Coulthard says time is still on his side

Speaking on the eve of the Australian Grand Prix, the McLaren-Mercedes ace explained that he is more successful than team mate Mika Hakkinen was at the same age - 29 years old.

And while Hakkinen and world champion Michael Schumacher are in their thirties and noticeably throttling back on their testing commitments as family obligations beckon, Coulthard says he is hitting top gear.

The Scot says he is determined to shake off the tag as the best British driver since Stirling Moss never to win a world title.

"I believe I still have time on my side," he said. "It is possible to win this thing and that is what I am working towards. I've been on the road for 18 years, competing at the highest level, wanting to win.

"I've won nine Grands Prix and in all of those I've had someone good
alongside me on the podium. I have never benefited from one of those rain-type races with a couple of first-time podium winners up there too.

"I feel very happy with what I have achieved," he added, "but I'm still frustrated I have not been able to take wins consistently. My qualifying performances can improve, for sure. They has improved an awful lot but still could be better. It's a gradual process."

If there was any finger pointing, Coulthard said, it would be down to his youth. 'DC' made his GP debut in the 1994 Spanish Grand Prix, three years later than Schumacher and Hakkinen.

"The advantage my main competitors have is experience," he said. "Mika has been in F1 since 1991. Michael too. You can't buy that. Speed is not an issue. It is about gaining a position in the team that gets you the vital support which can push you on to the next level. You could argue my main rivals have that because of what they have achieved.

"I want more victories and to try to take the championship challenge to the wire."