Spanish GP was not music to Irvine's ears

Having failed to get the result that would have been music to his ears he was left wishing for some entertainment in the middle of the most boring race of the season.

'We shouldn't test so much because everyone knows the circuit so well it makes for a dull, predictable race.

'This one was so boring I wish I had a stereo in my car to keep me amused.'

The Ulsterman had to be content with a supporting role as he cruised home a distant fourth - to slip to third in the championship behind team-mate Michael Schumacher and today's winner Mika Hakkinen.

He had hoped for so much more after outqualifying Schumacher for only the fourth time in three and half years on Saturday to start the race second on the grid.

'I got off the line well but then I had too much wheelspin and I was surprised at the lack of traction," he said. "being on the dirty side of the track cetainly did not help.

'Coulthard braked earlier than I expected for the first bend and when I reacted that let Villeneuve through.'