Coulthard slams Schu second chance

David Coulthard's despair at missing another chance to close the gap on championship leader Michael Schumacher at Hockenheim was such that he hinted at a conspiracy involving motorsport's hierarchy.

The change of fortunes Coulthard had been hoping for heading into yesterday's German Grand Prix failed to materialise for the 30-year-old Scot. Schumacher, who seems to lead a charmed life these days, could not believe his luck when a restart was ordered just minutes after his race appeared to be over at the first corner following an horrendous accident involving Luciano Burti.

Then when a fuel pressure problem on Schumacher's spare Ferrari forced him out of a race for only the second time this season, the 32-yearold still had the last laugh as he watched Coulthard's engine blow on his McLaren just minutes later.

Schumacher had further reason to smile as his brother Ralf coasted to the third win of his career, while Ferrari team- mate Rubens Barrichellofinished second to stretch the Maranello team's lead over McLaren in the Constructors' Championship to 58 points.

Coulthard now heads to Budapest in three weeks' time for the Hungarian Grand Prix still 37 points adrift, but knowing a record-equalling 51st career victory for Michael Schumacher will ensure the German is crowned Formula One's king for a fourth time.

But there was no hiding Coulthard's disbelief at the fact Schumacher was given a second bite of the race cherry, and in a veiled accusation, has implied the FIA were on the German's side.

"If you were cynical you would say the race was restarted because Michael was out in front of his home crowd," said Coulthard.

"It's so unusual to have a red flag now, especially when a driver is unhurt. I find it - with the limited information I have at the moment - difficult to accept.

"I feel you've got to have consistency. With all respect, unless it is a driver that is hurt, then they don't normally stop races for accidents or injuries off the track."