Irvine: Jag's the only threat to Ferrari & McLaren

The outspoken Ulsterman says that Jaguar will be challenging for the World Championship within five years - and he doesn't have much hope for the other teams vying to break the Ferrari/McLaren stranglehold.

Speaking to Autosport.com's Adam Cooper as we continue our 'My Season...' reviews, Irvine said: "There is no team that's going to compete with McLaren or Ferrari over the next five years, apart from Jaguar. BAR might get up there, or Williams, maybe. But if I had to put money on it, it's us.

"I'd say Jaguar are the second biggest team in F1 (behind Ferrari). It's a great, great name and it's a great means to attract the right people."

While Irvine had plenty to say on Jaguar's future, he would say little about his past, especially losing the title in 1999 with Ferrari. "I don't look back," was as much as he would reveal. But Irvine did have a few choice words for some other teams from that season. When reminded of the fact that he had said Stewart's fourth place in the constructor's championship flattered the team, Irvine responded by saying: "Yeah. If you look at Jordan as well, they were flattered last year because everyone else was pretty shit; BAR, Williams, Benetton..."

But does Eddie regret leaving Ferrari for new boys Jaguar?

"I'm really, really happy with the decision (to go to Jaguar)," he said. "Life's not perfect, but it is as close as I can get to it! There is always room for little tweaks, but overall the set-up's not bad."

To read the full Eddie Irvine season review, click HERE.