Coulthard has led this race for the last two years but is yet to finish
higher than fifth in five visits here. A statistic he is keen to change
this weekend.

'It's good to have a good record at the track but I had one at Imola too
and I missed out on pole and the victory. Let's hope it is different here.'

'That suggests if I don't do the business it is because we couldn't get
the car working properly rather there is anything wrong on my side.

'I think it will be very, very close between ourselves and Ferrari. This
track suits their car but if I don't do the job here, it's likely because I
couldn't get the car home.'

Schumacher bids for a hat-trick of Canadian wins to extend his six-point
lead over Mika Hakkinen who finished down in seventh spot after spinning
his McLaren.

But Coulthard warned: 'I would be amazed if Mika stays in that position -
he is too quick a driver for that.'