And it could have been worse if Ralf Schumacher's race hadn't been runied by a stop-go penalty for a pit-lane infringement. when second.

The point might prove precious at the end of the season, but Coulthard heads for the next race in France next Sunday with his title hopes looking bleaker.

"The result does not mean the championship is over," he insisted.

"There are lots of races to go so I am not downbeat.

"I was not thinking about the championship when I was winning races and I won't think about it now, but I will just try to do my best in every race. That's what I have been doing throughout the season.

"We weren't really quick here in qualifying and clearly in the race we weren't a match for them either, so it was really a recovery position this weekend and try and understand how we can improve for Magny-Cours.

"It was very tough on Ralf. It was cruel to get that but we all understand the rules and we have to accept them and it helped me minimise the damage to Michael."

Coulthard's McLaren teammate Mika Hakkinen was also frustrated by his performance.

He said: "We made a good start and could overtake [Rubens] Barrichello before the first corner to claim fifth.

"However on lap 15, I flatspotted my right front tyre before the chicane and experienced strong vibrations until my pit stop.

"Once I had a new set of tyres I could go quickly again but it was too late.

"Overall I'm disappointed with the result."