Sep 7, 1999

Ferrari Bails on Irvine

By JR Nerad




Do you fire the driver who could win you the world constructor's championship? If you're the powers that be at Ferrari you do. Last week the boys from Maranello sent Irvine his walking papers despite the fact that the feisty Northern Irishman is their only chance to win the world title this year. To replace Irvine, Ferrari hired Rubens Barichello, who is expected to fill the number-two seat at Ferrari behind the injured but returning Michael Schumacher.

Irvine announced quite loudly earlier this season that he wouldn't be willing to be relegated to second-driver status after Schumacher's return, and he promptly reeled off two wins in a row to accentuate the point.

Irvine, who served his apprenticeship during four years with Ferrari, is expected to essentially trade places with Barrichello, replacing him as the number one driver at Stewart next season.


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