Jacques Talks About Decision to Race for Sauber
By Jamie Makin
September 17 2004
After a year of unplanned leave from the fast-paced world of Formula One, Jacques Villeneuve signed not one, but two contracts yesterday.
He tested the Renault at Silverstone this week and it is rumoured that he will replace Jarno Trulli for the remaining races of the season. He will then move to Sauber for 2005 & 2006 to replace Giancarlo Fisichella who is switching to Renault.
After his first test in the Renault yesterday, Jacques spoke to the press about his two new deals.
Did you ever feel that you would not get a drive for next year?
JV: It looked like it but I am generally not a negative person, I always believe the best will happen, which in the past wasn't always the case. But you cannot give up. And since I have been training hard since February or March, something had to happen because training for nothing is always difficult.
How did you feel in the car?
JV: I was expecting it to be more difficult, but we have been training hard so that has paid off. We did not actually work much on the car set-up, we just concentrated on working on the seat and stuff like that. It was enjoyable and it was fast, the lap times are fast compared to when I was racing, it is three seconds faster or something, so it is a lot. Surprisingly, visually when you are driving it doesn't feel that much faster because the car feels good, the engine drives well the tyres are good, so it is just three seconds a lap more physical more than anything else.
Are you expecting a job with Renault?
JV: Nothing has been said, right now we are testing and that is all that matters. The only thing that matters is to get settled in, work on the seat and make everything perfect so that if we do race then there are no worries. Renault's goal is just to beat BAR and be second in the constructors'.
How much satisfaction would it be to beat BAR?
JV: It would be great just because of the way it ended.
When did the contact with Sauber happen??
JV: Well, with the Sauber team we have been talking for not that long, but as I was saying earlier, it is the only team that has treated me seriously and with respect compared to everyone else I have been talking to since March. It made a huge difference and I wanted to get into a non-political team, so I am very happy about that.
When did Renault call you?
JV: The Renault side… Now that has been very complicated but it happened very fast. Very fast! You will have to ask Flavio.
Is there a non-political team in F1?
JV: It depends what you call political. There is political "aggressive" where everybody hates each other and there is a lot of negativity that goes out. But even teams that don't look political, might be, but it is done in a positive way that it doesn't annoy anybody. That is more what I meant. I don't know if they are political or not but it looks like they are not at all and if they are, then it is in a positive way, so that is good.
As for your full time drive, have you been to see Sauber?
JV: Yes. It is what made the difference was the wind-tunnel they have. Of course right now it is not a team that is fighting at the front but if you can work positively then that is two year deal, so there is time to do something good, it doesn't mean we will win races, we will need luck for that, but if you can keep improving then you are happy working then that is great. The wind tunnel that Sauber has is very impressive and I am sure some good things can be done.
Is the Sauber/Ferrari connection an important factor?
JV: I am not sure how big the connection is but it seems to be very good, so that is nice. But I am not joining a team thinking it will bring me to another team afterwards. That would be the wrong way of working.
Do you feel you are going to Sauber for satisfaction?
JV: It is only because I thought it could be a very positive atmosphere and it is after seeing the wind tunnel. The most surprising thing is to be here today in the Renault, this is the one I wasn't expecting.
Have you missed Formula 1?
JV: I had a great time. I think I needed the break so I guess I will have to thank David [Richards] for that!
When will you test for Sauber?
JV: Right now I am under contract with Renault. The Sauber contract has been signed but I don't remember the dates.
Will you be doing the last three races of this year with Renault?
JV: I am not sure exactly what has been decided.
OK, have you got a Chinese visa?
JV: I am working on it. I actually have to get a new passport…
Jacques' contract with Sauber begins on November 1, the week after the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix. Sauber's next test will be from 24 to 26 November at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain and Jacques will no doubt be there to begin acquainting himself with the team.