Retirement rumours are c**p, says Irvine.

Jaguar driver Eddie Irvine has branded reports in the Italian press that he will retire at the end of 2002 as rubbish.

Irv told his personal website: "I couldn't believe it when I saw that the Italian scribblers were at it again. It was news to me, but apparently I'm retiring at the end of next year."

"Obviously, they haven't heard of the telephone, or they could have called me and I would have given them the truth. So, in case the story snowballs, I'll say it one more time: I am not planning to retire at the end of the 2002 season."

He added: "I don't know when I'll retire and I have made no plans for retirement. Just because Jaguar Racing has not had a brilliant year this year, it doesn't mean I'm going to give up at the end of 2002 when my contract runs out."

"The irony of the situation is that I would have been more likely to hang up my helmet if Jaguar Racing had finished in the top three this year and looked like being in with a chance of winning the championship next season."