Coulthard stays focused in Canada
McLaren driver David Coulthard has shrugged off the controversy surrounding technical director Adrian Newey, and says he is set on leaving Canada this weekend with another race win under his belt
Coulthard is refusing to get involved in the increasingly bitter battle between McLaren and rivals Jaguar Racing for Newey's services as the Scot attempts to cut his 12 point deficit to Ferrari's Michael Schumacher.
"On Adrian there is nothing I can do on that subject which is going to influence me winning the race this weekend," said Coulthard. "I just want to concentrate on myself, my car and trying to win. Michael says I should think about it, but I will think about it on Sunday because there is more than enough opinion on the Newey thing without me adding any more. So I will just focus on the race.
"I am just channelling my energy towards things I can influence rather than what decisions are made by other people. It is not a decision I make so I don't worry too much about it."
Coulthard is looking to score his first win on Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as he has only finished in the points twice in Canada with a best result of fourth in 1996 and fifth on his track debut with Williams in 1994. He has yet to make it on to the podium.
"I do enjoy the challenge of the track though I have had no success here despite leading many times," added Coulthard, who has finished in the points in all seven races so far this year. "This is just another step in the championship - it is the same amount of points. But I want to be going home with 10."
Meanwhile Coulthard has also refused to write off the title chances of team mate Mika Hakkinen, despite the fact that he has notched up only four points so far this season and is 48 behind Schumacher.
"Mika can still win the championship," said Coulthard as he argued that the threat from Hakkinen was not reduced just because the Finn was relaxed and not involved in the tension of a championship battle.
"In Formula 1, racing and relaxing are not two things that go together," said Coulthard. "If you want to relax you go away on holiday. This is hard work we are all pushing in testing and during a race weekend. Mika could still win the championship. I cannot imagine him saying 'I feel so relaxed.' He is the same now as he always has been."
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