Eddie Irvine may have waved goodbye to Formula One motor racing after failing to secure a drive with Jordan this season.
The 37-year-old Ulsterman, who started his Formula One career with Jordan in 1993, was sacked by Jaguar last year.
"It's a sad day. I have decided not to drive in F1 this year - or at least at the moment," he told the Sun newspaper.
"In July last year I made up my mind to drive for Jordan Grand Prix. I had very strong feelings about returning to the team which started my F1 career," he said.
"Unfortunately, due to the economic downturn, Jordan are forced to look for a driver who brings extra funds to the team. I can only bring speed, reliability and greater experience".
Jordan boss Eddie Jordan has made it clear he needs to sign a driver who can bring £3 million sterling with him to ease their cash problems.
Irvine said he had been looking forward to testing himself under the new rules introduced this season.
"It's a shame because I really would have enjoyed the rule changes, specially single-lap qualifying," he said. "Driving alongside Giancarlo Fisichella would have been fantastic. I would have been working with a driver I really respect.
"I have always had a lot of affection for Jordan as a team. They gave me my big break in 1993 and I thought I could end my career with them," Irvine said.
Irvine had his best championship in 1999 when he finished runner-up in the drivers' standings in a Ferrari after team-mate Michael Schumacher broke his leg.
But at 37 his time appears to be up and it would be highly unlikely he will be able to find an outfit for next year.
AFP