Irvine fastest in the rain at Monza

Eddie Irvine was fastest at yesterday's opening day of practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

The Ulsterman headed his team-mate and the McLarens while Damon Hill was fastest of the Jordans - ending the rain disrupted afternoon session in eighth place - three slots ahead of his departing team-mate Ralf Schumacher.

Fresh from his triumph at Spa, Eddie Jordan's objective is to close the seven-point gap to Williams who are third in the Constructors Championship while Ferrari's aim is to at least halve the seven-point deficit to Mika Hakkinen's championship leading McLaren.

Jordan positively strutted around the paddock at the historic Milanese suburb yesterday - all the pressure to get that first win gone and in the knowledge that he has taken decisive action on the driver and technical side in the last week.

Frentzen and Hill are both confirmed for next year and yesterday was Gary Anderson's last day with the team he did so much to build into a winner.

Jordan should do well at Monza - especially if Damon Hill can remain in the positive frame of mind that delivered the team its first win.

"Traditionally fast circuits like Monza suit our cars," said Jordan. "Mugen Honda have a new F-spec and coupled with the fantastic team spirit I am hopeful of at least a good few points tomorrow."

Damon Hill was hampered by a failure in the latest Mugen Honda V10 in the morning and was running eighth when the rain began to spoil the afternoon session.

"It's a terrific track," Hill said. "It's all about Parabolica which is a long, long, fast corner. You have to balance the car by playing with it a lot through the corner and your exit must be just right to get the power down as you blast away." Hill spent the wet portion of the day trying to get a good set up. During this phase Ralf Schumacher - using the soft wet Goodyears - was the fastest man on the track - though not entirely happy: "I hope it doesn't rain like this for the race. It's too dangerous in those conditions." The William's bound driver was 11th fastest overall.

Irvine, the only man to break the 85-second lap barrier yesterday, knows his brief is to help Michael Schumacher's world-title campaign which is now in serious trouble after the madness at Spa. "We have done a lot of preparation work for the race and the longer wheel base certainly seems effective. Friday's time may not mean a lot but it's nice to see your name top of the timesheets - especially in front of the Italian fans when driving a Ferrari. I hope I can give them something to cheer about on Sunday."

It's clear Ferrari have not given up yet. The Irvine-Schumacher 12 in the afternoon was the reverse of the morning session result where the German went fastest.

Clearly Maranello have made substantial progress with the F300 and coupled with the home support they will be fighting tooth and nail to keep their man to the fore tomorrow and keep him in the hunt for their first drivers' title in 19 years.