Menu
23/01/2003
Irvine fails to gain Jordan drive
Formula One could be without its most colourful character this season after Ulster born driver Eddie Irvine failed in his bid to sign with Jordan.
Thirty-seven-year-old Irvine had been in talks with the team, which had brought him into F1 10 years ago, but today he revealed that they were unable to agree a contract.
It had been anticipated that Irvine would team up with Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella at Jordan after Jaguar refused to renew his contract with them. However, Irvine said that while he felt certain in July that he would race for Jordan, the team preferred to sign a driver who would be prepared to assist with funding.
In an interview with a national newspaper, Irvine said: "It's a shame because I really would have enjoyed the rule changes, especially single-lap qualifying.
"It's a huge shame. I was really looking forward to driving for Jordan this season. Driving alongside Giancarlo Fisichella would have been fantastic. I would have been working with a driver I really respect.
"I have always had a lot of affection for Jordan as a team. They gave me my big break in 1993 and I thought I could end my career with them."
The outspoken and often temperamental Eddie Irvine added celebrity and personality to a sport driven by money and technology. His pitlane spats with rival drivers and growing reputation as a playboy soaked up newspaper headlines – moreso than for his driving.
He had his best season in 1999 when he carried the expectations of Ferrari after Michael Schumacher was hospitalised for 10 weeks after breaking his leg. By the end of season, Irvine had finished as runner up to Schumacher. Throughout his career to date, he has taken part in 147 races and notched up three victories. But with houses in Milan, Miami and Dublin Bay, the millionaire driver will have plenty of options for the future – whether that will be in motorsport remains to be seen.
(GMcG)
Thirty-seven-year-old Irvine had been in talks with the team, which had brought him into F1 10 years ago, but today he revealed that they were unable to agree a contract.
It had been anticipated that Irvine would team up with Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella at Jordan after Jaguar refused to renew his contract with them. However, Irvine said that while he felt certain in July that he would race for Jordan, the team preferred to sign a driver who would be prepared to assist with funding.
In an interview with a national newspaper, Irvine said: "It's a shame because I really would have enjoyed the rule changes, especially single-lap qualifying.
"It's a huge shame. I was really looking forward to driving for Jordan this season. Driving alongside Giancarlo Fisichella would have been fantastic. I would have been working with a driver I really respect.
"I have always had a lot of affection for Jordan as a team. They gave me my big break in 1993 and I thought I could end my career with them."
The outspoken and often temperamental Eddie Irvine added celebrity and personality to a sport driven by money and technology. His pitlane spats with rival drivers and growing reputation as a playboy soaked up newspaper headlines – moreso than for his driving.
He had his best season in 1999 when he carried the expectations of Ferrari after Michael Schumacher was hospitalised for 10 weeks after breaking his leg. By the end of season, Irvine had finished as runner up to Schumacher. Throughout his career to date, he has taken part in 147 races and notched up three victories. But with houses in Milan, Miami and Dublin Bay, the millionaire driver will have plenty of options for the future – whether that will be in motorsport remains to be seen.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 November 2002
Formula 1 star Irvine axed by Jaguar
Northern Ireland's Formula 1 star Eddie Irvine has been axed by Jaguar. The Conlig man was informed of the decision by team principal Niki Lauda earlier today. His Jaguar team-mate Pedro de la Rosa has also been dropped from the troubled Grand Prix team owned by Ford.
Formula 1 star Irvine axed by Jaguar
Northern Ireland's Formula 1 star Eddie Irvine has been axed by Jaguar. The Conlig man was informed of the decision by team principal Niki Lauda earlier today. His Jaguar team-mate Pedro de la Rosa has also been dropped from the troubled Grand Prix team owned by Ford.
08 November 2021
Man Shot In The Chest At A House In Antrim
A man is being treated in hospital after being shot in the chest when a gun was fired through the front door of a house in Antrim. According to police, the 36-year-old man was shot in the chest at the property at Greenpark Drive, shortly after 10:30pm on Sunday 7 November.
Man Shot In The Chest At A House In Antrim
A man is being treated in hospital after being shot in the chest when a gun was fired through the front door of a house in Antrim. According to police, the 36-year-old man was shot in the chest at the property at Greenpark Drive, shortly after 10:30pm on Sunday 7 November.
02 February 2009
Irvine's Dublin Party Haunt To Close
A trendy Dublin bar - owned by Co Down-born F1 ace Eddie Irvine - is to close. It has been revealed that Cocoon bar - a favourite city centre hangout for celebrities and models - is believed to have accumulated substantial financial losses.
Irvine's Dublin Party Haunt To Close
A trendy Dublin bar - owned by Co Down-born F1 ace Eddie Irvine - is to close. It has been revealed that Cocoon bar - a favourite city centre hangout for celebrities and models - is believed to have accumulated substantial financial losses.
16 September 2002
Irvine hails third place finish in Monza
Northern Ireland Formula One driver Eddie Irvine was in triumphant mood today following his third place finish in yesterday's Italian Grand Prix. The Ulsterman gained a podium finish in Monza following an amazing turnaround in his team's fortunes over the past number of months.
Irvine hails third place finish in Monza
Northern Ireland Formula One driver Eddie Irvine was in triumphant mood today following his third place finish in yesterday's Italian Grand Prix. The Ulsterman gained a podium finish in Monza following an amazing turnaround in his team's fortunes over the past number of months.
22 August 2012
Jordan's Paralympics Team Members In Court On Sex Charges
Three members of Jordan's Paralympics squad have appeared in court in Coleraine charged with sexual offences. An embassy official from the Middle Eastern country offered bail sureties on behalf of Faisal Hammash, Omar Sami Qaradhi and Motaz Al-Junad.
Jordan's Paralympics Team Members In Court On Sex Charges
Three members of Jordan's Paralympics squad have appeared in court in Coleraine charged with sexual offences. An embassy official from the Middle Eastern country offered bail sureties on behalf of Faisal Hammash, Omar Sami Qaradhi and Motaz Al-Junad.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
