Saturday September 4th, 1999

Shortly after Ferrari announced the deal with Rubens Barrichello, Eddie Irvine commented, "Everything has to come to an end. I have enjoyed several great years with Ferrari and I have to thank them for that. You only have to look at my first year, when I was on the podium only once. This year I've stood on the podium seven times so it has been a great honor for me to drive for Ferrari. They have been good to me, and I've been good to them."

Irvine, who is expected to be replacing Barrichello at Ford (Jaguar) next year, said the decision was his to leave Ferrari, explaining that, "There is no way that I could come back and be number two to Michael Schumacher again next season." He added, however: "But my time at Ferrari has been a wonderful experience."

Barrichello himself, who reportedly will be earning five million Dollars a year at Ferrari, said he was excited about the move and was confident he could be competing with Michael Schumacher. "I am really excited about the move to Ferrari," he said. "They are a great team with a great reputation, and now I've got a great opportunity.

"We have been talking for some time, but I'm delighted that I've now finally put pen to paper. Most drivers dream about driving for Ferrari with their long tradition in Formula One. They are the most prestigious and well-known team in the sport. They have the best cars, and there is no doubt that when I drive for them next season I'll be in one of those cars."

"There were a few other offers on the table but Ferrari were the team I was most serious about. There is still that elusive first grand prix to win, and now I have that chance to fulfil that ambition next year. This move will definitely make this happen.

"I'm certainly not going to hold back, and if I'm fast enough I don't believe that team orders will come into play. I do not know Michael that well, as we've only met in de-briefing sessions, but I'm sure we will get on well."