Grapevine: Irvine Future Still Up in the Air

Eddie Irvine celebrated his podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix last Sunday by claiming he has decided on his plans for next year - but he is yet to confirm a deal with any team for 2003.

Irvine said his champagne moment in Monza, where he raced to his first podium finish in more than a year, will not affect his Formula One future. He is out of contract at Jaguar at the end of the year and claims that he is playing a game with the media before he reveals the decision on his future in his own time.

But a source close to Irvine said: "He has not signed a contract with any team but he is displaying every reason to want to stay in Formula One."

The Ulsterman's destination for 2003 has become the subject of debate after Jaguar lined up Australian Mark Webber as a possible replacement. Irvine still has three options - to stay at Jaguar, move to Jordan as a replacement for Japan's Takuma Sato or retire and enjoy life in Milan.

But the decision seems to be out of his hands, and the source added: "This is Eddie's way of dealing with the situation. He is creating a smoke screen until a decision is made."

Now 36, Irvine is Formula One's oldest driver and the former Ferrari star hinted he is still in negotiations when he said his performance at Monza "doesn't make me any cheaper."

With several talented but younger drivers on the market, however, Jaguar team chief Niki Lauda is keeping his options open and said he has not yet talked to the Ulsterman about next year. Irvine currently earns £6 million per year but will take an enforced salary reduction to remain on the grid next year if he is provided with a car that is up to the job.

Jordan sponsors Benson and Hedges, who are understood to not yet have a contract for 2003, are keen to snap up a British driver and Irvine would definitely fit the bill. But with the pace the Jaguar showed in Monza last Sunday, their future looks bright, and a source close to the team said: "I would be very surprised if Eddie did not want to be part of it."