EDDIE IRVINE survived a last lap wheel to wheel challenge from Jacques Villeneuve to score his fourth podium finish of the season in the French Grand Prix at Magny Cours yesterday. Irvine's third place consolidated his fourth place in the World Championship title chase, which is now being dominated by yesterday's winner, Michael Schumacher.

A single point for Ralf Schumacher's sixth place was a lot less than the Jordan team needed at an event where the audience included Jacque Calvet, the President of Peugeot, the team's engine supplier which has not yet announced its intentions for next season. Jordan's second driver, Giancarlo Fisichella finished out of the points in ninth.

Michael Schumacher led from start to finish, with Frentzen never far behind and Irvine in third place throughout. Schumacher and Frentzen were the only drivers to opt to stay on slick tyres when rain finally arrived with just 10 of the 72 lap race left.

Irvine had shot from fifth to third as the grid powered off the line: "To be honest I didn't have a great start. I think everyone else just had a bad one," he said.

"I had a lot of wheelspin and Villeneuve braked far too early. From then on it was pretty boring really, until the rain started."

"For me the race was all about covering Villeneuve. When the rain came I asked for wets (tyres) but they said `stay out'. They were watching Villeneuve, and as he looked set to come in I pitted also. The conditions were wicked on slicks so I was glad of the intermediates."

But Irvine was soon to discover that it was not to be plain sailing to the podium: "It rained only for a lap or two and then dried out very quickly. Plus, it was only really wet on a bit of the circuit. My rear tyres started to blister very badly. When I would turn in for a corner the back of the car would try to come around."

Irvine's fourth podium place of the season helps his position at Ferrari, "things are going well at the team," Irvine said. "It would not make sense to leave now."

After celebrating on the podium, Irvine asked the press: "Which flag was it?" On hearing it was the Union Jack he continued: "I don't want to talk about it. I think they must be alternating. No comment."

A bit of brotherly help allowed Ralf Schumacher to take sixth position after he skated off on the second last lap.

"I saw Ralf going off," said Michael Schumacher. "I knew if I let him past me before the finish line he could complete another lap and possibly improve his position." This was exactly what transpired, as David Coulthard, duelling with Ralf Schumacher, went off soon afterwards.

"It was very difficult. It was like driving on soap, said the younger Schumacher. I was really lucky to get that extra lap from Michael and win a point I owe him one or perhaps this is my birthday present (he turns 22 today). The result could have been better, but I am happy to finish. It is only my second finish of the season.

Eddie Jordan of the Jordan team was profoundly unhappy as he stepped off the pit wall, but the official line was more moderate: "We're not remotely satisfied with this result. Maybe the single stop strategy for Giancarlo (Fisichella) was not the correct one - especially as he had to stop for the rain tyres," he said.