Canadian race car driver Jacques Villeneuve says out loud what he really thinks. It's always been the case. He did it again after the third round of the Andros Trophy ice racing series held this past weekend in Alpe d'Huez, France.
The 1997 Formula 1 World Champion is back for a second season of ice racing this year, driving one of the works Oreca-designed and prepared Skoda Fabias.
While his three teammates, Olivier Panis, Franck Lagorce and Paul Belmondo are scoring satisfying results, he seems to be stuck running at the back end of the field. Villeneuve is not only disappointed with his lack of results but also with the attitude of some rivals.
“I don't like the ambiance this season. Last year, we had fun. But this year, I feel like I'm back in a Formula 1 paddock. That really hampers my desire to drive and have fun,” said Villeneuve.
“It would be better if the stars driving the blue cars would calm down a bit. If not, it will become intolerable,” said Villeneuve of the drivers of the Dacia team.
“I had a disappointing weekend. It's really getting on my nerves. It took me time to be comfortable in the car and find the right set-up,” he commented about the Alpe d'Huez race.
“I only started to feel well during the last qualifying rounds, but then I made too many mistakes. I was forced to start the races from the back of the pack, and I didn't try anything silly. But since the beginning of the season, we have only raced in tough conditions. Here for example, there was ice but quite a bit of snow,” Villeneuve explained.
The next round will be held next year, January 6-7 at Isola 2000.
Results: Alpe d'Huez, Race 1 Jacques Villeneuve 24th place, Race 2, he finished 13th. He stands 12th in the overall standings.
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| Photo: Bernard Bakalian |
The 1997 Formula 1 World Champion is back for a second season of ice racing this year, driving one of the works Oreca-designed and prepared Skoda Fabias.
While his three teammates, Olivier Panis, Franck Lagorce and Paul Belmondo are scoring satisfying results, he seems to be stuck running at the back end of the field. Villeneuve is not only disappointed with his lack of results but also with the attitude of some rivals.
“I don't like the ambiance this season. Last year, we had fun. But this year, I feel like I'm back in a Formula 1 paddock. That really hampers my desire to drive and have fun,” said Villeneuve.
“It would be better if the stars driving the blue cars would calm down a bit. If not, it will become intolerable,” said Villeneuve of the drivers of the Dacia team.
“I had a disappointing weekend. It's really getting on my nerves. It took me time to be comfortable in the car and find the right set-up,” he commented about the Alpe d'Huez race.
“I only started to feel well during the last qualifying rounds, but then I made too many mistakes. I was forced to start the races from the back of the pack, and I didn't try anything silly. But since the beginning of the season, we have only raced in tough conditions. Here for example, there was ice but quite a bit of snow,” Villeneuve explained.
The next round will be held next year, January 6-7 at Isola 2000.
Results: Alpe d'Huez, Race 1 Jacques Villeneuve 24th place, Race 2, he finished 13th. He stands 12th in the overall standings.
 |
| Photo: Bernard Bakalian |
 |
| Photo: Bernard Bakalian |