Coulthard retirement fears grow

Although the McLaren ace has been linked with a drive at whatever becomes of Jaguar and Williams, in the event that the team is not successful in getting hold of Jenson Button, he currently has no contract on the table and time is fast running out.

Speaking to Scottish newspaper The Daily Record at the weekend, Coulthard admitted: "Nothing's forever - especially in this sport. Deep down I am not yet ready to quit but I will have to accept it if that is to be my fate.

"I am not yet an F1 pensioner and I don't intend to retire. Should I not sign a contract with another team? If it's necessary I guess I may have to."

The growing reality is that Coulthard's best hopes of a competitive drive next season may rest with a huge shake-up of the grid next season that allows teams to run third cars - handing the Briton an F1 lifeline.

If any of F1's current teams do not compete next year, then the rules that govern the sport dictate that those left must guarantee there are 20 cars on the grid. This can be achieved with some of them running third cars - and it has been suggested that McLaren would take Coulthard in the event of that happening.

Coulthard himself has admitted to the possibility. He explained: "We have spent eight great years together and it would be a pity to break up."