The 1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve admitted during an exclusive interview broadcasted on BBC Radio Five Live that he’s got virtually no chances to return to F1 next season.
The former Indy 500 winner and 1995 CART Series’ champion had been pushing hard for a return to the F1 grid in recent years, and was lined up for a seat with Stefan GP had it been given an entry this year.
Villeneuve then created Villeneuve Racing and joined forces with Italian race outfit Durango to become the 13th F1 team.
Unfortunately for him, the FIA decided to turn down all projects and to stay at 24 cars for the moment.
"It looks quite dim right now," Villeneuve told the BBC of his F1 hopes.
"It didn't work out, so I think it's time to not bother looking at F1 anymore. All the other stuff we're doing took to the backburner, like NASCAR. I think it's time to just focus on one thing."
Villeneuve had strong races in NASCAR in recent years, and he enjoys a very good relationship with Braun Racing and sponsor Dollar General.
“I've been working mainly on NASCAR, doing a few races, and it's been fun. Mostly on the road courses. They're fun cars. Last week I was in Australia doing a V8 race and that was interesting, but right now my focus is on NASCAR,” Villeneuve said.
Joined by Auto123.com on Friday, Villeneuve said: "I am not part of the plans of Braun Racing".
The former Indy 500 winner and 1995 CART Series’ champion had been pushing hard for a return to the F1 grid in recent years, and was lined up for a seat with Stefan GP had it been given an entry this year.
Villeneuve then created Villeneuve Racing and joined forces with Italian race outfit Durango to become the 13th F1 team.
Unfortunately for him, the FIA decided to turn down all projects and to stay at 24 cars for the moment.
"It looks quite dim right now," Villeneuve told the BBC of his F1 hopes.
"It didn't work out, so I think it's time to not bother looking at F1 anymore. All the other stuff we're doing took to the backburner, like NASCAR. I think it's time to just focus on one thing."
Villeneuve had strong races in NASCAR in recent years, and he enjoys a very good relationship with Braun Racing and sponsor Dollar General.
“I've been working mainly on NASCAR, doing a few races, and it's been fun. Mostly on the road courses. They're fun cars. Last week I was in Australia doing a V8 race and that was interesting, but right now my focus is on NASCAR,” Villeneuve said.
Joined by Auto123.com on Friday, Villeneuve said: "I am not part of the plans of Braun Racing".