Coulthard says Schumacher getting old

With the start of the season only a couple of weeks away, the off track race to rattle rivals' composure is already under way -- Jenson Button commented that Eddie Irvine was "losing it", now McLaren's David Coulthard has said rival Michael Schumacher is getting old and has his doubts on the track. Talking about the now infamous move that Juan Pablo Montoya made to pass Schumacher in Brazil last year, and his own consequent overtake of the German, the Scot claimed the Ferrari driver lifted because of the bad weather and made it easier for him to get past.

"I watched Montoya's move and I analyzed that he had a car with more straight.(line speed) The closing speed on Michael gave him the momentum to believe he could make the manoeuver. It was a committed overtaking move, which any of the good guys would have attempted.” Coulthard said.“ I passed Michael later in the race, because he lifted as he could not see where he was going and, therefore, he had his doubts. I didn't lift because I had analyzed my commitment and knew it was my chance. It was a significant example that Michael is getting old. He's still good but he lifted and I didn't."

Along with Michael's brother Ralf, Montoya has been the name frequently mentioned when it comes to who may take Schumacher senior's crown, but Coulthard is not convinced. Although he admitted the Colombian was more than capable of challenging for the championship, he thinks he himself is the one who represents more of a threat.

"The Montoya thing is funny as he is a cannonball made of soft sponge, like one of those kiddy footballs you have on the beach,” he commented.“ There is a great deal of hype and there is no question he has the capabilities to mount a challenge for the world championship, but one swallow doesn't make a summer.