INDIANAPOLIS -- Eddie Irvine's Formula One future should become clear within weeks after his Jaguar team said it needed to make an announcement before the end of the season.

Team principal Niki Lauda told a news conference at the U.S. Grand Prix that Jaguar had decided nothing yet but would have to make an announcement soon.

"There has to be one by the end of the season," the Austrian said. "In November we start testing. So we need to have a driver there."

The season ends in Japan on Oct. 13.

Jaguar's Spanish driver Pedro de la Rosa has a contract with the team for 2003 and Lauda said the decision concerned Irvine, at 36 the oldest driver in F1.

The Northern Irishman said at the last race in Italy that he knew what he wanted to do next season but has kept his cards close to his chest.

Speculation has linked him to Jordan as well as staying at Jaguar. Irvine finished third at Monza and has scored all eight of the team's points this year. Lauda said no decision had been taken.

"It can go in any direction," Lauda said. "Eddie can stay or someone else (come in). It isn't decided yet."