Irvine fights for career as ‘Jungle boy’ takes seat

EDDIE IRVINE was fighting to save his career yesterday after losing his Jaguar seat to the ‘Jungle Boy’ of Formula One.

The Down man and Pedro de la Rosa are being replaced in 2003 by Australia’s Mark Webber and newcomer Antonio Pizzonia, who earned his nickname after being brought up in the Amazonian forest region of Brazil.

Irvine has not been retained following the end of his three year deal while Spaniard de la Rosa has been axed with a year left to run on his contract and is consulting his lawyers.

Webber, who made his debut for Minardi last year, has long been known to be heading for Jaguar while the Milton Keynes based team have also snapped up Pizzonia, a test driver with Williams, as they aim for a completely fresh approach next season.

Irvine insisted after being told the news at his Miami home by Jaguar boss Niki Lauda that the decision will not affect his plans for next season.

The Newtownards born driver, who will be 37 next week, has been linked with a return to former team Jordan although it is understood there is no likelihood of a deal being signed at the moment.

“This doesn’t really affect my plans for the future,” said Irvine, who earned a reputed £20million at Jaguar after joining them from Ferrari where he came so close to winning the drivers’ title in 1999.

Jordan insist that Japan’s Takuma Sato, who scored his maiden points after finishing fifth in the final race of last season, will again partner Italy’s Giancarlo Fisichella next season.

F1 sources revealed yesterday Irvine’s management met with team boss Eddie Jordan earlier this week, but even though the driver is believed to have reduced his pay demands to around £650,000 (1million US Dollars) no deal was agreed.

Irvine, who made his debut in 1993 and competed in 192 races, winning four of them, will have few options if he cannot find a way in at Jordan.

Only Minardi have seats available for 2003, but Irvine has always maintained if he cannot get a competitive drive, then he will walk away.

Irvine’s pay demands were part of the reason why Jaguar did not retain his services, but Lauda was fulsome in his praise.

“I cannot thank Eddie enough for his hard work and commitment during the last three seasons,” said Lauda, of Irvine, who scored all Jaguar’s eight points last season including a memorable third place in Italy.

“He has been with us right from day one and while there have been some difficult and challenging periods to endure, Eddies resilience and focus remained throughout.

“His experience, speed and race craft are exemplary and the decision to replace him in no way reflects upon his clear ability as a competitive racer.

“Pedro has unfortunately struggled with some aspects of the programme and in simple terms, it hasn’t really worked out for either party.

“Its unfortunate, yes, but that’s Formula One. We wanted to adopt a fresh approach for next year and our strategy is firmly geared towards making progress at all levels of the business.”

Irvine has warned that Jaguar’s relatively inexperienced duo could struggle with next year’s single lap qualifying rule.

But three time former world drivers’ champion Lauda is convinced the duo can make an impact and has told them to get on the track and fight each other.