Irvine eyes second helping of points

The Ulsterman admitted caution was all that cost him an even higher place on the third row of the grid in his improving Jaguar R1.

"My target was fifth on the grid, so I'm frustrated to fall narrowly short," he said after missing out by less than a tenth of a second. "I messed up the first two runs and then could have nailed it on the last run, but I backed off slightly at the last corner because I was conscious of keeping it all together.

"Ultimately that cost me fifth place, but I have a strong claim on points in the race, which would be a great way to end the season."

A year after he came to the final race battling for the world championship, Irvine has scored just three points and been in the top six once - from fourth place at Monaco in June - and is 13th in the drivers' championship.