By Bigpip
July 3 2002

BBC Sport have reported on the possibility that Eddie Irvine could be back at Jordan for 2003 as we suggested a few weeks ago. Eddie Jordan was speaking from Belfast where the University of Ulster awarded him an Honorary degree, recognising his achievement in sport.

"What Eddie has is a very high level of experience," said Our Eddie.  "He's quick and I believe that Jordan can find a new motivational value inside him.

Jaguar boss Niki Lauda has admitted holding talks with Jenson Button about a deal for 2003.

Button, who may be edged out by Fernando Alonso at Renault, was rumoured to have visited the Jaguar factory in Milton Keynes several weeks ago.

Lauda, who has also tested Alonso and Mark Webber recently, confirmed that he had spoken to the 22-year-old about a switch from Renault. But he insisted that the fact he was looking elsewhere did not mean he would replace current drivers Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa.

He said: "We have looked at Alonso, Webber and we talked to Button because we are evaluating what drivers are available next year.

"We have to wait and see. It could be that we start next year again with Eddie and Pedro but it could very well be that we do something else because we haven't taken a decision yet.

"Pedro has a contract next year really so he will stay for sure. So the question is Eddie."

"I think he needs a change. He feels and we feel that Jordan is like his home." continued Jordan.

Jordan stressed that he was happy with his current drivers, rating Giancarlo Fisichella as one of the top three drivers in the world.  If Irvine leaves Jaguar at the end of the season, Jordan said he would look at the situation closely.

Irvine is keeping his cards close to his chest and has said he would be prepared to take a pay cut to secure a drive in Formula One next year.

Irvine, who will be 37 in November, said he was motivated enough still to win.

Jordan could just offer him the chance to achieve that goal.