Irvine to Schumacher: Chop Me and I'll Take You Out

Jaguar driver Eddie Irvine has lashed out at World Champion Michael Schumacher, warning him that if he was ever to be at the receiving end of the German's infamous starting 'chop', the Ulsterman would not back off even at the price of taking both of them out of the race.

"Michael puts certain people in that position, but I don't think he would do the same to me, Villeneuve or Montoya because he knows he wouldn't finish the race," Irvine said to reporters at Goodwood, where he is taking part in the Festival of Speed.

"It would be interesting if one of us got near to the front because the point has to be made. I would be very surprised if Montoya or Villeneuve backed off. I think they would find it fun taking Michael off. I wouldn't have pleasure taking him off - but I wouldn't back off, either."

Nevertheless, Irvine said he doesn't believe Schumacher is driving unsafely. "Michael knows what he is doing, he's not reckless." Irvine explained. "David Coulthard, Mika Hakkinen and Ralf have had chances with him at the start of races and all have backed off. But the problem is that someone will eventually get hurt. And, two cars crashing at the front of the grid with 20 more coming at them, is not a good situation to be in. FIA race director Charlie Whiting needs to apply the rules fairly. He needs to pre-empt an accident rather than react to it."

On that occassion, Irvine also commented on the World Championship battle - or lack thereof - shrugging off any possibility Coulthard might have to win the title. "I never believed David would be champion," the outspoken Ulsterman declared. "He's not in the same league as Michael. I might not like some of the things Michael does but behind the wheel of a Formula One car no one can touch him. He's number one and has won it easily this year. Coulthard was not quick enough when he needed to be. That's not bad luck, that's fact.

"The only way to beat Michael is with a better car but the McLaren is not that much better than the Ferrari. It's not that Ferrari are well ahead of McLaren as far as the car is concerned, but they are in the driver stakes. Coulthard is no quicker now, he's not improved. I don't see how he can improve after seven years in Formula One. You become more experienced but you don't become quicker. I don't have a down on Coulthard. I can't beat Michael without a better car - that's the way it is."