Coulthard tries to justify his worth

David Coulthard believes he would be challenging Lewis Hamilton at the top of the Formula One championship if he had a better car at his disposal. The 36-year-old Scot has picked up four points for Red Bull Racing this season but says he is driving as well as ever.

"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.