Monday October 28th, 2002

Scot David Coulthard has said that Formula One chiefs should learn from football's example and not alter the sport at today's meeting at Heathrow.

McLaren driver Coulthard urged bosses to allow rivals to catch Ferrari on merit and insisted that football's authorities had no intention of handicapping Manchester United during their successful period.

"Formula One is not WWF, it is the pinnacle of motorsport," Coulthard told the People newspaper. "Why should we make it easier for people? I'm not a fan of handicapping successful people, because we are all aiming for that success.

"It would have been like telling Manchester United when they were dominating that they could only play with nine men the next year. United were beaten and Ferrari will eventually be beaten as well.

"It's all about a group of people raising money to get the best design to get the best car to challenge."

Coulthard also claimed that he still has the talent to lift an elusive world title and admitted he is ready for another battle with World Champion Michael Schumacher next year.

"I know I have the talent to win the Championship," he added. "It's all about everything coming together at the same time. If it doesn't happen I'm still going to enjoy the challenge. I believe that I'm a very good racing driver and I want to be out there battling."

Published at 12:54:49 GMT