Irvine set for summer break

After the exertions of the last two races, dominated by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, the 22 drivers in the field are enjoying a break for the action in their own different ways. For Jaguar Racing driver Eddie Irvine, the extended break offers a chance to catch up with friends and family before the season rolls onto Hungary.

"This three-week break idea which started last year is a really sensible thing to do, especially for the guys in the team who work so hard and don't get to spend much time at home," Irvine told his official fan club online. "I think it's a shame it doesn't appear to be carried over in the 2003 F1 calendar which is doing the rounds."

Whenever he has the time, Irvine also likes to take his boat 'The Annaconda' out for a paddle and can often be found on his mobile home from home between races.

"My boat is currently being sailed down to Croatia, so while it's making its way there, I'm on a mini-tour, catching up with friends I don't usually have the time to see. First stop is Paris, which is good fun at this time of year as most of the locals have headed off to the sea and the places I go are off the tourist track. From there I'm heading off to Spain for a couple of days, before picking up my girlfriend and some other mates for two weeks on the boat."

Although the break presents an ideal opportunity for drivers and teams to relax and let their hair down away from the hustle and bustle of the circuit, a driver's mind is never far away and Eddie knows he will still have to keep trim.

"Obviously, I can't let myself go as I would at the end of the season, because I need to stay in shape, but it will be a good chance to chill out. I also plan to give some serious thought to my future. It can be hard to think clearly when you are concentrating on a grand prix weekend so this break means I can empty my mind of all the unnecessary stuff and plan things out logically."

-jaguar-