Massa in pole position for F1 spot as Irvine rejects Jordan

BRAZIL’S Felipe Massa moved into pole position to grab the last seat in Formula One yesterday after Eddie Irvine ruled himself out of contention with Jordan in 2003.

Irvine looks set to bring his 10-year Grand Prix career to an end after talks broke down over a return to the team where it all started for him.

Irvine’s insistence on a salary in his F1 twilight left Massa, out of a job after his maiden season with Sauber, favourite for the vacancy as he is one of the few drivers who can bring the necessary sponsorship of at least stg£3million.