Irvine 'not interested' in 2003 Jaguar.

Eddie Irvine's demeanour at the United States Grand prix was in complete contrast to the sense of optimism washing over the rest of the Jaguar Racing team following renewed backing from parent company Ford.

The Irishman told journalists that he did not see the vote of confidence issued from the Blue Oval offices in Detroit as likely to turn around the fortunes of the team he took to a surprise podium finish at Monza two weeks ago, and acted as though he had already made up his mind to quit the Milton Keynes operation after the Japanese GP next month.

Irvine has long kept the motorsport media second guessing his intentions for 2003, having given no indication until now that he either intended to stay with or leave Jaguar. Fighting performances that have masked the deficiencies of the R3-Cosworth on occasion this season have kept his name in the frame at rival teams - notably Jordan - and it was only the cynicism he displayed at Indianapolis that began to crack the mask.

"Moving up the grid is dependant a lot on what other people do, not just yourself," he told Britain's Sunday Telegraph newspaper, "But, if you have got people spending $200million and they are as well organised - or better organised - than you, and you are only spending $100million, you ain't going to beat them.

"I have heard [Ford's promises of greater backing] three or four times since I joined Jaguar, but I don't understand anything. Does 'more commitment' mean that there was not enough commitment before?"

Irvine went on to say that, after suffering at the hands of this year's recalcitrant car, he had 'no interest' in the 2004 model, further suggesting that his eyes are already coveting a seat away from Jaguar.