Irvine: Jordan the only place left

Speaking in The Guardian, Irvine insists that his plans for next year are still up in the air, and that a return to his former team is on the cards.

"I suppose the new Jordan-Ford is now the only place left for me," said Irvine. "There's no point in saying much else at the moment."

Irvine also spoke of his puzzlement at Jaguar's failure even to table an offer for him to remain with the team he has been with since they entered the sport for the 2000 season.

"Niki Lauda kept saying we've no money," said Irvine. "Well I can tell you that money isn't an issue for me at this stage of my career.

"I told him to make me an offer. I don't need the money, just promise me a good car. The offer never came. It's all a bit bizarre."

It was announced on Friday that Minardi driver Mark Webber and 2000 British F3 Champion Antonio Pizzonia would drive for the team next season in place of Irvine and team-mate Pedro de la Rosa.