Thursday February 3rd, 2000

Briton David Coulthard says it's no more Mr Nice Guy this season as he concentrates solely on winning grand prix races.

"My life is changing and it is a matter of getting a lot of little things right," said Coulthard, who was disappointed with his overall performance in 1999 when he finished fourth.

"Last year Mika (Hakkinen) and I did too much promotional work and we have spoken to the team about it. I am not going to do all the extra, small business things I was doing."

Scot Coulthard, speaking at the McLaren car's launch, said he intends to be more selfish in his quest for the world crown, won for the second year running last season by Hakkinen.

He hopes he is rewarded with improved reliability from the McLaren-Mercedes car.

"I guess I am going to be a bit less of a nice guy for everyone. I just need more time for myself and I probably won't be going home to Scotland so often and things like that.

"I have to give myself the best possible chance of winning the championship and delivering Grand Prix wins.

"The main thing I need is reliability. I joined the championship race late last year because of reliabilty problems. I don't want that to happen again, and if I can get that I will be up there challenging."

Coulthard said he has also taken on a new fitness trainer in his bid to challenge Hakkinen for the world championship.

"I want to kick-start myself so I have taken on Andy Matthews, who used to be Nick Heidfeld's trainer. He is making me work hard and it's horrible, but I know it's what I need."