Irvine Hints at F1 Future After 2002

Eddie Irvine hinted strongly today that he will be staying in Formula One for another season.

The oldest driver on the grid, 37 next month and out of contract with Jaguar at the end of the year, told reporters ahead of Sunday's season-ending Japanese Grand Prix that they had not seen the last of him.

"If this is going to be your last race in Formula One, how would you want to be remembered?," the Northern Irishman was asked in the Suzuka paddock. "It's not going to be, so don't worry about it," he replied with a smile.

Asked to confirm that Suzuka would definitely not be his last race, Irvine added: "Last race - Not."

Irvine has played a guessing game for months about his plans for the future, most recently stating that he had three options - two teams or retirement. Jaguar and Jordan are the two potential teams, according to widespread paddock gossip, with the latter seen by some as a more likely destination.

Jaguar have already confirmed that Australian Mark Webber, as well as Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia, are on their shortlist of drivers for next year - along with Irvine and Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa.

Irvine started his career with Jordan at Suzuka in 1993, cheekily overtaking Brazilian champion Ayrton Senna after he had been lapped. An indignant Senna confronted him angrily about the incident in a pit lane punch-up after the race.

The Northern Irishman was also linked to Jordan last season when former team boss Bobby Rahal 'jokingly' offered him to the team in exchange for Heinz-Harald Frentzen.