Irvine thrilled by rally 'madness'

Eddie Irvine fulfilled his long time wish to try out a rally car when he went for a ride in Colin McRae's Ford Focus in the run up to this weekend's British finale of the World Rally Championship. Irvine had hoped to be behind the wheel himself but ...

Eddie Irvine fulfilled his long time wish to try out a rally car when he went for a ride in Colin McRae's Ford Focus in the run up to this weekend's British finale of the World Rally Championship. Irvine had hoped to be behind the wheel himself but settled for being McRae's passenger: given his comments afterwards it was probably just as well.

Eddie Irvine.

Photo by Jaguar Racing.

"I've flown in fighter jets and been bounced around in super-quick powerboats, but nothing compares to the experience of sitting alongside Colin," Irvine said in the British press. "It was truly awesome and in all honesty, I have to confess the experience was better than sex! I have never felt so invigorated in my life. When we first set off I wasn't sure whether I was enjoying it or not because I kept thinking to myself, 'This is madness.' I was just thankful when we stopped."

"After witnessing the way Colin handled the car, there was no point in me having a go because I would have been so far off the pace. At times the car was completely airborne and at others we were sideways with the speedo touching 100mph. I knew Colin was good but he's certainly gone up in my estimation. And I certainly have no intention of trying to become a professional rally driver."

Better than sex Eddie? Considering the Irishman's reputation, it must be one hell of an experience: form an orderly queue next to Colin McRae's Ford Focus.