Irvine: Drivers' title is priority

The double world champion insists his priority is to help Ferrari first and Eddie Irvine second.

But on the eve of the first practice for the race in Sepang Irvine said Ferrari President Luca di Montezemelo has made the drivers' crown their priority.

'Luca wants the drivers' championship,' said Irvine. 'We have spoken about it and he assures me that is Ferrari's priority.

'The constructors' championship does not carry the same significance. It's just not the same. The drivers' title has always been the big thing. It's been around since the '50s.

'The constructors' championship is just a manufactured thing that came along later. Ferrari's primary aim is to win the drivers' championship.

'Michael drives for Ferrari so we know what his responsibilities are. The championship battle is between me and Mika. Of course Mika can help me.

'He won't be helping Mika, that's for sure.'

If Irvine wins the championship goes to the final round in Malaysia regardless of where his chief rival Mika Hakkinen ends up.

But if Hakkinen wins Irvine must finish in the top four to keep the championship alive.