Coulthard tries to justify his worth
"It will end at some point, but in the meantime I'm driving every bit as well as Lewis Hamilton – I just don't have the car to show it," said Coulthard.
"I know I can do something remarkable, although it may not be obvious."
Coulthard has raced in 218 Grands Prix in a 14-year career and describes his victory in a McLaren in France in 2000 as a remarkable moment.
That was the last time McLaren won at Magny-Cours, although with Hamilton and Fernando Alonso flying high in the championship that record looks in danger of being eclipsed at the weekend.
"Winning then was remarkable because it was a challenge, it was difficult," reflected Coulthard. I still get those remarkable results, it's just that they are not in the public eye.
"But I am getting more out of the equipment than it should deliver on certain occasions, like finishing third last year in Monaco.
"And beating your team-mate is part of it. Mark Webber is hailed as one of the quickest guys in qualifying, but up against him I do a very good job.
"I do this job because I love it – it's not about money – and I do a good job. I give value for money.
"Obviously, I want to compete and race because Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport and I believe I can make a difference."
Coulthard's contract with Red Bull expires at the end of the season, although he has made it clear he is keen to stay on.