Haug Plays Down McLaren Chances in Canada

Mercedes-Benz vice-president Norbert Haug has warned the Formula One public not to expect a repeat performance of David Coulthard's Monaco Grand Prix victory this weekend when the circus hits Canada.

Scot Coulthard scored his first win in more than a year when he took his Mercedes-powered McLaren to victory in Monte Carlo two weeks ago to break World Champion Michael Schumacher's stranglehold on the Championship.

But Haug has played down Coulthard and teammate Kimi Raikkonen's hopes of winning at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, a track that is not expected to suit the Michelin-shod MP4-17 chassis.

"David's victory at Monaco was of course a big motivation for the team, but that doesn't mean that we should expect a repeat performance in the forthcoming Canadian Grand Prix," Haug said. "The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will provide our team with a completely different challenge."

McLaren's managing director Martin Whitmarsh added that there is still a long season of hard work ahead of the Woking-based team as they look to reduce the gap to Ferrari.

Whitmarsh said: "The result of the Monaco Grand Prix was pleasing and motivational for the entire team. We are, however, fully aware that the 2002 season will continue to be a tough challenge but the team remains focused on maintaining a positive progression."