Formula 1: Coulthard out to make point

David Coulthard aims to maintain his perfect points-winning start to the season as he seeks to regain the lead in the Formula One World Championship in Austria on Sunday.

The 30-year-old has come away from all five races so far with something to show for his efforts and had been on the podium in every grand prix until last week.

Coulthard had to settle for fifth place in Spain despite a brilliant charge from the back of the field following an electronic glitch at the start.

The setback cost him the joint share of the championship lead as Ferrari's Michael Schumacher claimed a fortunate win to move eight points ahead.

But Coulthard is determined to maintain his best-ever start to a season for McLaren at the A1-Ring at Zeltweg this weekend.

"I have finished in the top six in every race so far this season," said the Scot.

"I believe I am the only driver to have done so and I intend to continue this consistency at the A1-Ring.

"We proved in Barcelona that the car is quick in race conditions as I was able to pass people on a track that is not famed for its overtaking opportunities."

Coulthard will be looking for a show of faith from his McLaren team after a post-race row with boss Ron Dennis in Barcelona.

Dennis initially accused his driver of 'brain fade' after he stalled on the grid, but had to backtrack as it was quickly revealed the new launch control system was at fault.

The team chief's hasty criticisms - unlike his reaction when team-mate Mika Hakkinen stalled in Brazil - only lent weight to the belief that the Finn is the favoured son.

But Hakkinen is not McLaren's best hope of the title - for the moment at any rate - as a clutch problem just half a lap from the finish cost him victory and left him 32 points adrift.

Hakkinen has a good record on the A1-Ring but badly needs to add to his victories of 1998 and last year if he is to stay in the championship picture.

"Over the past three years I've had a good record at the A1-Ring with three podium finishes, two as race winner," said the twice world champion.

"Although I had an unsatisfactory end to the Spanish Grand Prix, I have not lost my belief that I can win the drivers' world championship."