Monaco victory boosts Coulthard

Good for them - and for F1, also, to see someone other than Schumacher in the leading role.

Of course, the German's teammate, Rubens Barrichello, is not allowed to make a serious challenge, after being ordered to move aside in favour of Schumacher when in sight of victory in Austria two weeks ago, so it was a blessing to witness Coulthard giving the world champion a real, fair fight - and coming up trumps.

There was no question of the Scot moving over, and so we were treated to a final 50-odd miles of genuine nip-and-tuck racing with neither man giving an inch. It was proper sporting theatre and just what was required.

Coulthard earned his victory after a blistering start that took him past pole holder Juan Pablo Montoya, a superbly efficient mid-race pit- stop by his team, and that thrilling late defence with Schumacher crawling all over him.

He said: 'It was a tough race and I had to give 100 per cent all the time, being under pressure for most of the 78 laps. This circuit is so unforgiving and the slightest mistake will see you end up in the barriers.'

Coulthard never made any, while his car's performance was exemplary - apart from sending out some worrying smoke signals after 30 laps whenever he changed gear.

'I felt I lost some power, then saw the smoke so I radioed the team who told me there was nothing to worry about. Fortunately they were right.'

Not that he was able to ease off, with Schumacher breathing down his neck in a faster machine only to be frustrated at the lack of overtaking opportunities. He tried to pressurise Coulthard into a mistake but failed.

Schumacher, seeking his sixth Monaco victory to equal the record held by legendary Brazilian Ayrton Senna, said: 'I kept pushing hard because I know that in Monaco nothing is for certain. I was trying to force David into giving me an opportunity to pass, but he drove a fine race. David did a great job for his team.'

It was credit given where it was due. But Schumacher can afford to be magnanimous with a 33-point lead over his closest rivals - brother Ralf, who was third, and the luckless Montoya, who retired from second place with engine failure.

The world champion was a little sheepish after being greeted all weekend by occasional jeers and boos about the Austrian sham from people who, hitherto, had lavished him with praise - but he was not about to be distracted. 'Once you sit in the car it is not something you think about. The reaction has been unfortunate, but these things are part of life,' he said.

Just as crashes and incident form part of a Monaco race scenario. The battle at the front was rivetting but there were also dramatic crashes involving many of the backmarkers, including Renault's young Englishman Jenson Button, who tangled with Olivier Panis (BAR) after making a hash of the start.

Button's team-mate Jarno Trulli, who is under investigation for a computer software irregularity, finished fourth with Giancarlo Fisichella ( Jordan) and Heinz- Harald Frentzen (Arrows) also in the points.

It was, however, Coulthard's day - to be followed by a night of celebration at his home behind Prince Rainier's palace.

F1 2002 - news & tables