Irvine denies calling for Schumacher's help

The Irishman claimed the story was made up by journalists in Germany.

'I didn't say it,' said Irvine. 'That is something someone in Germany has made up over his breakfast. It had nothing to do with me.

'I will be out there trying to beat the two McLarens in every race and the moment Michael comes back it is up to Jean Todt to decide what the story will be. It is not for me to decide.'

The day before he had been publicly rapped on the knuckles for the comments
attributed to him.

Team boss Jean Todt said it was down to the management to decide strategy not drivers.

But the outspoken Irishman admitted he had the best chance of his career to become world champion but that the team had to improve if it was to triumph.

'I know this is a great opportunity and I want to try. It is only halfway through the season so the chance is definitely there,' he added.

'To have a chance of winning the world championship is a fantastic thing in any team, but to have that kind of opportunity at Ferrari is something else.'

'The season is halfway through and I am eight points behind Mika Hakkinen. If it keeps going like this to the end, I will finish 16 points behind him so obviously we have got to turn things around.

'Whether we do or not, I don't know. But it won't be for want of trying on my part. I am 100 per cent focused on it but it is not an easy thing to do.'