Lauda says it's Eddie and Pedro for 2002 Jags

Spaniard de la Rosa was guaranteed a race seat for next year when he signed as the Milton Keynes-based team's test driver just before the start of this season, but speculation was rife as to which of the current incumbents - Irvine and promoted test driver Luciano Burti - would be retained.

Team-leader Irvine has a contract until the end of 2002 and therefore appeared the logical choice, but both men were said to be under severe pressure to perform after a disappointing start to the season.

But speaking in this week's Autocar magazine, Jaguar Racing supremo Niki Lauda said: "De la Rosa has a contract to race next season, so he and Eddie will drive next season.

"He is a very good test driver; all his input is straightforward, very precise and accurate. The combination of him and Irvine seems ideal to me."

Lauda also stressed that that Burti's immediate future with the team was not threatened by de la Rosa. The Brazilian struggled in the opening two races, but has shown a marked improvement in form in the Brazilian and San Marino Grands Prix.

"Under the circumstances, Burti is doing a perfect job," said Lauda. "The Spanish media keep asking me if de la Rosa will drive at Barcelona, but I keep telling them he will only race if either of our regular drivers gets ill."

Burti said: "The team informed me about this in San Marino but, to be honest, it has not been a big surprise. It is still a great chance for me, and if I do well for the rest of the season, my future will be dictated by no one else but me.

"I still have 13 races to prove myself, and that is exactly how I see the rest of the season - as a great opportunity."