Irvine pledges intent to race on

Irvine's place in the Jaguar Racing squad for 2003 has been in doubt for some time, with intense speculation linking either Minardi's Mark Webber or Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia to his seat. Jaguar's second driver, Pedro de la Rosa, says he has a solid contract with the team next year.

When asked how he would like to be remembered if Suzuka was to be his last event, Irvine replied: "It's not going to be, so don't worry about it."

When pushed to comment if Sunday's event would definitely not be his last race, Irvine added: "Last race - not."

Jaguar has enjoyed an upturn in form in the second half of this year, with Irvine scoring an excellent podium finish in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Should he be forced out of the team, however, his next most likely team is Jordan, with whom he made his F1 debut in 1993.

Irvine finished second in the Formula 1 World Championship in 1999 with Ferrari, but switched to Jaguar for the following season. He has failed to win a race since then.