Coulthard happy at McLaren

A British sportsman winning a British event is always great for the public and everyone David Coulthard F1 championship standings Driver profile: David Coulthard

David Coulthard has rubbished Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone's claim that he should leave McLaren to revive his career.

Ecclestone has advised the 32-year-old to move on at the end of this season after eight seasons with the Mercedes-powered outfit.

But Coulthard, who is expected to be confirmed as a McLaren driver for 2004 in the next few weeks, is happy to stay put.

McLaren to keep Coulthard

"I think McLaren is the best opportunity for me to win grands prix," said Coulthard.

Coulthard goes into Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone knowing that not even a third victory in his home race - he triumphed in 1999 and 2000 - will make a significant impact on the drivers' standings.

The Twynholm-born racer is only seventh in the championship, a massive 35 points behind Ferrari's Michael Schumacher with just 60 points left to play for.

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"I believe a podium is possible this weekend and if the car's working a win is possible," added Coulthard, who has not finished in the top three since winning the opening race in Australia last March.

"I have won this race twice and it would be fantastic to win it again. A British sportsman winning a British event is always great for the public and everyone."

Coulthard has been overshadowed this season by his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

But the Scot believes his greater experience should help him turn the tables on the Finn.

"I'd be very satisfied to beat him here at Silverstone," he said.

"If I beat Kimi I know I've got a good chance of being on the podium and wining races.

"The car's worked well for him and luck has been on his side at the right times - except at Nurburgring which he quite clearly deserved to win.

Coulthard also said that his problems have been down to inconsistency rather than being off the pace.

"I'm not happy with my performance in all the sessions though I'm very happy with my performance in a number of sessions," he said.

"Rather than being slow and never achieving the pace I've been quick and just not got it right.

"There's a fundamental difference to just being off the pace but at critical moments I've made a mistake."