Jaguar has confirmed that it has dropped Eddie Irvine from its Formula One team. Irvine and Spanish team-mate Pedro de la Rosa, who still has a year to run on his contract, will be replaced by Minardi racer Mark Webber and BMW Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia.
Irvine seemed unruffled by Jaguar Racing's decision, saying: “This doesn't really affect my plans for the future - but if I were a team boss, I wouldn't be happy fielding two inexperienced drivers”. The Ulsterman’s reaction will fuel speculation he is set to join Jordan.
The 36-year-old came ninth in the drivers' championship, scoring all Jaguar's eight championship points in 2002, including third place in the Italian Grand Prix. His driving helped to lift Jaguar to seventh in the constructors' championship.
With the new qualifying rules, drivers have just one flying lap to gain grid position and the experienced men will have an advantage. Aussie Webber, 26, only made his debut this year while 22-year-old Brazilian Pizzonia has yet to start a race.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
