Monday June 18th, 2001

Eddie Irvine is fit and ready for the European Grand Prix at Germany's Nurburgring this weekend, despite missing testing time at Silverstone last week.

Ulsterman Irvine skipped the major test at the British circuit after suffering neck pains early on the first day, but he is now recovered and ready to hit the track once more.

"Having missed last week's test at Silverstone because of a slight neck injury, I'm keen to get back behind the wheel at the Nurburgring," said Irvine. "Actually, if I had to miss a test then that was probably the one to chose. It's a short test day at Silverstone and there are usually more red flags than anywhere else as well, so it's not as though you can get much done."

"I like the Nurburgring," continued Irvine. "I started from the front row in 1998 and have got a couple of fourth place finishes, as well as a fifth and a sixth. And this will be the first time we have raced here in the middle of summer, so hopefully we can get through the weekend without any rain for once."