Irvine not shocked by bombings

JAKARTA (JP): Irish Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine of the Jaguar team, who has been in Bali since Dec. 24, said he was not shocked by the bomb explosions in several cities in Indonesia.

Irvine was not shocked. He said in his country, there were also bomb explosions in public places, said former national racer Tinton Soeprapto on Monday.

Irvine was on holiday in Bali with his parents.

"He comes to Bali to have his year-end vacation. He is very impressed with the place and will ask his friends to also visit Bali," Tinton said.

"Eddie will also be visiting Lombok island. Early next year, he will be our guest in Jakarta," said Tinton's son, Ananda Mikola, as quoted by Antara.

Tinton said Irvine's visit to Bali and Jakarta will help to boost the automotive sports in the country. Irvine is scheduled to have a media briefing on Jan. 4, 2001, and will witness the signing of Ananda's contract with the Astromega team in Formula 3000. (yan)