JULY 14, 2000
Irvine withdraws from Austrian Grand Prix
EDDIE IRVINE'S miserable season hit a further low when he withdrew from the Austrian Grand Prix after suffering suspected appendicitis.
The Ulsterman, who took victory at the A1-Ring in 1999, finished Friday's practice session in 21st before pulling out of the race after advice from surgeons at the circuit's Medical Centre.
"Having taken the advice of the surgeons here in Austria, Eddie has flown back to England to undergo further tests so a fuller diagnosis can be given," Jaguar chairman Neil Ressler said.
"It was the opinion of the medical team that given the discomfort he was in, there was little point in him continuing this weekend. Our priority is to ensure that Eddie returns to full health as quickly as possible."
The team's Brazilian test driver Luciano Burti, 25, will be handed his first chance to impress in Sunday's race as Irvine's replacement.