Age hasn't slowed me down, says Coulthard

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Coulthard's speed and judgement were being questioned after he left a trail of Red Bull wreckage around the tracks hosting the first six races of the season.

But he believes third place in Canada a fortnight ago, his 62nd podium from 235 Grand Prix starts, has restored his reputation for being a real racer even at the comparatively advanced age of 37.

The six points Coulthard bagged in Montreal were his first of 2008, and now he believes he can score again in Sunday's French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours.

The Scot said today: "I'm long enough in the sport to know you're only as good as your last race. But if the previous six results didn't look so good, I knew it was because of circumstance rather than a lack of pace or desire.

"I won't deny that third place was a timely result after my nightmare start to the season but I wouldn't say I felt I had a point to prove. The bottom line is that I race for myself and the team, not for anyone else.

"Of course, with the benefit of hindsight, I would change some of the decisions I made earlier in the season. But those were less a case of making rash or ill-judged moves and more about understanding the risks that some other drivers would take in order to pass me.

"With a spate of incidents and no points on the board, the spotlight gets shined on you. But I'm satisfied I'm performing at a high level and delighted to finally have a tangible result to show for it."

Coulthard, understood to be in talks over a new contract with Red Bull, is buoyed by the test that will be posed by Magny-Cours. He said: "It's a very challenging track but I like it and I'm confident we can bring in another strong performance."

Another driver aiming to defy the assumption that F1 is a young man's sport is Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion who wants to make a Grand Prix comeback at the age of 37.

Second place in the Le Mans 24-hour sports car race on Sunday has whetted his appetite.

Villeneuve admitted: "I'm open to the idea, certainly with the new technical situation. If the chance comes, I'd love to get back to work."