Irvine Hopes to Stay in F1 Until he is 40

Jaguar driver Eddie Irvine is hoping to stay in Formula One racing until he is 40 years old, the Irishman told British tabloid The Sun.

"My contract with the team runs out next year but providing they still require my services I have every intention of staying put possibly until I am 40," Irvine said. "I will be 37 next season and have one ambition left - to witness Jaguar Racing progress up the pitlane."

Irvine, who joined Jaguar at the start of the 2000 season, endured another disappointing year with Ford-owned outfit, who were only capable of scoring ten points to finish in eighth place in the Constructors' Championship tied with Benetton.

But the Milton Keynes team have improved slightly in the final races of the 2001 season, and Irvine is confident next year's car will help him and teammate Pedro de la Rosa enjoy a more successful year.

"I came away from Suzuka feeling that next season will truly be a lot better for us," he added. "Our car for the 2002 campaign is going to be lighter, more efficient and have more downforce which all leads to a quicker machine.

"During the final few races of the season we really started to understand what was wrong and made several steps forward which will help us next year."