Stick With Jacques, GP Veteran Tells BMW

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Former grand prix driver Hans-Joachim Stuck has advised BMW-Sauber to stick with Jacques Villeneuve for the 2007 season.

The 55-year-old German, who contested 74 grands prix in the 70s, insisted that he is 'not surprised' that Villeneuve is keeping up with teammate Nick Heidfeld.

'I've always been a fan of his,' Stuck, referring to the French-Canadian who in 1997 won the championship, told the Credit Suisse 'emagazine'.

'I believe he is an important part of the team.'

Stuck, son of the great pre-World War II driver Hans Stuck, therefore hopes that BMW resist the urge to replace 35-year-old 'JV' with Friday tester Robert Kubica.

On the other hand, he reckons the F1 clock of 105-grand prix veteran Nick Heidfeld 'is ticking'.

'(Nick) is still waiting for his first win,' Stuck said, 'and if he doesn't become champion with BMW, he probably won't get another opportunity.'