Coulthard ready for sad goodbye

Coulthard still hopes to secure a competitive drive in 2005

David Coulthard is facing a weekend of contrasting feelings as he gears up for his final Grand Prix for McLaren - and possibly of his career.

The race will be the Scot's 150th in a McLaren - the longest any driver has spent with a team in history.

But Coulthard has yet to secure a drive for 2005, when McLaren will replace him with Juan Pablo Montoya.

Coulthard said: "Brazil will be a race of mixed emotions, as it has been a great nine seasons with the team."

Coulthard wants to stay in F1

Coulthard faces a weekend of saying goodbye to friends he has made at McLaren, added to feelings of regret that his time with the team is over.

The 33-year-old, who has won 12 races for McLaren since joining them in 1996, says he still has something to offer in F1.

It has been reported that he had signed a contract to race for Jaguar just days before their owner Ford decided to pull the plug on the team.

"I believe I have the pace, desire and ability to be competitive, and as I have stated I am not ready to retire," he said.

"I am continuing to try and get a drive next year, but if I don't then I'll try the following year."