Motor Racing: Irvine crosses to Jordan

JUST AS Ayrton Senna was immersing himself into serious work with Williams-Renault here yesterday, a commotion down the pit lane announced the arrival of an all-too-familiar face. Eddie Irvine was reporting for duty as Formula One's newest full- time driver, writes Derick Allsop from Estoril, Portugal.

Irvine, who was on the end of Senna's punch after his grand prix debut in Japan, three months ago, has a one- year contract and an option for a further year with Jordan- Hart. The 28-year-old Ulsterman accepted an offer from the Silverstone-based team when Martin Brundle declined to commit himself to the job. He has taken a substantial reduction in salary to join Jordan.

Christian Fittipaldi, of Brazil, has signed for Footwork.