Irvine ready for Melbourne

During winter testing Jaguar had a rough time. First they discovered the new R3 had design flaws in the front wing and then the abrupt departure of technical director Steve Nichols, followed by frantic work to get the car back on target. Now with changes to aerodynamics in the front wing, rear suspension and the floor of the car, Eddie Irvine believes that they have sorted out the problems and are ready for Melbourne. Earlier in the week he said that he expected Jaguar to be battling it out with the likes of Jordan, BAR and Sauber and hopes to qualify in the top ten at Albert Park.

"We've made a huge step forward in weight saving and design," he commented, "and when the final part of the aero package is installed prior to Melbourne, we'll get a better idea of how far we've come. As for me, my main objective is to qualify in the top ten at Melbourne and run a good, strong race. I'm ready for the season and fitter than ever."

Ferrari, according to Irvine, may have made a big mistake by sticking with tyre supplier Bridgestone; their main rivals McLaren and Williams both now run on Michelin, as do Jaguar and the Irishman thinks the Maranello marquee will be at a disadvantage: "The Michelin tyres are so impressive that I think any team without them is at a massive disadvantage. Having Michelin boots on your car this year will be a winning part of the equation. If Ferrari was on Michelins, then the rest of us might as well pack up and go home.“ He remarked.