Ferrari announced yesterday that Eddie Irvine would continue to drive for the Formula One team next year, ending months of speculation over the Ulsterman's future. A one-line statement read: "The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro announces to have exercised the existing option with the Grand Prix driver Eddie Irvine in respect of the 1998 sporting season."

Irvine, who like team-mate Michael Schumacher struggled with reliability problems in last year's car, is currently sixth in the world drivers' championship which is led by his German colleague.