AUGUST 1, 2001

Coulthard's optimism intact...

DAVID COULTHARD is refusing to wave a white flag in this year's drivers' world championship, even though a win at the Hungaroring in two weeks will seal the title for Michael Schumacher, and only a string of race wins for Coulthard and non-finishes for Schumacher will alter the course of the championship.

DAVID COULTHARD is refusing to wave a white flag in this year's drivers' world championship, even though a win at the Hungaroring in two weeks will seal the title for Michael Schumacher, and only a string of race wins for Coulthard and non-finishes for Schumacher will alter the course of the championship.

"Nothing has changed from the last race except there are less points available to recover the situation," said the Scot. "We all know it's a very high wall we are trying to pull ourselves up, but we only have a short rope. We certainly need a leg up. But I'm not going to say it's over until it's over. Why should I? Why should I accept anything to be other than what the situation is, which is a difficult one."