Irvine hoping history repeats itself

If the Grands Prix in Nurburgring, Malaysia and Japan pan out as they did in the season-opening trio the Ulsterman has worked out he will become champion.

'We are starting again all square for the last three races and I hope the last three have the same results as the first three - because it would make me champion,' he said.

The Ulsterman won the opening race of the season and after finishing fifth in Brazil he returned to Europe for the third race still at the head of the rankings.

And he says a good grid position in tomorrow's qualifying for the start of Sunday's European Grand Prix is crucial to keep his title hopes alive.

Irvine put his Ferrari on the front row of the grid at last year's race.

'Last year I qualified on the front row here and it will be important to get a good grid position to keep my championship chances alive.

'The high downforce characteristics of this circuit will suit our car much better than the past couple of races.

'The low point of the season is behind me and I expected to be far more competitive.'