Eddie Irvine is hoping to produce another piece of Monaco magic this weekend and give his struggling Jaguar Racing outfit a much-needed boost. The unique street circuit of the Mediterranean Principality has been a happy hunting ground for the Ulsterman in his Jaguar, Irvine scoring the team's first points with fourth place in 2000 and their maiden podium last year when he finished an unexpected third behind the two Ferraris.
The 36-year-old is optimistic of a repeat on Sunday even though the R3 car is still woefully off the pace of its rivals. "Being on the podium alongside two Ferraris is what Jaguar is all about," said Irvine of last year's result, when he came home behind Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. He added: "And while the chances of repeating it this year are much tougher, you can't help going into this weekend with slightly more optimism than other races. There are so many variables that ultimately dictate the finishing order and, unless you fall off completely, you can never rule anything out at Monaco."
Irvine will know that it will need another high attrition rate of cars for Jaguar to add to the three points he unexpectedly picked up in the season opener in Australia last March. But Irvine has one of the best records of any driver on what is considered one of the most demanding circuits in the world. Irvine finished third in 1997 and 1998 and was second the following year during his spell with Ferrari so will be hoping for a sixth successive points finish in the race on Sunday.
Filed by Shane Murray
