Experience Is Key Says Jv

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EXPERIENCE IS KEY SAYS JV

Jacques Villeneuve believes that the new regulations, which mean drivers have to use one set of tyres for the entire race, will play into his hands this season.

The 1997 world champion says that experience will be a key factor in 2005, especially when it comes to preserving tyres during the race.

"It means experience will carry heavier weight and that suits me," said the Canadian Sauber driver.

"In 1997, part of the reason we beat Michael (Schumacher) is because we managed the tyres better to make them last longer in the race.

"Hopefully, that will still be true this season. Part of the reason tyres last is how you drive and how you evolve during a race - deciding when to be aggressive and when not to be."

With sweeping regulations in place for 2005, which will see F1 take on a new qualifying and race format, long-life engines that must last two grands prix weekends and measures introduced to cut downforce, Villeneuve reckons that a good set-up will be more vital than ever before.

"It all depends on how you set up the car, and that depends on how much the team is

willing to open its mind and not depend totally on computers, but more on the human feel," he said. "We're still working on that."