Irvine Eyeing First Points of the Season

Briton Eddie Irvine believes the Monaco Grand Prix could kick-start his season, even if he is looking for a lucky points finish.

Irvine, who scored Jaguar's best result last year when he finished fourth at Monaco, said that his only hopes of finishing in the top-six is if his rivals retire in Monte Carlo, but the Jaguar driver claimed the race could be the making of his season.

"The race itself is a case of keeping out of trouble and avoiding the barriers," said Irvine. "If you make it to the end, the chances are you might pick up points. I am reasonably optimistic about our chances this weekend.

"On top of that, I am pleased with our progress on the new aero package which we ran for the first time at last weeks Valencia test - a positive step forward with more development to come."

But Irvine warned that major improvements in the aerodynamics of the car will not be seen until after the Monaco race.

He added: "The real benefits won't shine through on such a slow circuit, where other parts of the performance package play a greater role. I have a good track record here with a second, a third and last year a fourth place to my name."