Dark days ahead for Pizzonia? (picture Jaguar Racing/MarkThompson Getty images)

Saying that F1 rookie Antonio Pizzonia has been over shadowed by Mark Webber so far this season is a serious understatement... at the recent San Marino Grand Prix Webber qualified 10 spots ahead of the Brazilian ( 5th vs 15th) so it is no surprise that rumors started flying about his future at Jaguar Racing.

While the F1 paddock is known for its often unfounded rumors, Jaguar Racing's communication director Nav Sidhu is now quoted by the Guardian as saying "I don't think it is a great secret that Antonio's position is under review, There are a lot of things about his performances so far this year that are causing us concern. The level of disparity between his performances and those of his teammate Mark Webber is alarming."

Pizzonia was quick as a test driver for Williams BMW last year, attracting Nikki Lauda's attention and prompting the Austrian to drop Pedro de la Rosa despite his on going contract for the 2003 season before himself being shown the door earlier this year. Not surprisingly, Lauda blamed the team for Pizzonia's poor performance hinting that the rookie needs help from his team but that this help is just not there...

The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix will be a crucial time for Pizzonia, possibly his final chance. Replacing him might not be easy in the middle of the season and Jaguar is likely to be looking for experience this time around. No that doens't mean bring Eddie Irvine out of retirement but current McLaren test driver Alexander Wurtz would be a possible choice bringing a lot of experience. The 29 year old Austrian, who raced for Benetton before being left out of a race seat in 2001, has proven quick in testing with McLaren often matching the pace of the Coulthard and Raikonen. However, in his last two racing seasons, with Benetton in 1999 and 2000, he finished the championship far behind teammate Giancarlo Fisichela (3 points to 13 in 99 and 2 points to 18 in 2000). His best season was 1998 were he finished 8th, just one point ahead of Fisichella.

Maybe Eddie Irvine should be brought out of retirement after all... or should that be ... bought out of retirement?