THE sister of Formula One Jaguar driver Eddie Irvine has got a new job - as the queen of the Grand Prix parties.
Sonia travels the world setting-up the glitzy gala nights attended by all the major race teams.
Her new job comes two years after the 36-year-old resigned from Eddie's support team while he was No2 driver at Ferrari.
As well as being his diary keeper, running his hectic social life off the track, Sonia also worked as the playboy's personal physiotherapist and his fitness trainer.
Despite parting company, the brother and sister still remained very close.
Eddie said after the split: "She isn't my personal assistant any more.
"She wanted to do her own thing and not just be known as Eddie Irvine's sister."
Sonia continued with her fitness routine work and set up her own consultancy business.
But since the start of this year's Grand Prix season, Sonia has been running the Grand Prix balls which were formerly run by her old friends Nick Judge and Paul Marshall.
She has already organised the parties at Monaco in May, which was attended by Prince Albert and Italian motor racing mogul Flavio Briatore and catwalk model girlfriend Naomi Campbell.
Other gala nights on the calendar include ones at Silverstone on July 13, Hockenheim on July 27, Monza on September 14 and the US on September 28.
And the stars of the F1 racing world and their teams turned out in force on Friday night for the banquet night in Montreal before today's Grand Prix race.
The lavish balls include champagne receptions, a four-course gourmet dinner with vintage wines, a massive fireworks display and a charity auction.
The charity event is the highlight of the night with drivers Heinz- Harald Frentzen, David Coulthard, Mika Hakkinen, Johnny Herbert, Jarno Trulli, Olivier Panis and brother Eddie are all supporters of the ball.
Said a source: "They are all very supportive of Sonia and the charity auction.
"They have donated prizes such as their overalls, car parts, gloves and stuff.
"Eddie has also been very generous.
"One of the prizes he has auctioned is the chance to win a week on his 85-ft luxury cruiser, The Anaconda."
And since the charity auctions have been launched, the great and the good of the motor racing world have helped raised more than $500,000 for a children's leukemia charity and a trust for people with brain and spinal injuries.
Both Sonia and Eddie make regular trips back home to their parents house in Conlig, Co Down.
However, when on leave from the racing circuit, Eddie spends most of his time at his plush home in Dalkey, Co Dublin which is currently undergoing a pounds 2million facelift.
And if he is not in Dublin, Eddie is touring the high seas on his Anaconda yacht which is moored in the South of France.
As well as his home in Dalkey, Eddie also has luxury apartments in London and New York.
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