FERRARI gave some half hearted support to struggling driver Eddie Irvine yesterday as they sought to deny newspaper claims that he faces the sack.

Ferrari's move follows a campaign against Irvine waged by Italian sports daily Tuttosport, whose unsourced reports claim he will be replaced by test driver Gianni Morbidelli if he does not do well in Argentina.

Irvine finished 16th in the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend, two laps off the pace, and retired in the first lap of the season opener in Australia after a collision which he was later accused of causing.

A team spokesman said: "Ferrari have every confidence in Eddie Irvine." But he then appeared more guarded, hinting that the legendary Italian squad expected more from Irvine.

"It is decidedly premature to talk about any changes," he said, "although it's obvious that every driver must give his best and contribute to the race tactics decided by those in charge of the team."