SAO PAULO, Brazil (AFP) - David Coulthard has claimed here that his former Williams bosses should hand him a Formula One lifeline after they missed out on snapping up British rival Jenson Button.
Button had signed a deal to join Williams at the end of this season but his current boss David Richards disputed the move and the sport's Contracts Recognition Board ruled in favour of BAR on Wednesday.
With Button not forced to stay with his current team until at least the end of 2005, Williams have a vacancy alongside incoming Australian Mark Webber next season and Coulthard has his eye on it.
"As we speak, I don't have a contract to drive in Formula One next season," said Coulthard, who will complete his 150th and final race for McLaren here in this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix.
"There is a drive available at Williams and I think if there is a candidate available, my credentials are stronger than anyone's out there.
"I've got pole positions, I've won Grands Prix and I've got a lot of experience of developing cars and tyres. I've got to do everything I can to try and make them realise that I am the best of the drivers available."
Coulthard made his Grand Prix debut for Williams when he was drafted in as a replacement for the Brazilian Ayrton Senna after the three-time world champion was killed during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
The Scot raced for the team in 25 Grands Prix, claiming five pole positions and one victory, before moving on to McLaren but he will finally be replaced by Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya next year.
Coulthard claims to have sponsors queuing up to support him, and added: "It's been quite surprising the amount of interest from sponsors. I've been contacted by people wanting to know what my future is and if they can be involved.
"Over the last few years I've never had an outlet for that because at McLaren you don't carry your own personal sponsors and badges, so in terms of that sort of thing it is a pretty exciting time."
Coulthard insists he is as talented and determined today as he was when he made his debut ten years ago but he admits this weekend's race could still be his final swansong in Formula One.
He was in line to drive for Jaguar before Ford put the team up for sale but after a possible seat with BAR was snatched away on Wednesday he is looking at the Williams possibility in a positive light.
He has recently been linked to the Team Dubai outfit that is set to join the sport in 2006, said: "You decide you are getting older because you've been doing this for a few years, but it is an exciting time.
"If you have motivation to continue then you get up and work and see what you can see. Obviously in this situation is not just down to your desire, it just takes a number of other people to believe and give you an opportunity."
Williams, however, are thought to be keen on bringing in Brazilian test driver Antonio Pizzonia after he impressed them as a stand-in for the injured German Ralf Schumacher in four races.
10-21-2004, 17h34