Discussion
JV is bigging himself up for 2006.
:shout:Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve says he will play a crucial role in the evolution of BMW's new Formula 1 team.
The Munich marque has bought the Swiss Sauber team and intends to launch a full manufacturer assault on the Formula 1 World Championship.
And Villeneuve, who is in the middle of a two-year deal with the team, claims that continuity will be a key factor in the new programme's development.
"[Continuity is] extremely important, that is why it is good that I will be there," the Canadian ace told Autosport's website.
"If you start with two different drivers it takes extra time because you don't know where you are coming from and whether you have made progress, you need continuity."
Villeneuve remains convinced that his contract with the team is ironclad regardless of who owns Sauber and believes it is strong enough for him not to have to investigate other options for 2006.
"I'm not the kind of guy to go and talk to everyone if I already have something in my hands - what's the point?" he said.
"It's quite a short contract, there's not enough lines to forget what's in it. There's not millions of ways to screw each other up.
"We need to start building the relationship, the earlier the better but I'm sure they have their own demons to work on until the end of the season with Williams."
Villeneuve expects that the extra resource and financial clout that BMW will bring to bear on the Hinwil factory, which boasts F1's most advanced wind-tunnel, could pay immediate dividends.
And the Canadian wants to be with the team when it begins to see the benefits of the manufacturer's input.
"For me I'm very happy BMW is coming," said JV.
"The big question is how good will we start because then we will progress, there will be a lot more people developing bits for the car.
"All that kind of stuff that we don't have now will be a huge help next season."
Odds on him staying anyone?
:shout:Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve says he will play a crucial role in the evolution of BMW's new Formula 1 team.
The Munich marque has bought the Swiss Sauber team and intends to launch a full manufacturer assault on the Formula 1 World Championship.
And Villeneuve, who is in the middle of a two-year deal with the team, claims that continuity will be a key factor in the new programme's development.
"[Continuity is] extremely important, that is why it is good that I will be there," the Canadian ace told Autosport's website.
"If you start with two different drivers it takes extra time because you don't know where you are coming from and whether you have made progress, you need continuity."
Villeneuve remains convinced that his contract with the team is ironclad regardless of who owns Sauber and believes it is strong enough for him not to have to investigate other options for 2006.
"I'm not the kind of guy to go and talk to everyone if I already have something in my hands - what's the point?" he said.
"It's quite a short contract, there's not enough lines to forget what's in it. There's not millions of ways to screw each other up.
"We need to start building the relationship, the earlier the better but I'm sure they have their own demons to work on until the end of the season with Williams."
Villeneuve expects that the extra resource and financial clout that BMW will bring to bear on the Hinwil factory, which boasts F1's most advanced wind-tunnel, could pay immediate dividends.
And the Canadian wants to be with the team when it begins to see the benefits of the manufacturer's input.
"For me I'm very happy BMW is coming," said JV.
"The big question is how good will we start because then we will progress, there will be a lot more people developing bits for the car.
"All that kind of stuff that we don't have now will be a huge help next season."
Odds on him staying anyone?
I think there's a reasonable chance that he will stay for one more year - depends on whether Heidfeld stays at Williams - which he'll only agree to if he gets a multi- year deal. Villeneuve is driving for peanuts as well.
I wonder whether it's worth an outside bet on Albers getting a Sauber seat too?
I wonder whether it's worth an outside bet on Albers getting a Sauber seat too?
For someone who averaged £20 million a year at BAR, I think he should keep his trap shut. He's a spent force and BMW should stick to Heidfeld and get in someone else. Williams can have Rosberg (junior!) to give Webber a run for him money. First time Webber has a decent team mate, he's found out.
mg511 said:
JV is on a performance related contract so he is very, very cheap!
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