Jaguar launch: R3 is better, says Irvine

Speaking at the launch of the Big Cat's 2002 challenger today (Friday) in Milton Keynes, England, Irvine said he can't wait to begin testing the new car.

"In all the areas you need, this car is better," he said. "The aerodynamics are better and it is lighter than last year's car. It's always difficult to say how well we are going to go, because you have to look at what everyone else is doing.

"I think we have to move up the grid this year, or there's no point in turning up for work.

"You can say whatever you like now, but it won't really matter until you start qualifying and racing. You can get a feeling of what the car is like in testing, but you don't really know until you go up against everyone else."

His team mate Pedro de la Rosa was also reluctant to make any sweeping statements about their chances in 2002, but commented: "We can forget about the top three. It is teams like Sauber, BAR, Jordan and Renault we must concentrate on beating."