Irvine clinging to Jordan dream

Eddie Irvine is missing Formula One but still hopes to secure a drive with Jordan to stave off retirement after a decade in grand…

Eddie Irvine is missing Formula One but still hopes to secure a drive with Jordan to stave off retirement after a decade in grand prix racing.

"The one thing which keeps me going is believing I still have a chance to drive for Jordan," the 37-year-old Irishman told the Suntoday.

"I have unfinished business in Formula One and would love the chance to team up with Giancarlo Fisichella because that would be a mega line-up."

Irvine, championship runner-up with Ferrari in the 1999 season, was released by Jaguar at the end of his contract in October.

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The oldest driver on the grid last season, Irvine has been repeatedly linked with a return to the Irish team where he started his career in 1993.

Jordan still have a vacancy after Japan's Takuma Sato returned to BAR as a test driver for 2003 but the team have said his replacement must bring sponsorship.

Irvine is a frontrunner for the seat but other leading candidates include Brazilians Felipe Massa and Enrique Bernoldi.

"My whole life has revolved around racing and the spark is still there - its been really weird not being part of winter testing," said Irvine.

"I miss trying to find ways of making the car go quicker. Working with engineers to evaluate various components on the car is fun.