"The facts are that Jacques chose to move to a team and remain loyal to a team that, despite the fanfare, never quite got into the first group."
 |
| The majority of Canadians hope Jacques Villeneuve will find a new F1 ride, but I for one am not holding my breath. (Photo: jv-world.com) |
Sir Frank also stated JV can't be blamed for his current poor standings in the driver's championship, as a driver can truly be held back by the equipment available.
"What we have here is one of the basic tenets of Formula One: no matter how good he is, a driver is always colored by his car," Sir Frank commented.
"Put Michael in a Minardi and he might move it up the grid a few rows. But no more. Give Jacques a better car and I'm sure he'll do better."
One thing's for sure, JV won't be driving a Minardi next year. Rather, if he doesn't manage to swing an F1 ride for 2004, and things don't look particularly rosy at present, he's leaning towards Le Mans. Smiling he said, 'No-one's ever won CART, Indy, F1 and Le Mans.'
As motorsport fans, and in my case a member of the media, all we can say Jacques, thanks for giving us another reason to feel good about being Canadian. To many, myself included, you're still a champion and deserve better treatment from a team that you have dedicated five of your best years to. The majority of Canadians, I am sure, are hoping you will land on your feet in an F1 drive, but I for one am not holding my breath.
One thing's for sure, Formula 1 will lose a tremendous talent, as well as a country full of dedicated motorsport fans next year, and whatever series Jacques enters will be the beneficiary. Heck, I'd even watch NASCAR if JV was slamming doors with the good 'ol boys. OK, I lie, but I'd watch the highlights.