Coulthard optimistic

(10-Jul-98) - David Coulthard said he was optimistic about his chances of
victory in this weekend's British Grand Prix after setting the quickest
time in Friday's unofficial practice sessions at Silverstone.

The Scot, who outpaced team-mate Mika Hakkinen, believed the form that
lifted him to the front of the timesheets can be repeated on Saturday and
Sunday.

"I hope the confidence of being quickest today is going to help,"
he said. "It doesn't guarantee anything but it is a great boost
heading into qualifying."

But Coulthard also warned that Ferrari could still be a threat despite
Michael Schumacher ending the session down in seventh.

"Ferrari have definitely closed the gap but you have to remember that
Michael Schumacher was on pole at Magny Cours last year against a Williams
that had been two seconds quicker than him in Australia.

"It's similar to what we had last year, but Michael was leading the
championship by 17 points this time last season and Jacques won. People
have short memories, the championship is following its normal form and
ultimately it will settle down and we will triumph in the end."

--- Msged/386 4.20 beta 4