McLaren Team chief, Ron Dennis, told Ferrari's Eddie Irvine to put a lid on his latest flow of remarks, from anything on how he can better Mika Hakkinen in the title chase to criticising Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.

"Eddie should spend his time focusing on his own performance and trying to get the best out of his team rather than making remarks that are counter-productive to that process," Dennis told Sky Television. He also said he was confident of winning the championship this year, even more so with Schumacher's absence. "We've got a far more realistic package now in speed and performance to win the championship with or without Michael Schumacher," said Dennis, "But he's a very competitive individual and with him not being around, it will make life easier."

McLaren's leading driver, Mika Hakkinen, also reflected on Schumacher's absence and was quoted as saying: "I will miss Michael as an opponent in Formula One, but I cannot tell myself that it will be easier from now on. If one does that there is the danger of losing everything. I have to continue to concentrate 100 per cent. Irvine may draw closer and so may Coulthard, especially after his win in Silverstone. Up to now Eddie was behind me, but the new situation will make a difference. But I don't know how he will fare now. He will have the full support of Ferrari which could give him a big boost."

Speaking of support, Michael Schumacher's spokesman, Heiner Buchinger, downplayed speculations that the German would rather sit out the whole season than come back to Ferrari as Irvine's aide in the championship chase. "If Michael comes back, he will help Eddie," said Buchinger. "His job is to get Ferrari the title. If it's him or Eddie, so what? He's professional enough to cope."