Irvine speculation increases

Speculation is increasing that Eddie Irvine will not see out his three-year, £18million contract with Jaguar which ends next year.  

Spain's Pedro de la Rosa has been signed as a test driver with the promise of a drive in 2002 while Scotland's Dario Franchitti is again being linked with the team.

And Irvine is understood to have a performance clause in his contract which the team could exercise if they felt his results did not come up to scratch this year.

However, Irvine is more concerned about the oppressive heat that the drivers will face in Malaysia.

"At this early stage of the year, hot weather is not what you need for the cars," said Irvine.

"I understand it could be even hotter than when we have been there in the past.

"But at least Melbourne confirmed our feeling that our cars would be reliable so hopefully we can build on that and start upping the pace."

Irvine has happy memories of the magnificent state-of-the-art track at Sepang having won the maiden race in 1999 for Ferrari although he was handed victory by Michael Schumacher.

"It doesn't mean much, but it adds to the feel good factor," said Irvine.