Motor Racing: Irvine signs up for Jordan

THE United Kingdom will have a sixth driver in the final two races of the Formula One world championship. Jordan-Hart confirmed yesterday that they are to give Eddie Irvine his grand prix debut in Japan later this month, and use him again in Australia, writes Derick Allsop.

The 27-year-old from Northern Ireland drove for Jordan in Formula 3000 and has spent the past three seasons competing in the Japanese Formula 3000 Championship, connections which have stood him in good stead.

He also impressed the team's owner, Eddie Jordan, at this year's Le Mans 24-hour race. Jordan, the Silverstone-based Dubliner, said: 'To see an Irish driver racing one of my Formula One cars will be the accomplishment of a long-held personal ambition. More than that, though, I know Eddie will do a good job for us.'

Irvine becomes the fifth partner to Brazil's Rubens Barrichello in the team this season and is anxious to make a more lasting impression than some of his predecessors. He said: 'This is a wonderful opportunity for me and Japan is the perfect place for my first grand prix. It's the closest thing there is to a 'home' event for me.'

Peugeot will supply McLaren with V10 engines next season. 'The new engine will be bench-tested at the end of December and in a car at the end of January 1994,' Peugeot said yesterday.