Pleased Irvine Worried about Brakes

Jaguar's Eddie Irvine continued to show the Milton Keynes team's improved form in today's practice for the Italian Grand Prix, setting the fourth quickest time of the session.

Irvine's pace, in what the former Ferrari driver considers something of a home race since he spends much of the year in Milan, followed up the strong showing from Spa two weeks ago when he finished sixth place, but the Irishman remained cautious and revealed he was concerned about the brakes of his R3B.

"The good news is that we are quick, but the bad news is that we are worried about the brakes," said Irvine. "We have suffered from a brake issue all season and if there is one circuit that exposes the fact more than any other, it's Monza.

"Having said that, I'm sure we're not the only ones concerned about this and we'll just have to do the best we can. Outside of that, however, I am pleased with the balance and speed, but let's wait until qualifying tomorrow.

"Everyone is working with different fuel levels and tyres and subsequently there is no point in reading too much into today's times."

Teammate Pedro de la Rosa completed a positive day for the Ford-owned team, the Spaniard posting the eighth fastest time despite nearly crashing in the second session. De la Rosa went off the circuit at the very fast Parabollica circuit, but somehow managed to bring the car back to the track without hitting anything.

"I went off at very high speed, kept my foot buried on the throttle and somehow managed to correct the car and find my way back onto the track," he explained. "It was a lucky escape which could well have ended-up as a big shunt.

"One has to explore the limits and let's just say that I now know where the limit is around that particular corner."