Coulthard: I'm still motivated

David Coulthard insists his motivation is as strong as ever despite his disappointing start to the Formula One season.

The 31-year-old had hoped to mount a serious title challenge this year after finishing runner-up last season but goes into the Spanish Grand Prix trailing Michael Schumacher by a massive 29 points.

"This year has not started in a way any of us would have expected," said the McLaren-Mercedes driver, whose best result in the opening four races is third in Brazil.

"It's clearly been a disappointing start. We have not been competitive for a number of reasons and we are working through that in a logical way.

"But McLaren have struggled in the past then managed to get back to dominance. It is too early to say what we are going to get out of this season, there is still a long way to go.

"But my motivation is still the same. The goal is to try and get 100% at every race from myself and the car.

"I want to be quickest at every race, I want to win every one but if the reality is different you have to try and get the best out of the situation.

"I am not in F1 for an easy ride. I am here to compete against the best drivers in the world and to beat them. If I was scared of competition I would have taken a different career."