Villeneuve's Image Untrue

[Shadow 0]

From F-1 central

GMM -- Nov.2) Jacques Villeneuve's image as 'laid back' and 'undisciplined' is untrue, according to Renault's director of engineering.

Pat Symonds, who worked with the former world champion for the first time in China, Japan and Brazil, said 33-year-old Villeneuve took time to get back up to speed.

''I didn't really know him (before September),'' said the Briton. ''I'd only spoken to him here and there.

''I think the perception, largely in the press (about Villeneuve), is complete untrue. The guy works very hard. I think he's a guy with quite a lot of ability.''

1997 title winner Villeneuve will drive for Sauber in 2005 and 2006.

[nojvnof1 0]

what's that I hear, the roaring chant of all the JV fans screaming at the top of their lungs "WE TOLD YOU SO!!!!!" This just confirms what we've been saying for the past few years, cop that Peter Windsor and Matt Bishop.

[rodders47 2]

"Proof of the Pudding is in the eating" !!

I somehow feel that JV will be another "Also Ran" in the coming year

[nojvnof1 0]

At the moment, anyone who is not in a Ferrari is an also ran, but JV has half a foot in, what with Ferrari engines

[AutoRacer5 0]

more like 3/4, the cars look like last year's ferraris.

[KoolMonkey 0]

Success is not always measured by the end result. If JV never wins another GP, I don't consider him a failure by any means. Take Anna Kournikova. She's not a person I'm fond of, and she didn't win any major or semi-major tournaments. But she made millions with endorsements and had a hude following. She also opened the door for the current crop of Russian girls who are winning tournaments. As much as I hate to say it, she was successful in the end. She got fame, money and lots of other privelages.