Coulthard happy with second

Coulthard finds himself behind Giancarlo Fisichella at the start

David Coulthard expressed himself satisfied with his second place at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

World champion Michael Schumacher underlined his dominance by cruising in his Ferrari to a record 52nd career victory.

Coulthard had to recover from ninth on the starting grid, his worst qualifiying place in three years.

And the Scot finished a massive 10 seconds adrift of the German after having been held up by his battle to pass the Benetton of Giancarlo Fisichella.

I hope that Luciano is okay and can return for the next race so we can view this weekend as worthwhile

David Coulthard

But Coulthard's second place consolidated that position in the world championship table and that would be his best-ever finish for the McLaren driver at the end of a season.

"Given the weekend that I have had, I'm very happy to get second place," said Coulthard, who suffered a high-speed crash during practice.

"Giancarlo was doing an amazing race.

"His car was working better than it has been all season and he was quick in the right areas.

David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher

"It made it very difficult to get past."

Another problem was the oil spewing out the back of Fisichella's car.

Coulthard revealed that he ran out of tear-off strips on his visor as he attempted to keep a clear view of the road ahead.

The Belgian race had to be re-started after Luciano Burti's car crashed into the barriers and the Italian was taken to hospital.

"I hope that Luciano is okay and can return for the next race so we can view this weekend as worthwhile," added Coulthard.