Takuma Sato's exit from Jordan could hand a Formula 1 lifeline to Eddie Irvine.

The Japanese driver confirmed he will join Brackley-based British American Racing as a test driver after coming to an "amicable agreement" to end his contract with Jordan.

Cash worries - brought on by main sponsor Deutsche Post's pull-out - have forced team boss Eddie Jordan to look for a paying driver to partner Giancarlo Fisichella next season.

That could open the door for Ulsterman Irvine, without a drive since Jaguar opted not to renew his contract at the end of this season.

Jordan sponsors Benson & Hedges are believed to be keen to have a British driver on board.

Irvine is believed to face competition from former Arrows driver Enrique Bernoldi, who would bring substantial backing from Red Bull, while former Sauber driver Felipe Massa is also in the frame.

Other drivers also linked with the Jordan seat are Irish drivers Ralph Firman and Richard Lyons.

Firman won the Formula Nippon series in Japan at the end of October and recently took part in a test session with BAR in Barcelona.

Lyons, like Irvine from Northern Ireland, also raced in the Formula Nippon and the Japanese GT series last season.

Despite showing Sato the door, Jordan is convinced the 25-year-old can build on the fine fifth position he scored at the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix.

He said: "Takuma Sato has natural driving talent and a lot of bravery. We had an eventful and exciting season together this year.

"I have every confidence in him and I hope he will build on the ability that we saw demonstrated in Suzuka - perhaps one of the best drives of the season."

Sato's move to BAR - initially for a year as test driver before a possible two years in a race seat - looks like marking the end of Jacques Villeneuve's career with the squad.

Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, will be out of contract at the end of next season, and team boss David Richards has hinted he is unlikely to offer the Canadian another lucrative deal.