Irvine looks for win in Hungary

The Ferrari driver has won the last two races, but only after McLaren of Mika Hakkinen ran into problems.

'I think the car will fly,' he said. 'Maybe in qualifying the McLarens will have the edge. It's similar in a way to Monaco [where Irvine outraced Hakkinen]. I don't think we'll be short of pace in the race.'

With Hakkinen trailing Irvine by eight points, many feel that the Finn needs to get a result in Hungary.

'You have to say they've got a bit of an edge on us in Belgium, but it does rain there. At Monza, we should be neck and neck.

'People in Italy are going crazy, but there's no reason to get excited. If it's the same going into Malaysia (the penultimate race) we can get excited.'

McLaren insists Ferrari is only in such a position because of its recent problems.

'We have had two one-twos in our hands,' said Mercedes sports boss Norbert Haug.

'I'm sure we will have two one-twos in our hands again. We are still in a good position. We will solve our problems.

'Do not underestimate us.'