Formula 1: Coulthard clocks fastest practice time

McLaren’s David Coulthard has clocked the fastest time in practice before the qualifying session for tomorrow’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari duo of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello had finished first and second in the first three practice sessions at the Hungaroing circuit in Budapest today, but Coulthard stormed through the final session to record a lap time of 1:15.263.

Schumacher, who will claim this year’s Drivers Championship if he wins tomorrow’s race, had to settle for a time of 1:15.466.

Today’s practice result was just reward for Coulthard, who had to sit out the second session yesterday after smashing the undertray of his car on a raised kerb.

The Scot and the rest of the Formula One drivers later met the race director to complain about the kerb and it was eventually lowered by 2.5cm.

Coulthard has to win tomorrow’s grand prix to keep his hopes of challenging Schumacher for the title alive.

Schumacher is 37 points ahead of Coulthard in the standings, with just four races remaining.