Eddie Irvine is adamant that the new wider Goodyear front tyres will put Ferrari back on par with the dominant McLarens and the Ulsterman's optimism is supported by Michael Schumacher being second fastest in yesterday's damp opening free practice session for the Argentian Grand Prix.

Schumacher was pipped by David Coulthard, with Mika Hakkinen third fastest, Irvine fifth, Ralf Schumacher sixth and Damon Hill ninth. Eddie Jordan has mentally written off the race but his drivers can't afford that luxury. Ralf Schumacher has to finish and Damon Hill must prove he's not another Capelli or Boutsen - a star extinguished at Jordan.

"McLaren have been miles ahead so far but this new front tyre is perfect for us, " said Irvine. I hate a car with understeer. I like to drive the car on the nose (maximum grip at the front). I can't cope with mid-corner understeer and that's what we should be rid off."

The new Goodyear fronts are an inch wider at 10.5 in and while the Ferraris slithered around the treacherous circuit to end up second and fifth, the fans just don't believe anyone will come near McLaren tomorrow.

Not since Nigel Mansell in 1992 has there been as strong a pre-race favourite. The bookies have Hakkinen at even money to win, Coulthard 6 to 4 and Schumacher at 6 to 1. Irvine is rated as a 33/1 shot, with the Jordan pair at 100/1. Irvine's contention that Ferrari can win will be greatly helped if the McLarens are banned from using the `green button' on the steering wheel, which their drivers activate going into slow corners. Some say it stores engine power that can be used to aid acceleration out of the corner and could be illegal.

Eddie Jordan is concerned that Hill retains full motivation for the European season starting in Imola in two weeks.

Ralf Schumacher, using huge new winglets for the first time, was in the top six all day yesterday while Hill struggled for ninth place - eight tenths of a second slower. That gap must be closed by tomorrow.