Coulthard Predicts Ferrari One-Two in France

Briton David Coulthard said on Friday that he is unlikely to score his second French Grand Prix victory this weekend despite topping the times on the opening day of practice at Magny-Cours.

Coulthard won what he described as "the most satisfying" race of his career at the central-France track two years ago, but he admitted the chances of repeating that momentous occasion are slim to nil.

"If I pull off a victory like that then I am going to announce myself as the next messiah," exclaimed Coulthard, laughing as he considered the likelihood of his McLaren-Mercedes team beating Ferrari.

"I feel good but I just don't think we are going to unleash a pole position lap," said Coulthard. "Ferrari are looking very strong looking at this morning's practice and I don't think we are going to be in a position to make it difficult for them.

"We have some little tweaks for qualifying which we hope will create a bit of pace, but the reality is it will protect us a little bit from the guys behind rather than stepping us into those in front."

The scorching temperatures throughout the Friday sessions have left teams on Michelin tyres hoping for more of the same as all the Bridgestone runners except the two Ferraris were unable to get higher than 12th position.

But even though the Bridgestone tyres are not as competitive in the warm conditions, Ferrari's 'marriage' with the Japanese tyre company appears to be paying dividends.

And despite the warm weather, Coulthard believes that there is little point betting on anything other than a Ferrari one-two for this weekend's French Grand Prix.

"Bridgestone know their way around this circuit and put it together with a very strong Ferrari and Michael and Rubens driving well then I would be very surprised if it was anything other than a one-two," said Coulthard.

"I think that Bridgestone and Ferrari have got such a strong understanding of where they are so far this season, that I would be very surprised if they trip up on this circuit."