Irvine still hopeful of Jordan drive

At 37 Irvine would be the oldest driver in Formula 1, but after three mainly disappointing seasons at Jaguar Racing, he feels he still has something to offer at the highest level of the sport.

"The one thing which keeps me going is believing I still have a chance to drive for Jordan," he told The Sun newspaper. "I have unfinished business in Formula 1 and would love the chance to team up with Giancarlo because that would be a mega line-up.

"My whole life has revolved around racing and the spark is still there. It's been really weird not being part of winter testing. I miss trying to find ways of making the car go quicker. Working with engineers to evaluate various components on the car is fun."

Following the loss of title sponsor Deutsche Post at the end of the season, Jordan has made no secret of the need for its second driver to bring extra funding next year. This led to Takuma Sato taking up the offer of a testing role with BAR rather than staying on for a second term with the team.

Irvine's signature could persuade Benson and Hedges to increase its backing of the team, which it reduced after former champ Damon Hill retired in 1999. Brazilians Enrique Bernoldi and Felipe Massa are also in contention for the drive.

Irvine made his F1 debut with Jordan in Suzuka 1993, where he famously scored a point. He continued with the team until the end of 1995 before leaving to partner Michael Schumacher at Ferrari.