DC wants car to take the fight to Schu

Coulthard was at the head of the field which was given a record thrashing by the four-time champion this year and finished third behind a victorious Schumacher in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, but the Scot insists he is good enough to beat the German if he gets equal equipment.

McLaren has struggled to match Ferrari this year and has also fallen foul to the pace of the resurgent Williams-BMW team. The Woking-based squad dominated in 1998 and '99 and Coulthard, who will be the senior driver in the team next year, believes that given that equipment again, he could now beat his Ferrari rival.

"I am not looking to Michael for acceptance," said Coulthard, after being complimented by the world champion. "But equally I am not blind to the fact Michael has been so consistent throughout his career. This is more about what I think about myself.

"I am not saying I am perfect and never tried to hide my weaknesses, but I can win Grands Prix, I can race and have improved qualifying with the car. Bring all those factors together it's a question of 'do you believe you can get the job done given the machinery?' and I do."

Coulthard finished a record-breaking 58 points behind Schumacher and after winning twice in the first six races, did not make it to the top step of the podium again. However, the 30-year-old still has his sights set firmly on the title.

"There is only one thing that means anything to me any more - that's the world championship," he said. "What would be nice would be to have the type of advantage we had in 1998 when we dominated. I am confident the team can give me the package"

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis has made it clear that second place behind Ferrari is not good enough, and he is intent on making Coulthard and the team win next year. He said: "As always we came to win and that is definitely our objective for the 2002 season."