Dennis backs DC for 2002 title

The Scot enjoyed his best season in Formula 1 to date this year, finishing second to Schumacher in the title stakes. But Ferrari's dominance ruined his chances of challenging harder for the championship.

"David has beaten Michael in the past so he can do it again," said Dennis. "We've just to provide him with the best equipment, and we could make it a bit easier for him by giving him even better equipment.

"He is more than capable of doing it. It's not easy to be the best at anything in this world and it's certainly not easy to be the best in F1. But if you have the resolve then you have to look at what has to be changed and improve on those areas and be careful that you don't harm the things that work well. We will try harder."

Coulthard will not have number one status in the team next year, despite being joined by rookie Kimi Raikkonen. But with the help of McLaren's technical team and engine partner Mercedes, he is confident that he can take the fight to Schumacher and Ferrari.

"I see no reason why, with the same group of people who were able to design a car in 1998 that was dominant, it's not possible to come back there again," said Coulthard. "I just hope it's next year."

See AUTOSPORT magazine, on sale this Thursday, for more details.