Q&A: Eddie Irvine on Imola.

Jaguar driver Eddie Irvine talks about the forthcoming San Marino Grand Prix, what Italy means to him and his relationship with the tifosi:

Q: What does Italy mean to you?

A: "It's one of my homes now, so I guess I like it. I learned a lot when I was driving for that well-known Italian team! (Ferrari). Not just about motor racing, but about life. The Italians have a laid-back attitude that suits me down to the ground. They know how to live well. They drink without getting drunk, they eat well without getting fat and are generally a pretty sophisticated lot, even though they are hot-blooded and emotional. I suppose the one aspect I appreciate about Italy more than anything is the weather. Coming from the UK, I realised what I had been missing in terms of not being cold or wet all year round and being able to eat outside."

Q: Do you still have a lot of fans in Italy?

A: "Oh yes. The tifosi have long memories, as long as you have done a good job for them. You only have to look at all the banners hanging over the fence opposite the pits at Imola. I bet there will be loads for (Jean) Alesi and (Gerhard) Berger. I can't say I like being gawped at when I'm eating in restaurants, but it's nice when people call out your name and wave in the streets. It also comes in handy for the odd Parking Ticket! But mess with the fans and they'll turn on you. The last thing I reminded myself before I went out on the track at Imola for the first time on Friday morning was to wave to the fans. If you don't do that, getting into the track can be difficult the next day."

Q: What are the challenges of the Imola track?

A: "In the old days it used to be hard on fuel consumption, but that's no longer a problem. Instead, the brakes, gearbox and transmission can take a pounding. It's an anti-clockwise track, but we should be used to that after Brazil. There are not too many places to overtake, so a good start is essential. It also means you can be slowed by back markers. On the strategy side, I guess it should be a two-stopper. It usually is and with tyre wear a important factor this year, a one stop seems unlikely, although we won't be sure until we get there."

Q: How do you think the R2 will go in Imola?

A: "It's hard to say. Twelfth place on the grid is pretty much where we are in the pecking order right now and that isn't going to change overnight. At the test in Jerez, I did a lot of tyre testing with encouraging results and we also have some new aerodynamic bits, which improved front-end stability. On a track that often sees a high retirement rate, the fact the R2 us a reliable old girl might pay off for us."