Lauda: I have a contract

Lauda, asked whether his tenure of the hot seat had been confirmed, said in Hungary: "I was never told that I was not confirmed, so I cannot answer this question. It's not one that occurs to me."

It is widely held that Lauda was Wolfgang Reitzle's man at Jaguar and that with Reitzle about to be paid-off, the Austrian's days are numbered. Lauda, however, added: "I read newspapers but from Ford's point of view I have a contract. I have daily communication with my bosses and there was never any sign of anything like this."

Commenting on a story which appeared in the Financial Times saying that Lauda was expected to be confirmed, the former Ferrari star pointed out: "I don't have to be confirmed. I have a contract."

Lauda could not confirm Jaguar's future strategy on drivers or that Eddie Irvine might consider a testing ride with the team.

"I really don't know about that, you'd have to ask Eddie," he added. "I haven't taken any decision on drivers whatsoever, because our main concern is getting the car better and as we are working constantly on it we have not taken any decision on the drivers for next year."