By Phil Giles
January 23 2003

Eddie Irvine has removed himself from talks with Jordan and has announced that he's planning his possible retirement from the sport. At 37, Irvine has had a long career in the sport and was pinning his hopes of a drive this year with the team that gave him his start in F1.

The news is a blow to his fellow Irishmen and his legion of fans worldwide. Speaking to The Sun Newspaper from his home in Miami, Irvine said "It's a sad day. I have decided not to drive in Formula One this year- or at least, the moment"

Jordan have made it abundently clear that they are loking for a pay driver bringing at least £3million to the team.

Irvine's silence indicated to this site that he would not make it into a drive for 2003, however talks would appear to have been at an advanced stage.

Benson and Hedges are upset at Eddies decision as they wanted a british driver alongside Giancarlo Fisichella in the second Jordan. itis unknown as to wether they will now withdraw or further reduce their funding to the team but this could be a further upset for the struggling team.

Favourite for the drive must now be Felipe Massa, who claimed that the drive was his back in November 2003. Despite this however Enrique Bernoldi is also in the frame, as is BAR tester Anthony Davidson.