David Coulthard came out fighting this morning as he opened up a massive early advantage for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The 29-year-old Scot finished first practice on Formula One's longest circuit more than 0.8 secs ahead of Ferrari's Michael Schumacher as he signalled his determination not to lose out in the title battle. Coulthard's fellow McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen was 1.2 secs back as they began preparations for the vital 13th round of the 17-race season.
Hakkinen leads the championship by four points from Schumacher with Coulthard just two points further adrift going into a race he won last year after a controversial first corner collision with his teammate. The trio remained in the safety of their garages until the final few minutes of the session before emerging to show why they have dominated the championship this season.
Jordan's Jarno Trulli was fourth fastest just ahead of Rubens Barrichello in the other Ferrari with former world champion Jacques Villeneuve sixth for British American Racing. Jenson Button's first experience of the track, and its feared Eau Rouge corner which is taken at around 160mph, saw him finish 10th fastest for Williams BMW. Outgoing Jaguar Racing driver Johnny Herbert was one place further back with teammate Eddie Irvine 12th fastest.
