Formula 1: Irvine talks with his car

Eddie Irvine hit back at his critics after scoring an historic podium position for Jaguar Racing at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Ulsterman finished a stunning third in Monte Carlo yesterday to end the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s 24-race search for a maiden appearance in the post-race victory celebrations.

Irvine has come under fire - including from within his own team - over a perceived lack of commitment despite an £18million pay-deal and his jet-set lifestyle.

But after roaring to third scoring Jaguar’s first points of the season - behind the Ferrari’s of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello he delighted in making his point.

‘‘I take great pride in having done our talking on the track,’’ said Irvine, whose last podium was in his title decider in Japan in 1999 when he finished third for Ferrari.

‘‘Many people have been quick to criticise us in recent weeks and some quarters of the media have not exactly been understanding towards the challenge we face.

‘‘All I can say is these individuals do not understand the enormous task we face.

‘‘This is just fantastic it’s a great result for everybody at Jaguar Racing.

‘‘I was four years at Ferrari but our new aerodynamic package is by far the biggest development I have ever experienced.

‘‘Now we just have to see if it works in future races, then we will have cracked a major nut.

‘‘Having two Ferraris and a Jaguar on the podium in Monte Carlo is what F1 is all about.’’

Team chief Bobby Rahal, brought in after Jaguar’s dismal maiden season last year when they managed just four points, said: ‘‘This was a real morale booster for the team.

‘‘We have faced many critics in the past few weeks and I hope that today’s result shows that we are making progress.’’

Rahal, who ditched driver Luciano Burti last month to promote test driver Pedro de la Rosa, added: ‘‘The magnitude of the task ahead of us cannot be overstated.

‘‘The challenge now is to turn this maiden pole into consistency. Jaguar Racing is not here to make up the numbers and our long-term goal is to win the World Championship.

‘‘That takes time, resources, stability and consistency. Taking third place alongside the Ferraris at Monaco is one small step in a very long road ahead of us.’’