Irvine and Coulthard up for Hill's seat

Ferrari number two Irvine and McLaren's Coulthard top the list of likely candidates for the drive.

A return by Irvine to the team that launched his Formula One career is a likely move according to F1 insiders.

But, in an interview with Italian magazine Autosprint last week, Irvine hinted that he is actually after Coulthard's seat at McLaren.

Both Irvine and team boss Eddie Jordan joked about the possibility of getting back together at the Canadian Grand Prix last weekend.

The 33-year-old Ulsterman has made no secret of his desire to win more races, since he notched up his first F1 victory in the Australian Grand Prix at the start of the season.

Speculation that Irvine will not continue next season with Ferrari was fuelled last week after he angered Ferrari bosses by revealing specific details of his contract.

He confirmed what has always been suspected in the pit lane, that he must help Schumacher win races, ignoring his own chances for victory if need be.

Irvine is currently third in the championship, just five points behind team-mate Michael Schumacher.

He drove a spectacular race in Canada charging up from eighth to third in Montreal after a collision with Coulthard on lap 40.