Formula 1: Irvine all-clear for Silverstone

Eddie Irvine is certain to compete in next week’s British Grand Prix despite being forced to pull-out of a Jaguar Racing test this week because of a neck problem.

Irvine, who missed a test at Silverstone late last month, has been withdrawn from the three-day session at Monza in Italy as a precaution after the Ulsterman complained of a stiff neck.

The recurrence could have been caused by the fact Irvine has just completed back-to-back races in Germany and France.

‘‘Like most injuries of this nature, time is the best healer,’’ said Jaguar Racing spokesman Nav Sidhu.

‘‘The injury was treated last month and Eddie has since raced at the Grand Prix of Europe and the French Grand Prix without any recurrence, albeit until this morning.

‘‘Because of back-to-back races, the injury has not fully settled and has been irritated again, although it’s nowhere near as painful as it was last month when literally any neck movement generated pain.

‘‘Today’s recurrence still allows for 90% neck movement without pain, but in an effort to get on top of this once and for all, we have decided to pull him out of the test to ensure he’s in perfect shape for the British Grand Prix.

‘‘There is absolutely no question of him not racing at Silverstone next week but we want to avoid aggravating the irritation any further.’’