AUGUST 13, 2001
Coulthard relaxes behind the old Iron Curtain
DAVID COULTHARD prepared himself for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1's annual sojourn in the old Eastern Bloc, with a relaxing trip to Slovakia.
DC went for a 'regeneration program' at the renowned Piestany Spa, where the great and the good have historically enjoyed the healing properties of water from the River Vah since the days of the Roman Empire.
The Scot, who has stretched every sinew in his pursuit of Michael Schumacher in this year's world championship, was treated to a restorative dip in the thermal waters and a smattering of the local sulfuric mud, after which he was pronounced "top fit" as he seeks to achieve Formula 1's equivalent of climbing the north face of the Eiger by catching and passing Michael Schumacher's 38-point championship lead in the five races left to him.