Coulthard expects competitive car in 2004

David Coulthard expects to be given a “very competitive” car by McLaren next season as he fights for his Formula One future.

McLaren have already announced the signing of Juan Pablo Montoya for 2005 and although they have not confirmed whether Coulthard or team-mate Kimi Raikkonen will make way, the Scot is considered certain to lose his drive.

Next year Coulthard, who has won 13 grands prix, will be out to impress potential new employers as he seeks just his third Formula One home having started out at Williams in 1994.

The Twynholm-born driver is confident the new McLaren, which he has spent the last week testing in Spain, will give him the best opportunity to prove a point.

He said: “Each year the new season presents a great challenge. A lot comes down to the performance of the car and we are keen to know how quickly we can develop the MP4-19.

“If MP4-19 runs as well as we think it should, it will be very competitive.”