Coulthard Targets Williams Seat

David Coulthard put himself up as a candidate for the vacant Williams drive on Thursday and claimed he has all the credentials to be the perfect replacement for Jenson Button.

Williams had hoped to sign Button up to race alongside Australian Mark Webber in 2005 but have now pencilled him in for 2006 after losing out to BAR-Honda in their battle for his services.

Scot Coulthard will be forced out of McLaren after this Sunday's Grand Prix in Interlagos by incoming Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya but he is determined to stay in the sport after 11 seasons of front-line racing.

"As we speak I don't have a contract to drive in Formula One next season, but there is a drive available at Williams and I think if there is a candidate available, my credentials are stronger than anyone's out there," said Coulthard.

"I've got pole positions, I've won Grands Prix, and I've got a lot of experience of developing cars, tyre development. I've got to do everything I can to try and make them realise that I am the best of the drivers available."

Coulthard, who made his debut for Williams in 1994 and raced in 25 races before moving on to McLaren in 1996, claims he could bring a host of sponsors to the BMW-powered team.

"It's been quite surprising the amount of interest from sponsors because over the last few years I've never had an outlet for that because at McLaren you don't carry your own personal sponsors and badges," he added.

"I've been contacted by people wanting to know what my future is and if they can be involved. In terms of that sort of thing it is a pretty exciting time - it just takes a number of other people to believe and give you an opportunity."

Coulthard insists he is as talented and determined today as he was when he made his debut ten years ago but he says this weekend's race - his 150th for McLaren - could still be his final swan song in Formula One.

He was in line to drive for Jaguar before Ford put the team up for sale and a possible seat with BAR was snatched away on Wednesday when Jenson Button was told he must stay at the team rather than move to Williams.

But Coulthard, who also has a hotel business, has appealed for someone to give him a chance to show he still has the ability to battle the best in Formula One because he simply cannot conceive of life out of the sport.

"You decide you are getting older because you've been doing this for a few years, but it is an exciting time," Coulthard said. "With uncertainly, if you have motivation to want to continue and then you get up and work and see what you can see. Obviously in this situation is not just down to your desire but we shall see what happens."