Coulthard not optimistic for Austrian win

David Coulthard's last victory was the Austrian Grand Prix last year but the McLaren driver is not optimistic of a repeat performance this Sunday. Struggling this year with a car that has been unreliable and off the pace of Ferrari and Williams, Coulthard said he'd be happy to get a podium finish.

"Its pretty unlikely I can win here this year," he said. "Last year we were in a situation where we had already won a grand prix before we got here. Even though we had gone with the wrong strategy way in qualifying, with what happened in the race I could come through from seventh on the grid to win."

"The goal remains the same which is to win, but so far this year we have not looked like winning a grand prix. But if I can get a podium like I did in Barcelona last time that would be a great result. I would be happy with a podium, very happy."

Coulthard has a good track history at the A1-Ring, not finishing less than second in five races there but he's not counting on that continuing -- he always went well at Imola too but that was not a good race for him this year. The Scot knows catching Ferrari will be a hard task and first McLaren have to tackle Williams.

"I have got a great record here," Coulthard commented. "The car has always gone well here but then I have always had competitive cars before. But then I have always gone well at Imola then had my worst race of the year there this year so it's more to do with if you have a good package because you get confidence and you exploit that machinery."

"At the moment we are not as competitive as some of the other teams and that has a knock-on effect on how you can drive the car and how you can attack. We are where we are and we just have to get on with it. Ferrari are the benchmark but before we get there we have got to be beating Williams who are making better use of the Michelin tyres. It will take a big step before we can get nearer to the Ferraris. A tenth here or there won't dent the advantage they have."

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