Coulthard more focused after chat with Mansell

(24-Jul-98) - David Coulthard believes that the secret to his form at
Austria on Friday -- when he topped the timesheets during opening practice
-- was thanks to a positive frame of mind.

And the McLaren driver, who needs a good result at the A1-Ring to keep his
title dreams alive, revealed that his change of attitude was prompted by a
chat with Nigel Mansell after the British Grand Prix.

"I got very frustrated at Silverstone because I desperately wanted to
win," he said. "I allowed emotion to rule my head and that was a
mistake. I won't let that happen again."

"I had a chat with Nigel, who probably had more bad luck as a British
driver than anyone else when it came to losing championships, and it was
really nice. He said keep your head focus on what you're doing and it wil
come back -- if not this year then next year. Good old Nige."

"It is a bit of a boost. At the end of the day he was a guy I looked
up to when I was very much younger. I wouldn't say that I idolised any
driver but he was someone who was figuring a lot when I was a young lad. I
admired his determination and focus and to get someone who has been through
it all and more, and has a different perspective on the whole thing,
helps."

He added, "I feel I have taken a step back. I am feeling a bit more
relaxed, which is nice. If I am going to get back up there in the
championship it is going to have to be with Mika not finishing and me
winning two or three races. The chances of that happening are almost
impossible so rather than getting drawn into looking at the championship,
which I have always tried not to do anyway, I will just take each race as
it comes."

"I had a good long hard think after Silverstone, because it was a
frustrating weekend, and I ultimately came to the conclusion that I love
being paid to drive racing cars quickly. I've got an opportunity to do
that, and the only way to do that is keep a clear mind and focus on driving
the car rather than other factors -- that is what I am going to do."

--- Msged/386 4.20 beta 4