Coulthard - what might have been

that cost him the chance to battle for victory.
The Scot, who won here two years ago, was bogged down behind Rubens
Barrichello as Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen battled it out for
victory at the head of the field.

The Scot had qualified third but the Brazilian got the jump on him away from
the lights.

"I fluffed the start," admitted Coulthard. "I was surprised by the first red
light and was a bit slow getting into my sequence.

"I am mystified as to why Rubens was so slow. He cost me a second lap and
shouldn't have been that slow.

"Once I got past him I was on the pace of Mika and Michael and I could have
raced with them today.

"It was impossible to get into that aerodynamic window to get past and he was
too experienced to let me by.

"My second stop was fast. I followed Rubens down the pit, the stop was great,
first gear was there and I just got out in front of Rubens and after that it
was just a case of pushing in case anyone had problems."

As Barrichello passed the pits and Coulthard careered out in front of him it
is difficult to image two cars coming any closer without touching.

"It's a relief to get some points," said the Scot. "But I still think I
should have had those from Brazil even though the records don't show that.."