Tuesday June 12th, 2001

Jaguar driver Eddie Irvine and Sauber's Nick Heidfeld have pulled out of a three-day testing session at the Silverstone circuit, both complaining of physical problems.

Irvine, who crashed into Heidfeld at the Canadian Grand Prix last Sunday, felt a neck pain at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he finished in third place, and though he was fine in Canada, the Irishman withdrew from Silverstone after the pain returned.

"I felt a pain in my neck at the race in Monaco," Irvine was quoted as saying on Jaguar Racing's website. "The pain was addressed afterwards and up until now it had been fine. However, because of the hectic schedule we've had over the past few weeks, it hasn't had a complete period of rest from race and test activities.

"When I was in the car this morning, doing an installation lap, the G-forces loaded up to the extent that it felt like a knife going through my neck. I had to stop, it's as simple as that, and I'll be resting for the next few days. It's not serious, or a big issue, and I'll be back in action at the Nurburgring."

Heidfeld was only capable of completing four laps at Silverstone before an engine problem halted his progress. However, the German driver was not feeling well after the accident in Canada and decided to pull out from the test. Teammate Kimi Raikkonen will replace him tomorrow.

"Most of the time I feel ok but I have a slight headache," said Heidfeld. "So it is best to have a proper check up. I'm sure that Kimi will be able to get our programme back on schedule tomorrow."