I could live with the situation because Eddie has driven for me often enough. In the magazine interview, Irvine complained that Ferrari's response to his recent success had been lukewarm. With everyone else, I just have a working relationship, and there's a big difference between the two. According to the magazine, Irvine said he's been talking to Stewart-Ford about next year's Grand Prix season, but said he would wait and see whether he remains the No. 1 driver when Schumacher returns to action. Irvine on Thursday declined to comment on reports that he will to drive for Stewart-Ford next season.
Next year is a long time away.
Schumacher, who was replaced on the Ferrari team by Mika Salo, might be well enough to race again next month. With six races left in the season, a victory in Budapest would pad Irvine's lead in the standings and bolster his hopes of becoming the first Ferrari driver to win the title since Jody Scheckter in 1979.