David Coulthard fears he faces another battle against the odds in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix in Imola.

The Scot catapulted his way into second place in the championship after he blasted his way past Michael Schumacher when on his way to victory in Brazil two weeks ago.

But Coulthard believes Schumacher will still have the edge over his McLaren Mercedes in the first of Ferrari's two home races in Italy.

''The pace is still being set by Ferrari,'' said Coulthard, who trails Schumacher by just six points going into the fourth round of the 17-race season and the first grand prix in Europe.

''We have made some improvements with our test in Silverstone last week but we will have to wait and see how competitive we are going to be.''

Coulthard, whose victory in Sao Paulo was the 10th of his career, insists the triumph will have little effect on the outcome of the race in Imola where he won three years ago.

''The only thing you can carry forward is confidence if you have a good result,'' said the Tywnholm-born racer.

''There is nothing else you can carry forward in terms of momentum because you are at a different track so it's a different challenge.

''But I am very happy with the way my season has gone so far in the first three races.

''The car has been reliable since the start and we have been able to make the most out of the situation and things on the track have worked out to my benefit.

''I have won here before and there is no reason why I cannot do so again.''

Coulthard believes it will not be until the next race in Barcelona in two weeks' time when McLaren can expect to be on the same pace as the Ferraris of Schumacher, who has been on pole for the first three races, and Rubens Barrichello.

''We were only able to test on this year's car for the first time at Silverstone last week,'' said Coulthard. ''Now we've started doing this the development should be a lot quicker.''

Coulthard hit back at a claim that unless he mounts a serious challenge for the title this year than his place at McLaren will come under serious threat.

''I have not been given a good opportunity to drive for McLaren by accident,'' said the Scot, who has been with the team since 1996. ''I am there because I can do a good job.

''People saying this is my last chance are those who want to put your career into a box and close the lid before you are at the end of it.''

Schumacher is confident he can bounce back to winning ways after seeing his six-race winning streak ended by Coulthard in Brazil.

The German, who will also bid for a record-equalling eighth successive pole this weekend, can count on the support of the 'tifosi', Ferrari's fanatical fans, in the 100,000 crowd on Easter Sunday.

''When you are sitting in the car you are pretty lonely,'' said Schumacher, who has won the race for the past two years. ''Sometimes you do not even really know where you are.

''It is great to see 100,000 cheering for you but it is best when you can celebrate victory.

''In the past two years I have been able to look inside the faces of the tifosi and see their delight and hopefully we can do the same this year.''