Alesi For Irvine Swap Denied

The possibility of Jean Alesi returning to Ferrari in place of Eddie Irvine has been denied by the Italian team in the face of mounting rumours suggesting the swap is imminent.


The Italian media has apparently suggested that the team's former favourite is all set to transfer from Sauber for 1999, but the stories have been refuted by both Michael Schumacher and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.


(I have read some unbelievable things about Irvine in the papers,) said di Montezemolo, (and they don't even deserve to be denied. It's like talking about things which happen on the moon. But then in twenty years with Ferrari, it has always been like this, and I would be surprised if it wasn't.)


Schumacher, meanwhile, was quick to defend a team-mate with whom he clearly gets along. (I don't think Eddie can go,) said the German, (He's got a contract for next year - and, besides, I work well with him.)


Despite the rumours, Ferrari - with both Schumacher and Irvine - continue to prepare for this season's final race at Suzuka in Japan. The circuit is one of the Irishman's favourites and, with his experience of F3000 in Japan, he should be able to offer creditable help to Schumacher's title challenge.