Coulthard eyes top three repeat at Monaco

David Coulthard has set his sights on another top three finish at the Monaco Grand Prix – but you will not see Superman flying over the streets of Monte Carlo on Sunday.

Around the Principality a year ago, Coulthard produced a memorable drive to give Red Bull Racing what remains their only Formula One podium by claiming third.

For the champagne ceremony that followed, and as Coulthard stood alongside race winner Fernando Alonso and runner-up Juan Pablo Montoya, the veteran Scot wore a Superman cape.

In truth, it was part of Red Bull’s promotion of the movie that had just been released at the time, ’Superman Returns’.

But it also could not have been more apt for Coulthard’s display that day was of heroic proportions.

Fifth place at the last grand prix in Spain for his first points this season in a car that has improved vastly over the last few weeks suggests Coulthard may again threaten the frontrunners.

But as for the Superman cape? “Do you know, I left it behind,” joked Coulthard.

“When I was cycling around the track this morning, I thought ’damn I’ve forgotten my cape’.

“But third place again? Yeah, it’s possible, even though it’s another circuit where you expect a Ferrari or a McLaren to be on pole.

“So if I managed to claim third place then of course I would be delighted.

“That would mean I’ve beaten a BMW to do that because currently there are three teams head and shoulders above the rest.”

After his performances in the last two grands prix in Bahrain and Barcelona, at least Coulthard has a greater sense of belief in the car.

That, though, means the expectations have risen, but he knows they count for nothing, adding: “I remember coming here a few years ago and I was leading the world championship (with McLaren).

“There was a sense of expectation then, for me to put the car on pole, yet I started last because the electronics failed while I was on the grid.

“At least now with this car our rate of development is there for everyone to see.

“We might not have a great race this weekend, but we are showing a logical development, and we’ve out-raced the champions of the last two years (Renault) for the last two races.

“Whoever would have believed that at the beginning of the season? But that is what we have done with the same engine.”