Irvine absence will be F1's loss

Formula One looks to have lost one of its most colourful and controversial characters as Eddie Irvine’s decision to sit out the coming season will almost certainly lead to full retirement.

Irvine will turn 38 in November, surely too old to bag any seats that become available for the 2004 campaign. His fellow professionals may be relieved to have escaped his scathing tongue but the sport will lose publicity when it needs it most.