Irvine happy to be pushed hard by Burti

Despite qualifying 13th, Irvine said his Jaguar's reliability could pay dividends in the gruelling 71-lap race around bumpy Interlagos.

His Brazilian team mate was just two-tenths slower in 14th position at his home circuit - compared to a full second at the last race in Malaysia.

"It is good to see Luciano up there," said Irvine. "He has been giving me a hard time all weekend and it is great to see. Apart from anything else it keeps me under pressure.

"We must make sure that we beat all the people behind us and hope those ahead break down - that's where our reliability should start paying dividends," he added. "I've started from similar positions for all three races and that is really where we are as a team right now.

"But we are working hard to progress from the baseline and extract more speed from the reliable package."

Burti said he believed he lost two tenths on his fastest lap on the run from the final corner to the finish line, but said he felt he had progressed since Australia and Malaysia.

"I certainly feel like I am getting more out of the car here," he said.

Both drivers are racing with a big point to prove. Next year, test driver Pedro de la Rosa is guaranteed a place in the race team, meaning that at least one 2001 driver will be shown the door.

Team boss Bobby Rahal took time out in the run-up to the Brazilian GP to try and quash rumours that Burti could be ousted in favour of the Spaniard as early as next month's San Marino GP if his form did not improve.

Afetr qualifying, the American said: "We're not completely hitting it yet,but I'm very pleased with the way Luciano performed. Our performance here today is reflective of what I expected at this stage of the season. I see Jordan and BAR as our key competitors and we need to work towards being at the front of the pack."