Grapevine: Irvine on the Brink of £20m Jaguar Deal

Eddie Irvine could be on the verge of signing a new £20 million deal with the Jaguar Racing team, according to the latest rumours.

Speculation is growing that 35-year old Irvine, who admitted he plans to end his career at the Milton Keynes team, could be set to renew his three-year contract, which is due to expire at the end of the 2002 season. Jaguar boss Bobby Rahal has showed his interest in retaining Irvine, saying the Ulsterman could win races next year if the team provide him with a competitive car.

"Given that we could provide Eddie with a good, fast and reliable car, I know he could be a winner," Rahal was quoted as saying by The Mirror. "As for the way he leads his life, that's up to him. I've no worries on that score just so long as he turns up for work in good order - and so far that has always been the case."

The playboy driver also admitted he is enjoying his stay at Jaguar, adding he wants to be there when they reach the top.

"I've been having as great a time not winning with Jaguar as I did winning races with Ferrari," Irvine said. "The racing going on around me, where I am on the grid behind the big two teams Ferrari and McLaren, is phenomenal and far from boring.

"There is still a long way to go and a lot of development to do. But we are getting there - and I want to be in on the journey."

Irvine joined Jaguar from Ferrari in 2000 and has scored eight points so far for the Ford-owned team.