GPWizard F1 Forum
F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: John S on May 22, 2009, 08:04:55 PM
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I wonder if the USGP team will consider Jacques suitably qualified for their car?
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve says he is keen to get back racing soon - as he admits he would be open to offers from Formula 1 teams.
The French-Canadian has had little joy in trying to make a breakthrough in NASCAR and, making an appearance at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, he made it clear he wants to get back in the cockpit soon.
"I'm looking at getting back into racing," Villeneuve told AUTOSPORT.
There had been rumours in recent weeks that Villeneuve was looking at an F1 comeback. And, although he has not made any serious bid to secure a seat, he says he would be open to any opportunities that came up.
"It's not something I've worked on actively," he explained. "Looking at the cars now and the championship it would be fun, but I have been much more active working on NASCAR.
"I live in Canada, but when you see the F1 cars with slicks and no refuelling next year it is everything I've asked for over the years, so there is a little moment where you think - wouldn't it be great, but that is it.
"If there was an opportunity I would not spit on it, the cars are everything I wanted them to be to drive, so it would be fun, and honestly it is a little bit boring right now – nobody says anything apart from the political aspect, so it looks like it could be fun.
"I was talking with [former race engineer] Jock [Clear] and his comments were that the cars would suit me. So if there was an opportunity it would be a lot easier to say yes than no, purely because I love driving, I love racing and these are amazing cars."
When asked for his feelings about Brawn GP's success this year, with the team's roots traced back to the British American Racing outfit that Villeneuve helped set up, he said: "There is a part of me that is very happy because I built that team up.
"There is a little bit of pride there, and it shows that it wasn't a bad project in the long run. But there is a little bit of a bitter aspect because it is other people reaping the fruit of it all, but that is how it is."
Autosport.com, Today
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As a Canadian, I would thrilled to See Jacques back in an F1 car on the 2010 grid. A long time since we have seen the Canadian flag flying over the podium.
Brawn GP would be a good fit as Jacques knows the boys and Rubins has been less then impressive in the 2009 car.
Jacques and Jens in 2010.
A nice ring to it, don't you think.
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I hear Stirling has been hunting out his old racing helmet too. :D
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As a Canadian, I would thrilled to See Jacques back in an F1 car on the 2010 grid. A long time since we have seen the Canadian flag flying over the podium.
Brawn GP would be a good fit as Jacques knows the boys and Rubins has been less then impressive in the 2009 car.
Jacques and Jens in 2010.
A nice ring to it, don't you think.
As a Canuck it was JV that got me into F1 at the first place. I was under the impression he'd burned some bridges at Honda, but obviously I know nothing of the true story.
He was always easy on tires, so the new rules might be perfect for him, if he's still got it.
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Jacques has been away too long IMO and if he
still had the talent who would want him?From
my remembrance JV was not the most well liked or
easy driver to work with.Better stick to NASCAR
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I started following Jacques when he started in Champ Cars and dominated the field. Then he moved to Williams and I was still impressed (even if he WAS in the best car in the field at the time).
Then he and his moron manager decided they could run things their way and they started BAR with what was left of Tyrell. It all went to hell. They used probably half their budget for their two salaries (must have been hilarious to have the two of them negotiate with each other over drinks in their motorhome..."What? You want $20m a year? But that's unheard of Jacques!"..."Hey Craig, who's the boss?"..."Oh, you're right, no problem, sign here. I've got to run, I've got some kids to teach how to ski"). They stunk, and when Honda finally bought them outright, all JV could do was whine, whine, whine. Nothing was EVER his fault (Alonzo's mentor, no doubt).
As a Canadian, I am ashamed of JV and sorry his name is associated with his Dad's. I'd be surprised if he lasts in NASCAR (although I think he's just in the truck series or Busch, isn't he?). He certainly doesn't need the money after what he robbed from BAR.
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I don't think any F1 team is looking for Jacques Villenueve to occupy their team seats. A lot has changed in three years and the new teams will probably want drivers with budgets. I seem to remember that was why Jacques is in the Craftsman Truck series at the moment (if I've kept track correctly).
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Not in our Lifetime!!!
Lonny
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I would love to see JV back in F1. The cars will suit his style now that there is a lot more mechanical grip. He lost a lot of motivation during the BAR days and at the end of that he was not the driver he had been before. He may have been out of the car for a little while but he is still fit and could still come back.
I remember people saying Ron Dennis was mad to chase Lauda because he had been out of the car for 2 or 3 years running an airline. 5 years after his retirement he won his third championship.
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I remember people saying Ron Dennis was mad to chase Lauda because he had been out of the car for 2 or 3 years running an airline. 5 years after his retirement he won his third championship.
It's not like Jacques has been sitting in his bar and swilling cold ones the past 3 years.
He has been driving for Peugeot in Le Mans ans testing as well as NASCAR.
These new regs suit his style perfectly and now that Brawn has managed to put together a team from the ashes of BAR/Honda where Jacques floundered, it could be a nice fit.
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I would sooner see Alonso in the Brawn (gee that hurt) than JV. Actually, Fernando's ok.
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These new regs suit his style perfectly and now that Brawn has managed to put together a team from the ashes of BAR/Honda where Jacques floundered, it could be a nice fit.
BAR isn't goint to cut Jenson loose any time soon, and it would be tough argue forcing Barichello out for someone who's not exactly a spring chicken.
I'd like to see Villeneuve in a Ferrari, finally. If Kimi is going to retire, there'll be room. Massa is used to being the better driver while standing in his teammate's shadow.
If Alonso goes to Ferrari, then Jacques could go back to Renault and team with Piquet Jr... or back to Williams to team with Rosberg... or JV and Bruno Senna could bring their names to USGP. That might be just what they need to bring in cash during a losing season.
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JV wasn't retained by Renault when he was hires to
fill in for Trulli.
As far as USGP,no way.What scares me is USGP will
hire Patrick for her sponsors and publicity and surely
not her driving skills,the same as Andretti Green,
Times and the politics of F1 were different when
Dennis hired Lauda.Noone will be chasing JV.
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Patrick's driving skills looked pretty good at Indy.
Lonny
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Seriously, this thread is a joke, right? There is no way JV is returning to F1. This is simply a story he has spun to the media for his own benefit...either to up his value in NASCAR or get him bumped up into another series. I can't take it seriously.
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JV wasn't retained by Renault when he was hires to fill in for Trulli. {Dare - 3 comments ago}
To be fair, that was because JV had signed for Sauber for 2005 24 hours after signing for Renault for the end of the 2004 season. Though whether either team would have bothered had they known his performance in the Renault is another question entirely...
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At best, JV might find a home at one of the new teams. They might be looking for an experienced driver at a bargain price.
The powers-that-be at USF1 are far too knowledgeable to seriously look at Danica Patrick. While she can turn in a competent performance n an oval, given a vastly superior car, she doesn't do at all well on road courses. The team will also need a driver who will work full time on the development of the car, not an arrive-and-drive who shows up for race week-end and then disappears.
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At best, JV might find a home at one of the new teams. They might be looking for an experienced driver at a bargain price.
You aren't talking about JV if you are talking about a bargain price. Money was what he has always been about.
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At best, JV might find a home at one of the new teams. They might be looking for an experienced driver at a bargain price.
You aren't talking about JV if you are talking about a bargain price. Money was what he has always been about.
It's conceivable that he's changed, and genuinely misses being in the F1 cockpit.
I wonder if he might actually partner with a new team to become a pay driver?
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Sorry to be boring but shouldn't we look at the facts?
If USF1 are serious about F1 taren't they going to need a driver who knows the tracks. Most of the tracks JV knew have gone. Danica doesn't know any of them and simply doesn't have the talent to learn the tracks at the same time as learning to drive an F1 car.
There are some young Americans in European feeder series (can't remember any names at the moment but I'm sure there are) so USF1 could get a cheap young gun with a US or Canadian passport who would know the tracks. However, if I was starting a new team I think I would try to get one of the test drivers from one of the 'big' teams. Imagine the information they could bring.
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Sorry to be boring but shouldn't we look at the facts?
If USF1 are serious about F1 taren't they going to need a driver who knows the tracks. Most of the tracks JV knew have gone. Danica doesn't know any of them and simply doesn't have the talent to learn the tracks at the same time as learning to drive an F1 car.
There are some young Americans in European feeder series (can't remember any names at the moment but I'm sure there are) so USF1 could get a cheap young gun with a US or Canadian passport who would know the tracks. However, if I was starting a new team I think I would try to get one of the test drivers from one of the 'big' teams. Imagine the information they could bring.
I don't know that the test drivers are as valuable now as they were even a few years ago, which is a shame. I thought that was a great way to develop talent who really understood F1 before getting into a real race.
I'm sure the new teams will have a lot of philosophies regarding drivers. Of course, the number of established teams sticking around will affect which veteran talent is available.
Nakajima might be the man most familiar with the tracks!
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Nakajima might be the man most familiar with the tracks!
He certainly knows the Armco, walls, barriers and gravel traps better than about anyone else around! ;)
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Nakajima might be the man most familiar with the tracks!
He certainly knows the Armco, walls, barriers and gravel traps better than about anyone else around! ;)
People mention a American driver for USGP and
then say JV would be a good fit,only problem with
that is Canada isn't in the US.
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Nakajima might be the man most familiar with the tracks!
He certainly knows the Armco, walls, barriers and gravel traps better than about anyone else around! ;)
People mention a American driver for USGP and
then say JV would be a good fit,only problem with
that is Canada isn't in the US.
It is, however, in America. :P
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Nakajima might be the man most familiar with the tracks!
He certainly knows the Armco, walls, barriers and gravel traps better than about anyone else around! ;)
People mention a American driver for USGP and
then say JV would be a good fit,only problem with
that is Canada isn't in the US.
It is, however, in America. :P
North America :Dso is Mexico
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As far as USGP,no way.What scares me is USGP will
hire Patrick for her sponsors and publicity and surely
not her driving skills,the same as Andretti Green,
The day Danica Patrick starts an F1 race as a driver will be the last day I watch a Formula One race.
Does anyone actually think that she got where she is because of her driving skills?
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Couldn't agree more Willy.Her first year at Indy
when everyone raved about her driving she
should have been disqualifyed for recklaess
driving.Ask Enge and Scheckter,she ended their
races
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Nakajima might be the man most familiar with the tracks!
He certainly knows the Armco, walls, barriers and gravel traps better than about anyone else around! ;)
People mention a American driver for USGP and
then say JV would be a good fit,only problem with
that is Canada isn't in the US.
It is, however, in America. :P
North America :Dso is Mexico
Well, you said an American driver. Strictly speaking, that would include Central and South America which kinds extends USF1's options a little. ;)
Of course, we all know that USF1 really mean a Statesider when they say "American".
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If I had a choice, I'd say sure give a young American a shot, but I still think they need someone with experience to develop the car, especially with the limits on testing now. I never thought JV was a good test driver, but I would look hard at de la Rosa if he's available.
Lonny
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Personally I think USGP should get the best driver available
regardless of nationality.How longs it been since Ferrari has
had a Italian driver[test drivers excluded]
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That's why I was hoping that Marco Andretti would win Indy, so that he could move on to F1.
The day Danica Patrick starts an F1 race as a driver will be the last day I watch a Formula One race.
F1 survived Yuji Ide, Irv the Swerve and even that guy from ABBA, it'll survive The Diva.
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Personally I think USGP should get the best driver available
regardless of nationality.How longs it been since Ferrari has
had a Italian driver[test drivers excluded]
From a marketing point of view, Ferrari gains nothing by having an Italian driver. I'm pretty sure it's policy not to have Italian drivers now.
The USA loves star athletes, an American f1 team will not generate interest in the USA without a star driver. They don't have to be GOOD, just a star. Of course, any American who won an F1 race would become a star, but they're not going to win right away anyway.
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I thought I read once that after Bandini and
son-in-law Scarifiotti were killed in crashes
Enzo said he wouldn't have any more Italian
drivers on his team.
@ Cos about Marco.Marco hasn't really impressed
me much mor than Gancia.I could be wrong but
I just don't think he'll make it in F1
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Dare, you're right, Enzo did say that. While Ferrari has had the occasional Italian driver since Enzo died, the most notable of these was Luca Badoer (is he still there?) - as the test driver...
The thing is Ferrari are the only team that has a bigger reputation than any driver they could choose to hire. The new teams won't have much reputation and would therefore take a certain marketing cachet from a driver of their own nationality. However, if USF1 does it, caution will be necessary. Otherwise there's a risk that a young American driver could be brought into F1 premature and ruin both that driver's career and the important formative years of the team.
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Dare, you're right, Enzo did say that. While Ferrari has had the occasional Italian driver since Enzo died, the most notable of these was Luca Badoer (is he still there?) - as the test driver...
The thing is Ferrari are the only team that has a bigger reputation than any driver they could choose to hire. The new teams won't have much reputation and would therefore take a certain marketing cachet from a driver of their own nationality. However, if USF1 does it, caution will be necessary. Otherwise there's a risk that a young American driver could be brought into F1 premature and ruin both that driver's career and the important formative years of the team.
Prost did show the danger of running a 'national' team: you need to have a national driver who is ready at the right time.
The USA is large enough, and has enough 'feeder' type series that they really could develop an F1 pipeline. It'll take time though. In the near term, USGP could use stars from Indy who aren't necessarily American. Castro-Nevez is a huge TV star in the US, and not just among racing fans.
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I think JV would be perfect for USF1. He may be from the wrong side of the border but he know what it takes to succeed in F1. He knows better than most how it can all go wrong. He knows how to get a car to his liking and there is no-one in the USA who is remotely near as qualified.
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I think JV would be perfect for USF1. He may be from the wrong side of the border but he know what it takes to succeed in F1.
Sure, join the strongest team in F1 at the time...however I don't think USF1 is that team.
He knows better than most how it can all go wrong. He knows how to get a car to his liking and there is no-one in the USA who is remotely near as qualified.
...as long as it doesn't involve testing, something he won't do unless he really, really has to.
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I don't remeber him objecting to testing just to all the sponsor stuff. Besides there is no in season testing any more.
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I'm not sure about Williams, but at BAR he was almost never on the testing roster.
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I have always felt that much of his success at Williams was because Damon left him a well sorted car to start with. BAR never had the success they should have, at least partly, because JV couldn't or wouldn't develop the car properly.
Lonny
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I have always felt that much of his success at Williams was because Damon left him a well sorted car to start with. BAR never had the success they should have, at least partly, because JV couldn't or wouldn't develop the car properly.
Lonny
Not to defend Jacques per se, but look at Brawn/Button. I don't think that Button has a lot to do with that car's success. He's been with the team for years, and they go from worst to first.
It's tough to isolate why a team can't get the right car. Sometimes it is the driver. Sometimes it's the team, and sometimes it's just an unfortunate combination where a driver's style doesn't mesh with the team.
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A car's success starts with a good design, which seemed to be Honda's biggest problem. Ross Brawn made some changes in the team, started work on the car early. There must have been hours of computer simulations that required driver input, including that of Button. I am equally sure the relationship between Brawn and Barichello helped Rubens feedback have a great input into the car. But except for when they were actually on the track we don't know how much input either driver had. Button was there to test when asked, something that JV wasn't always in his day. I think it is fair to say that Jens is a harder worker than JV. :DntKnw:
Lonny
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The USA loves star athletes, an American f1 team will not generate interest in the USA without a star driver. They don't have to be GOOD, just a star. Of course, any American who won an F1 race would become a star, but they're not going to win right away anyway.
That said, the USF1 team has Peter Windsor and he not a fool.
Remember Scott Speed? Remember why he sat in an F1 car in the first place? To gain US TV viewers. That worked really well didn't it? I have about as much talent as he did and I have yet to get a call for a seat fitting.
USF1 needs a good driver that has experience in an F1 car, no matter how long ago it was.
JV has that, he can help the team and he is "North" American (okay, French Canadian) but still from this side of the pond.
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The USA loves star athletes, an American f1 team will not generate interest in the USA without a star driver. They don't have to be GOOD, just a star. Of course, any American who won an F1 race would become a star, but they're not going to win right away anyway.
That said, the USF1 team has Peter Windsor and he not a fool.
Remember Scott Speed? Remember why he sat in an F1 car in the first place? To gain US TV viewers. That worked really well didn't it? I have about as much talent as he did and I have yet to get a call for a seat fitting.
USF1 needs a good driver that has experience in an F1 car, no matter how long ago it was.
JV has that, he can help the team and he is "North" American (okay, French Canadian) but still from this side of the pond.
It would be a stretch to call Scott Speed a 'star'. Jacques won the last Indy 500 that meant anything... when he jumped to F1 he was easily a top 5 name among American race fans.
Castronevez would be the best choice for an American team... he's a big star in North America, and a pretty good racer.
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If you check Castro-Neves results, he is much more successful on ovals than road courses. Let's face it the US or even North America does not have a really qualified driver to head an F1 team.
Lonny
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Road tracks are all over the place in the U.S. and Canada, especially Quebec where almost every small town has a road course nearby. The problem is that they can't make it to the European series unless they have a ton of cash, which most don't have. And if they don't make it to the European series, they aren't noticed. There is a ton of talent, but it needs to be fed to bigger series. It's a logistical problem.
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If you check Castro-Neves results, he is much more successful on ovals than road courses. Let's face it the US or even North America does not have a really qualified driver to head an F1 team.
Lonny
USGP isn't going to win in their first season. They don't need the best driver in the world, they need someone who is going to get around the track in one piece, and has a pressense that will generate interest in Americans. More Americans know Castronevez than the top NASCAR drivers.
It's three years hence that USGP should plan on winning, and having a top flight American driver.
Besides, I think that Catronevez needs to move to a tax haven like Monaco or Switzerland...
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Besides, I think that Catronevez needs to move to a tax haven like Monaco or Switzerland...
Or at the very least, a new accountant :D
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I have always felt that much of his success at Williams was because Damon left him a well sorted car to start with. BAR never had the success they should have, at least partly, because JV couldn't or wouldn't develop the car properly.
Lonny
I think you may have a point that Damon left a well equipt team for JV to step into. And he showed what he can do with a car that is set up right.
But, JV was not the problem with BAR. It was his Manager/Ski Instructor/Team Principal Wanna-be Craig Pollock. This guy acually thought he could run an F1 team, when in fact he did, right into the ground!!
JV did not do well at BAR due to his loyalty to Pollock and it was his downfall.
He has the talent and skills needed for a new forming F1 team and USF1 would be nuts to not snatch him up.
Are you listening Peter!!