DC and McLaren say title isn't a lost cause

Coulthard was running a distant fifth when his Mercedes engine expired, and with title rival Michael Schumacher finishing second to brother Ralf, the German has stretched his lead to 18 points, leaving the McLaren team firmly on the back foot.

However, despite his Canadian setback, Coulthard is certain that he is far from out of the running and accepted that triumphing had now become a challenge.

"These things happen now and again," sad Coulthard. "I have no doubt that I can still win the world championship and will continue to work towards it. If you don't like a challenge you shouldn't be in Formula 1."

Coulthard was unable to match the pace of the leaders in the Montreal race because of a loose suspension joint, but the 29-year-old remained optimistic about the fact that Schumacher had at least not scored the maximum 10 points.

"When I went to the grid," he said, "a nut from the suspension was in the cockpit, so the whole car was twisted. There was no way I could drive properly because the front left wheel was not attached to the car properly. The good thing from my point of view was that the younger Schumacher won, not his big brother. It limited the damage a little."

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis was quick to echo Coulthard's sentiments and reinforce the fact that the championship is far from over.

Although the constructors' championship is more of a lost cause - Ferrari has 82 points to McLaren's 42 - Dennis is adamant that both titles are still up for grabs.

"With nine races to go, both championships are still wide open," said Dennis, "and as always, we will be fighting to the end. It was a difficult race for David, who struggled from the beginning with partial suspension failure. In the circumstances he drove an outstanding race until his engine failed."

The team will be back at work testing this week at Silverstone before moving to the Nurburgring and engine-supplier Mercedes' home turf in a fortnight.

"All in all we are not happy with our performance," said Norbert Haug, motorsport chief for the Three-Pointed Star, "but now we have to concentrate on the next race at the Nurburgring."