Coulthard set to stay at McLaren

Mercedes boss Norbert Haug revealed there was a 'big chance' the Scot and world champion Mika Hakkinen would continue at the world champions for a fourth year in succession.

When questioned about Haug's comments he replied:

'I expect that to be the case. I am sure I am going to be at McLaren Mercedes next year.

'All we need is alittle bit of paper to make it official,' he said.

There has been no official word but the partnership is likely to confirmed at Mercedes home race in Hockenheim next Sunday or the days leading up to it next week.

'I trust Ron [Dennis] and I trust Norbert,' said Coulthard.

'All they are saying publicly is what they have been saying to me privately all along.'

The Scot has won just two races in 19 months and been on pole twice because of a string of misfortunes but is generally regarded as a valuable technical brain for car set-up and development - and valued as a good teamplayer by boss Ron Dennis.

'The perception of me inside the team is very different to the one outside it,' he added.

The signing means he will get a third crack at the world title having missed out to Hakkinen last year - and the odds looking stacked against him this year as well.