Friday June 30th, 2000

Briton David Coulthard has signed a new one-year deal to remain with McLaren, the team announced today.

The Scot, who finished quickest in opening free practice for Sunday's French Grand Prix, said he was happy to sign the contract to concentrate on his championship challenge, which will see him continuing his partnership with Mika Hakkinen for another year.

"It is excellent news for me and will allow me to get on with the job in hand," Coulthard said. "It ends any speculation regarding my future and is a big boost to my confidence."

McLaren chairman Ron Dennis backed Coulthard to continue the fine form he has showed this season and admitted it was the right time to announce the deal.

Dennis said: "We are very impressed with our drivers this year and we've taken the unusual step of announcing David's new contract to dispel all doubts over the future of our team line-up."