Villeneuve ready to return

[FourWheelDrift]

Autosport said:

Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve says he is ready to step back into a grand prix car whenever the chance arises, reports this week's Autosport magazine. The French-Canadian misses his first home grand prix this weekend since his arrival in F1 in 1996. Despite rumours that he will test for Williams-BMW in the near future, Villeneuve says there has been no contact with the Grove-based team, but claims he is ready and raring to go if he gets a call. "I train every day in a very intensive way," he said. "Moreover, I've just bought two helmets and prepared two visors, with two sets of white overalls – at my expense. "One never knows what can happen, and if someone calls, I have the physical condition and the readiness to allow me to get into a car immediately."

Well Jacques there's this race at Snetterton that could use a man with his own helmet, visor and white racesuit.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=104810&f=42&h=0

[agent006]

I think Gilles might be a bit faster these days.

[PiB]

"At my expense."

Wow! I guess that means he's serious?

Or just has absolutely no offers.

[FourWheelDrift]

Sir Frank has spoken on the subject

F1 Racing said:

Williams-BMW could test former world champion Jacques Villeneuve before the start of September to decide whether they will offer him the chance of a Formula One comeback in 2005, team chief Frank Williams said here Saturday. Villeneuve, who won his world title with Williams in 1997, has admitted he is keeping himself in shape in preparation for a return to the grid after quitting the sport when he became disillusioned with his BAR-Honda team in 2003. He has already been in discussions with Williams about replacing McLaren-Mercedes-bound Juan Pablo Montoya next season and Williams confirmed they are interested in asessing their former driver's potential in a mid-season test this year. "The meeting was in England and I was not the only representative of the team who participated," Williams told Canadian newspaper 'le Journal de Montreal'. "Patrick Head and Sam Michael were also present. We wanted to re-establish contact with him (Villeneuve) to remind ourselves of his personality and his feelings. It is a normal procedure. The first thing to do is to test him and evaluate him. If we proceed with Jacques it would be in August or at the start of September. We have plenty of time to negociate with Jacques and we will not rush the process before August." "He appeared as competative as always. It was very nice to meet him and he was very determined to return behind the wheel. One of the interesting things is the personality of Jacques - he is a very determined individual." Villeneuve won the world title for Williams in only his second season in Formula One but dropped down the field when he moved to BAR with his manager Craig Pollock in 1999. He has 11 race wins to his name in a 130-race career and Williams believes the Canadian has the necessary experience to have a huge impact if he does return to the Williams team. "It is a long process but Jacques brings with him a lot of experience," said Williams. "He knows the Honda engine and Bridgestone tyres well and that does not affect our choice but if he joined us it would help us. I am sure that if he has the chance to secure a good drive he will work hard and will be very demanding of himself. We have discussed different things, and have looked into the possibility of seeing him again and we are always interested in his services."

[toppstuff]

NOOOOOooooooooooo!

keep the grumpy poison dwarf away for gods sake.

How can old has beens like Villenueve be allowed to stand in the way of young talent like Anthony Davidson and others?

Let the kids come through and have a go.

Jeez.

I have gone right off Williams, big time. First they let that ape Ralf get paid far too much for inconsistent performance, then they keep some talented younger drivers from getting a shot.

Still , at least Villeneuve can sometimes put some aggression in. Sometimes. But if the car is rubbish he has been known just to give up and drive into the garage, even if it is running perfectly reliably..