McLaren Pair Encouraged by Car's Pace

David Coulthard was encouraged after finishing in sixth position at today's French Grand Prix with McLaren's new car, introduced this weekend.

The Scot finished over half a minute behind race winner Michael Schumacher, but the result was still better than what the Mercedes-powered team had achieved in recent races.

"I struggled a little bit in the middle of each of my stints," said Coulthard, who had hoped for better in the new MP4-19B car. "We are not out there just to keep up. We are out there to try and win so I think if you lose sight of the target then you are in the wrong business.

"However an encouraging and reliable race debut for the 19B and I'm looking forward to my home Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend and the rest of the season."

McLaren had both drivers in the points, with Kimi Raikkonen finishing in seventh position.

"It's always difficult starting from ninth, and I think if I had not messed up in qualifying yesterday we would have done much better," said Finn Raikkonen. "I made a good start and gained two places but it was not enough.

"The speed of the 19B is good, and I'm confident for the rest of the season particularly as we have further developments coming."