Coulthard title hopes dashed in Canada

The Scot failed to score in Canada, and is now 22 points behind team mate Mika Hakkinen.

Coulthard is now likely to be asked to support Hakkinen, who is currently second behind Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher, as he did in 1998, when the title chase was in a similar position.

He said, 'It's going to be incredibly difficult now for me to win the championship.'

'It is another race gone where I haven't scored any points. I have to keep trying, but Mika's having all the luck at the moment.'

Coulthard had a disastrous race in Montreal. He was running third, behind Hakkinen and Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine, when he made his pit stop for tyres and fuel on lap 38.

He overtook the safety car on the way into the pits, and then ran a red light on the way out. He was handed a 10-second stop-go penalty.

Coulthard also ran into trouble after colliding with Irvine at the re-start.

Coulthard later accused Irvine of defending his line too aggressively, but both men agreed it was a racing incident.

McLaren boss, Ron Dennis, has also denied Coulthard's seat is in jeopardy.

His remarks follow suggestions from Irvine that the Scot is now in an 'extremely weak position'.

'We are completely committed to our drivers,' he said. 'At this moment in time I can see no reason whatsoever why they won't be our drivers next year.'

'David's position in this team has never been more secure. He has raised his game season on season.'