Coulthard turns the heat on Schumacher

David Coulthard, who was forced to retire from the season's opening Grand Prix in Australia, recovered from more mechanical problems in the heat of Kuala Lumpur today.

He finished the opening day of free practice for Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix second behind McLaren teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

Earlier, Coulthard was forced to push his car for a mile after an exhaust pipe failure caused the bodywork to ignite.

Meanwhile, authorities in Malaysia are battling to control peat fires that have left a heavy haze hanging over the track. It is unlikely to affect Sunday's race, however.

Britain's planned new Formula One team insisted today that it did have the right to compete in the World Championship.

Phoenix Finance Ltd released a letter from the French liquidators of the defunct Prost team, claiming it proved they had bought an entry into the championship along with its other assets.

McNish set for second chance
F1 2002 - guide