Several motorsport web sites have relayed a story originally released by Sport Bild on Wednesday which titled “Former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve close to 2010 US F1 deal”.
The feature said that “Villeneuve did not refer specifically to USF1 but admitted to the magazine: "It is true, I will return to formula one”, then adding that the official announcement could be made within the next few weeks.
Click here to read the German feature.
Auto123.com called Jacques Villeneuve in Belgium to verify the news. “It is not true,” he replied.
“I have not been interviewed by someone from Sport Bild. The people from the US F1 team have not contacted me in any way. I briefly spoke with Peter Windsor in Monaco, but we just said ‘Hello. How are you?’ Nothing else,” said Villeneuve who will contest the 24 Hours of Spa this weekend.
“A few weeks ago, what I clearly said was that wanted to return in F1 but the chances were very slim.”
Peter Windsor, a director of the US F1 team, confirmed Villeneuve’s version to Auto123.com.
“Jacques is absolutely correct. We did chat briefly in Monaco and since then have not had a chance to talk again,” Windsor told us.
“In reality, we are looking at U.S. drivers (rather than Canadian) but, due to the stormy political nature of the year so far (and the resultant loss of preparation time) we are considering the possibility of running an experienced driver in 2010. We will make a decision in due course.”
photo:René Fagnan - Auto123.com
The feature said that “Villeneuve did not refer specifically to USF1 but admitted to the magazine: "It is true, I will return to formula one”, then adding that the official announcement could be made within the next few weeks.
Click here to read the German feature.
Auto123.com called Jacques Villeneuve in Belgium to verify the news. “It is not true,” he replied.
“I have not been interviewed by someone from Sport Bild. The people from the US F1 team have not contacted me in any way. I briefly spoke with Peter Windsor in Monaco, but we just said ‘Hello. How are you?’ Nothing else,” said Villeneuve who will contest the 24 Hours of Spa this weekend.
“A few weeks ago, what I clearly said was that wanted to return in F1 but the chances were very slim.”
Peter Windsor, a director of the US F1 team, confirmed Villeneuve’s version to Auto123.com.
“Jacques is absolutely correct. We did chat briefly in Monaco and since then have not had a chance to talk again,” Windsor told us.
“In reality, we are looking at U.S. drivers (rather than Canadian) but, due to the stormy political nature of the year so far (and the resultant loss of preparation time) we are considering the possibility of running an experienced driver in 2010. We will make a decision in due course.”
photo:René Fagnan - Auto123.com