Williams confirms meeting with Jacques

[nojvnof1 0]

this from f1-live.com

"Williams-BMW could test former world champion Jacques Villeneuve before the start of September to decide whether they will offer him the chance of a Formula One comeback in 2005, team chief Frank Williams said here Saturday.

Villeneuve, who won his world title with Williams in 1997, has admitted he is keeping himself in shape in preparation for a return to the grid after quitting the sport when he became disillusioned with his BAR-Honda team in 2003.

He has already been in discussions with Williams about replacing McLaren-Mercedes-bound Juan Pablo Montoya next season and Williams confirmed they are interested in asessing their former driver's potential in a mid-season test this year.

"The meeting was in England and I was not the only representative of the team who participated," Williams told Canadian newspaper 'le Journal de Montreal'. "Patrick Head and Sam Michael were also present. We wanted to re-establish contact with him (Villeneuve) to remind ourselves of his personality and his feelings. It is a normal procedure. The first thing to do is to test him and evaluate him. If we proceed with Jacques it would be in August or at the start of September. We have plenty of time to negociate with Jacques and we will not rush the process before August."

He appeared as competative as always. It was very nice to meet him and he was very determined to return behind the wheel. One of the interesting things is the personality of Jacques - he is a very determined individual."

Villeneuve won the world title for Williams in only his second season in Formula One but dropped down the field when he moved to BAR with his manager Craig Pollock in 1999.

He has 11 race wins to his name in a 130-race career and Williams believes the Canadian has the necessary experience to have a huge impact if he does return to the Williams team.

"It is a long process but Jacques brings with him a lot of experience," said Williams. "He knows the Honda engine and Bridgestone tyres well and that does not affect our choice but if he joined us it would help us. I am sure that if he has the chance to secure a good drive he will work hard and will be very demanding of himself. We have discussed different things, and have looked into the possibility of seeing him again and we are always interested in his services."

very very VERY interesting development there. Now, JV denied the claims a few days before the race, but after mulling over what he said and these quotes, I think, just an assumption, that JV was asked by Williams to hose down the rumours so Williams could concentrate on this race weekend which is very important, so as to ease the pressure on the team and Jacques himself. Some very interesting quotes from FW there. I just love the way he lights up whenever he talks about Jacques and once again made many positive statements. Now, I'm not saying he's a shoein for the drive, but this makes things a lot more realistic as we now have evidence that JV is in talks with the team and they are serious about him. Sam Michael also stated that they talked with JV and were impressed. He also stated that Mark Webber is target number 1, and other reports state Fisi has no offers, which makes things very interesting indeed. Talk about a rollercoaster ride!!! Things are definitely on the up!!

[Nicklaus 0]

villeneuve will not be back

[AutoRacer5 0]

He's gonna join...I personally think he's bored not driving F1.

[C.A.L. 0]

He's gonna join...I personally think he's bored not driving F1.

I think alot of Fans are bored he has not joined ..yet

I am glad there was a let out of some of the AIR on all this J.V returns talk, because I just plain stopped responding to it all ...every sight was talking about or putting up polls on it ,endless posting..rumors ..more rumors ...argghhh . (...lol)

[Nicklaus 0]

Villeneuve in 2003

"I'm not starting the season thinking 'I have to beat Jenson'" Jacques told Montreal newspaper La Presse. "I don't care about Jenson! It wasn't the case with some of my other teammates: Damon (Hill) had already won races, Frentzen was considered an extremely quick driver when he came along, same for Olivier Panis. Jenson hasn't done anything yet. I don't see him as the new guy to beat; if I don't beat him, I'd better stay home because that would mean that I don't belong in F1."

[AutoRacer5 0]

he's gonna go back.

[Taku 0]

it's about tim ethere was some offcial word from the williams camp. i too was getting sick and tired of all the rumours and hot air. but now it's official, jv is in contention!

[C.A.L. 0]

Nichlaus , you know Jacques did not say HOW LONG he would stay home .

Sato may have hoped for still remaining as a test driver with that lousy reliability record. (only 11 more races to go ...7 DNF's too ?!?)

[webber 0]

im over this JV testing at williams stuff i also over this Webber going tyo Williams stuff. when/if Williams come out and say that Webber is going there then i will be happay for Webber and also happy because i dont have to think about it anymore. and to be honest this hole JV thing happend befour and well nonthing came of it.

[nojvnof1 0]

I found this article significant as it wasn't some wild rumour, it was hard evidence from FW himself. JV is very hungry to return and prove his detaractors wrong. FW needs JV and JV needs FW, together, they can end this Ferrari domination.