Coulthard set for support role

But he refused to be drawn on McLaren's tactics as they bid to overturn Eddie Irvine's four point advantage.

'As we have seen this year all the cars that start the race do not finish it and reliability will be an issue,' he said after ending up third on the grid.

'We have had more than our fair share of misfortune and I hope the tables turn here in Suzuka.

'I am excited to see what will happen in the race. Qualifying did not totally go our way but it doesn't mean it will be that way in the race. Let's wait and see.

'The start will be critical but we can't decide out tactics until we see what happens at the first corner. There are loads of different scenarios, we have to be ready for every one of them.'

The Scot predicted it would be his turn next year and warned his critics not to write him off for 2000 because he had missed out this year.

He had a disastrous start to the season.

Although he came back into contention later in the year his hopes died when he crashed out in the rain while leading the European Grand Prix.

'That was my only mistake all year,' he said.

'I can't wait to start next season. I am only 28 and I am really disappointed the season has finished. I feel ready and raring to go.

'People write me off for their own ends but I am in my prime. I am best I have ever been.

'Some people have written me off for their own ends but I am only 28 and have done less races than Mika did before he won his first race.

'I definitely haven't got into a number two mentality. I believe next season I will be even faster. I am just coming into my prime.

'I have heard the criticisms that it is my last year at McLaren and I have missed three title chances but I am telling you don't write me off.'