Formula One: Coulthard won't throw in the towel

David Coulthard insists he can still fight for the World Championship despite seeing his title hopes knocked in Canada.

The 30-year-old Scot saw his proud record of finishing in the points in every race this season end at the eighth hurdle in Montreal yesterday when his McLaren-Mercedes engine blew-up.

Coulthard’s championship chances were saved from further damage by Ralf Schumacher’s stunning second career win.

The Williams-BMW driver beat brother Michael for the first time in a fair fight, ensuring the reigning champion’s lead over Coulthard was only extended to 18 rather than 22 points.

‘‘Those four points could still prove crucial and Ralf did me a favour,’’ said Coulthard. ‘‘It’s disappointing not to finish, but you have to expect days like that at some stage during the season.

‘‘I still believe I can win grands prix and challenge Michael. I can still win the World Championship and will continue to work towards it - if you don’t like a challenge you shouldn’t be in Formula One.

‘‘Michael has got a big lead but 18 points could be wiped out in two races and that’s what I will be working towards.’’

But Coulthard’s challenge is not being helped by McLaren as, after launch control problems left him starting from the back of the grid twice in three races, his hopes yesterday were hit by the errant nut.

‘‘I was going around on the parade lap and put my hand down between my legs and pulled out the nut from the front suspension,’’ added Coulthard, who needs to rediscover his winning ways at the European Grand Prix in Germany on Sunday week.

‘‘I talked with the team and they gave me the option to stop, but I thought I would carry on and just try and pick up some points.

‘‘I think I was capable of doing that but then the engine went anyway.’’

Coulthard’s engine expired in a plume of smoke just 14 laps from the finish of the 69-lap battle, though the water pump failure which caused it might have been related to the suspension problem.

The Monaco-based racer, who started third, was never in contention as the Schumachers turned the race on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve into a brotherly battle.

Championship pacesetter Michael led for 46 laps despite the ever-close attentions of his 26-year-old sibling, who capitalised after seeing the Ferrari finally go into the pits for fuel and rubber.

Swiss-based Ralf immediately set a lap record to give him a big enough advantage before his own stop and eventually went on to win by over 20 seconds and prove that his maiden victory in Imola was no fluke.

‘‘I was waiting for Michael to make a mistake but he didn’t, so I just waited for the pit-stops because I knew we were going longer,’’ said the delighted winner. ‘‘I had the upperhand because my car was brilliant.’’

Schumacher senior said: ‘‘I am sure our mother and father will be very proud - the first time a pair of brothers had been first and second on the podium.

‘‘If I am to lose I would rather lose to Ralf and I am happy because I got an important six points today.’’

Mika Hakkinen scored his first podium of the season with third place in the other McLaren while Finnish countryman Kimi Raikkonen was fourth to take his Sauber team ahead of Jordan into fourth place in the Constructors standings.

French veteran Jean Alesi celebrated his 37th birthday a day early with fifth spot while Spain’s Pedro de la Rosa claimed his first points for Jaguar Racing with sixth.

But there was disappointment for Jaguar team-mate Eddie Irvine who crashed out on the second lap, while Benetton’s Jenson Button retired early on with an oil problem.