Coulthard Seeks Advice on Driver Conduct

David Coulthard wants to clarify the drivers' code of conduct ahead of Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix following his clash with Michael Schumacher in France two weeks ago.

The McLaren driver, who accused the world championship leader of unsporting behaviour at Magny Cours after the German cut him up at the start and forced him to brake hard in mid-race, wants to know how a driver can legitimately defend his position on the track.

"I had made a good start in France but then I had to lift because of an obstruction on the track," said Coulthard on Thursday in a reference to his rival's Ferrari.

"In the drivers' briefing I want us to talk about safety. It's business as normal here, but the matter does need clarifying and that is what I will be trying to do."

The Briton said after the French Grand Prix that he wanted to talk about the matter privately with Schumacher, but he has now decided against it. When he saw Schumacher in the paddock in Austria they merely shook hands and exchanged greetings.

The Austrian race will be Coulthard's 100th grand prix and his comments confirm the new found aggression that has helped him close to 12 points of Schumacher in the title chase.

Favourite

In spite of talk that the Scot has become favourite to lead the championship challenge on Schumacher, Coulthard has not ruled out team mate Mika Hakkinen just yet.

"I don't think it is a simple case of the championship fight being between Michael and I," he said.

"Mika is strong and fast and still able to go for the championship, while Rubens Barrichello is not so far behind. The winner is decided at the end of the season and not halfway through.

"McLaren will work hard as a team. If we win then we are happy and if we don't then we will work out why."

Coulthard was asked which driver he considered his biggest threat in the championship fight.

"I don't fear anyone," he responded. "I relish the challenge of racing every other grand prix driver, but the biggest challenge does come from my team mate, because he has the same equipment.

"Michael Schumacher is the championship leader and therefore the person I'm trying to close in on. I've just got to get the best of myself."

Coulthard knows that Hakkinen will do him no favours and team orders show no favouritism.

"There is always talk about number one and number two drivers, but at McLaren whoever has the best year is the number one driver," added Coulthard. "There is still a long way to go in the championship and if I want to be number one then I will have to be quick again."