Reluctant Coulthard Would Help Mika.

David Coulthard has admitted that he will support the championship cause of McLaren team-mate Mika Hakkinen - even though he believes he can still win the title himself.


The Scot has said that, if the team asks him, he will play a back-up role to Hakkinen, who is currently tied for the championship lead with Ferrari's Eddie Irvine. Coulthard is just twelve points off the front with three races remaining, however, and clearly feels that he still has a chance of lifting the crown.


"It is wide open because of the reliability problems and mistakes Mika has suffered," he said, "and [team orders] are not something I would necessarily be happy with, because I still feel I have a chance of winning the title.


"But I have never gone against the team's wishes, and I would certainly not be happy if another team's driver won the title, or a rival team the constructors' championship."


As things stand - with ten days to go before the next race at the Nurburgring - Coulthard remains free to pursue his own championship goal, although McLaren boss Ron Dennis has admitted that team orders are under consideration, and may be implemented before the circus reaches Germany. Coulthard, however, believes he is still free to race.


"As yet, however, I have had no discussions with anyone from the team about helping Mika to retain the title."