SCOTSMAN David Coulthard last night pledged to fight on for the Formula One World Championship after his bid for the elusive title received a bitter blow, ending on lap three of the British Grand Prix.

"It's going to be very difficult, but I refuse to give up until the points don't add up," he said.

The 30-year-old's McLaren was badly damaged after being rammed from behind by Jarno Trulli's Jordan as they fought for the racing line at Copse corner. Coulthard lost control and span across the grass, pulling it back just inches away from the pit lane exit barrier.

He rejoined the race in 18th place but the damage was done. Minutes later the rear suspension collapsed, hurling his car into a gravel run-off area.

He tossed his steering wheel on to the top of the car, his race over, and his chances of catching Ferrari driver and world championship leader Michael Schumacher slimmer than ever after the German secured second place and six points - increasing the gap at the top of the table to 37 with six races remaining.

In an ironic twist, victory went to Coulthard's teammate Mika Hakkinen, ending a tense week between the two.

On Saturday Coulthard had hinted that he didn't have the support of the Finn in his bid to win the title, even though his chances were more realistic than Hakkinen's.

But in one fell swoop Hakkinen helped his teammate by winning the grand prix - his first F1 Silverstone title - thereby depriving Schumacher of four valuable points.

The 30-year-old also answered his critics who claimed he had lost his hunger to win, sparking speculation that his future with McLaren was in doubt.

Coulthard's disappointment was only too clear as he hovered in the background while the top three drivers congratulated each other.

He cut a sorry figure as Hakkinen, Schumacher and third-placed Rubens Barrichello revelled in their success, looking like a little boy who had not been invited to the party.

Coulthard said: "Obviously I am disappointed as this is not the way I would have liked to finish my home race and I believe we were in with a chance to win today.

"I was ahead coming into turn one and even though I was on the outside, it's quite an open corner and I feel Trulli should have given me room, but he didn't and we touched. I kept going but I knew it was only a matter of time before I had to retire."

Trulli claimed Coulthard had "closed the door" on him leaving his car no room. "It was a racing incident and David and I will talk about it, although generally I think the car on the outside should leave enough room to move for the inside car."

While Coulthard now faces an uphill struggle, Michael Schumacher remained far from complacent about the rest of the season. "Six points against Coulthard, it has worked in my favour. But there are 60 points to go from six races.

"While 37 points in my pocket is nice, I would rather be sitting here knowing it is all over - but it isn't. Whatever the championship situation, I want to continue winning races, that is what I am here for."

But the day belonged to Hakkinen, who finished more than 30sec ahead of Schumacher, his first win since Belgium last August.

On the top step of the podium, he stood strangely impassive, relishing the moment. It was only when the national anthems were over, that he became animated.

"It's probably difficult for you to understand how important this is for me," he said. "It's a very special grand prix, Silverstone, and it has happened for me today. It is something incredible. It was something that was missing from my black book. It feels really good."

His win was emphatic and a victory for McLaren's two-stop strategy against Ferrari's one. Schumacher and Barrichello were both hampered by the heavier fuel loads required to avoid making a second pit stop during the 60-lap race.

Schumacher had led the 22 cars off the grid from pole position, with Hakkinen on his tail. But on lap five the Ferrari went wide into Copse and Hakkinen was able to overtake. He quickly built a commanding lead and despite having to pit twice, was never in danger of losing the lead.

Barrichello drove a steady race and managed to keep the two Williams drivers at bay.

Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya put in strong performances, much better than in qualifying when they were placed tenth and eighth respectively. Montoya even managed to out-gun Michael Schumacher in a sprint down the pit straight, overtaking him as they went into turn one, on lap 18, to go second.

But Ralf Schumacher's car stopped on lap 37 after a technical fault and the two-stop strategy failed Montoya who came out of the pits the second time into fourth place.