Any news on Jacques?

[blinkmeat]

Just wondering

[yg60m]

There were strong rumours on his come back in Williams some weeks ago but now it seems that it was just a rumour. ...

[chipanggo]

looks like this rumor has fizzled out now, but i'll still keep my eye on this one. i'd really like to see villeneuve back in f1. hopefully in a williams or in another competitive car.

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

I always thought that the coming back of Jacques Villeneuve was never going to come true, mostly due to the poor 2 years at least on the BAR team, and mostly as well because Jaques was beaten clearly last season by Jenson Button, when he wasnt supposed to be.

[blinkmeat]

So there's nothing more on the rumour front?

[ae86_16v]

By the way, apparently he contacted David Richards and that he wants to work something out. He wants to put the past behind him and resolve their relationships. He also said that he was hungry to get back into F1.

This happened this weekend by the way.

[Toronto]

as ae86_16v said he told a british newspaper that he is talking to BAR,
BAR has said nothing,

[spd]

I think this is just a plain rumours!!!

[ae86_16v]

Now he is talking to Sauber. Damn, this guy is desperate.


Villeneuve more determined than ever
to make a come back in 2005


There is a lot of talk about Jacques Villeneuve's possible return to BAR in 2005 but it seems that the Canadian is looking at more than one option for a drive in Formula One next season.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Villeneuve visited the Sauber facilities in Hinwil (Switzerland) two days ago. The 1997 World Champion didn't make any comment about his three-hour visit in Hinwil.

Villeneuve arrived from Montreal and left the Sauber factory by helicopter, heading back to his home in Villars, Switzerland.

Asked if Villeneuve will replace Giancarlo Fisichella in 2005, Peter Sauber only replied that "nothing has been decided yet..."

http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/040819163933.shtml

[Toronto]

if he signs with Sauber that would be a good combo, remeber the last Villeneuve/ferrari team :D

[ae86_16v]

i dont blame him one bit, if i was him i would try and talk to every team. and Sauber is in need of a driver, and with thier proggression this season so far it wouldnt be a bad fit for JV. he just has to remember that well its Sauber and itll be a long time before they ever become very competitive.

Yeah, but I thought one of the conditions for coming back (as well as leaving BAR) was that it has to be with a competitive team, which BAR wasn't last year.

I would tried to get a ride with either BAR or well, I guess BAR is the only team that is competitive that doesn't have drivers locked up yet.

I don't think he'll be a good fit for a developing team. I think he wants to win and wants to win now.

I am looking forward for him to come back though.

[SPAD]

I think with some luck JV could get the sauber on the podium.but like i said with some luck.Also der is talk of him going back to B.A.R. and with the winnings they should get from this season i think they will again be fourth or fifth next year.it would be nice to see him do well again.

[chipanggo]

JV in a sauber doesn't seem to click for me. with BAR's performance this season, it will definitely be nice to see JV running a competitive car like the BAR.

[ae86_16v]

On to Renault. . .


Renault look to Villeneuve as Trulli alternative
Villeneuve is at Silverstone this week

Renault might replace Jarno Trulli with former world champion Jacques Villeneuve for the last three Grands Prix of the 2004 Formula One season in China, Japan and Brazil.

Sources close to the French team said they were negotiating with Trulli who leaves for Toyota next season.

"A decision should be taken Wednesday," he added.

Villeneuve, who left BAR last year before the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix, was at Silverstone this week where Renault were testing before flying to Shangai for the Chinese GP.

If Villeneuve feels he is not ready then Renault might replace Trulli with French driver Frank Montagny.

The Canadian, who won the world championship in 1997, had also been talked about as a possible replacement at Sauber for Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella, who will move to Renault next year.


http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/040914123341.shtml

[ingko]

Well, looks like Jacques is testing for Renault on Wed and Thurs. He apparently had a seat fitting on Tuesday according to F1-live. Can't wait to hear how he does.

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team this evening announced that French- Canadian Jacques Villeneuve will test for the team at Silverstone on Wednesday and Thursday.

Villeneuve conducted a seat-fitting at the team's Enstone base on Tuesday evening, and will begin acclimatising himself to the Renault R24 tomorrow at the Northamptonshire circuit.

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore commented:

"We have reached an agreement for Jacques to test for the team at Silverstone on Wednesday and Thursday. This test might lead to Jacques joining the team for the final three races of the season beginning next week at the Chinese Grand Prix."

[chipanggo]

Well, looks like Jacques is testing for Renault on Wed and Thurs. He apparently had a seat fitting on Tuesday according to F1-live. Can't wait to hear how he does.

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team this evening announced that French- Canadian Jacques Villeneuve will test for the team at Silverstone on Wednesday and Thursday.

Villeneuve conducted a seat-fitting at the team's Enstone base on Tuesday evening, and will begin acclimatising himself to the Renault R24 tomorrow at the Northamptonshire circuit.

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore commented:

"We have reached an agreement for Jacques to test for the team at Silverstone on Wednesday and Thursday. This test might lead to Jacques joining the team for the final three races of the season beginning next week at the Chinese Grand Prix."


we just might see jv earlier than expected. if ever he does drive for renault for the remaining races this year, he still does not have a regular race seat for next season. renault has got alonso and fisi already.

[biff19_a]

my money is on Renault.. for the final races... This is a test.. he must prove himself to be the driver that he once was. Then next year..Sauber.. BAR is out of the frame as there is too much bad blood between them.. Its like a marriage.. very hard to go back to the wife after all the fights and bitter divorce

[Wutputt]

Well it's now officially confirmed: Jacques Villeneuve has signed a two year contract with Sauber.

SAUBER PETRONAS has signed Jacques Villeneuve as a new driver from the 2005 season onwards. The 33-year-old Canadian entered into a two-year contract, which will come into effect on November 1, 2004. Jacques Villeneuve will be the team mate of Felipe Massa who will continue to drive for SAUBER PETRONAS next year.

Expressing his enthusiasm about signing Jacques Villeneuve, Team Principal Peter Sauber said: "I have to admit that signing a former World Champion is something truely special for me. However, I want to make it clear that this was not the decisive factor. When I was talking to Jacques, I could feel that he is absolutely keen and committed to return to Formula One. He was always a great fighter and I am convinced that together we can achieve a lot. I fully realise that signing a former World Champion is also an obligation for the team to provide him with a car that meets his expectations. SAUBER PETRONAS has made considerable progress this year, and I am confident that we are ready to tackle this challenge."

Jacques Villeneuve is also optimistic: "I am extremely excited to be back in Formula One with the SAUBER PETRONAS Team, and I appreciate the confidence everybody is showing in me. It is my goal to work with Peter and his team to bring them forward in the championship during the next two seasons. In my recent visit to Sauber I have been extremely impressed by the professionalism which is apparent throughout the factory. I am looking forward to seeing the results that will be developed by the state-of-the-art wind tunnel."

Jacques Villeneuve entered Formula One in 1996 and won a total of eleven races. He was World Champion in 1997.

[biff19_a]

i guess hes desprite to get back in as i beleive he said that he had offers before he left to stay in F1 with a team but he didnt take it as he only wanted to sign with teams that had a chance of winning...and as we know saubers record of wins in F1..huh none i beleive. You had a better chance with Renault Jacques

[5vz-fe]

Doesn't look too quick on his first day of return.

Silverstone - 15/09/2004
1. K. Raikkonen - McLaren-Mercedes - 1'16"150 - 60 laps
2. T. Sato BAR-Honda - 1'17"128 - 86 laps
3. P. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes - 1'17"207 - 94 laps
4. O. Panis - Toyota - 1'17"269 - 101 laps
5. J. Button - BAR-Honda - 1'17"597 - 103 laps
6. R. Zonta - Toyota - 1'17"651 - 132 laps
7. M. Gene - Williams-BMW - 1'17"719 - 81 laps
8. F. Alonso - Renault - 1'17"794 - 37 laps
9. R. Schumacher - Williams-BMW - 1'18"383 - 37 laps
10. J. Villeneuve - Renault - 1'18"779 - 70 laps

Hope he will fare better tomorrow.

[chipanggo]

and so the villeneuve saga continues. i believe he'll get bearings back and have a better test tomorrow. anyway, good luck to him on his test and on his new career at sauber.

[HoboPie]

Much better:

Times:
01 Sato BAR 1:17:398 81 laps
02 Räikkönen McLaren 1:17:410 94 laps
03 Villeneuve Renault 1:17:434 66 laps
04 Schumacher Williams 1:17:725 55 laps
05 Trulli Toyota 1:17:913 83 laps
06 Davidson BAR 1:17:967 69 laps
07 de la Rosa McLaren 1:18:405 93 laps
08 Montagny Renault 1:19:136 89 laps
09 Briscoe Toyota 1:19:152 84 laps
10 Bernoldi BAR 1:21:351 11 laps

[5vz-fe]

not bad not bad...........Damn, I really hope Villeneuve drive for Renault at China

[robruf]

Holy crap, he has improved and he is still one of the favourites to place your money on, it would be great if he made a podium with only 3 races this year, never forget, he took on Micheal and beat him, the only other drivers that can do that was Mika, and now Kimi. He is rested and ready, now if only he can complete the Canadian GP, I will be excited, as the last 5 times there, he didn't finish.

[chipanggo]

good news to all the jacques villeneuve fans in the house, i just read over at f1racing.net that flavio briatore has confirmed jacques villeneuve will be racing the remaining grands prix of the season in a renault.

[ae86_16v]

Yeah, that is pretty exciting stuff (lap times that is).

I am still surprise that he signed with a back of the grid team, at best, mid-grid.

[5vz-fe]

YES!!!! Thank you for bring the good news.....Can't wait to see the China GP
I think it will seriously spike things up if he gets to the podium

[Wutputt]

There is a rumour Villeneuve will only race for Renault in China, after then he will switch places with Fisichella. So he will drive the last 2 races with Sauber and Fisichella will drive them with Renault.

[FerrariKiller]

I can't wait for China, my favorite driver on my favorite team. Next year I will have switch to Sauber. It's a good thing I like rooting for the underdog. But for now I think Renault and Jacques are a perfect match.