Formula One news

BMW and Villeneuve

Although BMW may not agree, Jacques Villeneuve is 'certain' he will line up for the German carmaker's works team beside Nick Heidfeld next year. BMW seemed to hint that Villeneuve's 2006 Sauber contract will not necessarily be carried over by saying in the Heidfeld statement that it fills 'the first cockpit' for 2006.

French Canadian JV, though, is adamant that his Peter Sauber-signed deal is rock solid. The 34-year-old former world champion asked F1 Racing magazine: "Why is it not certain? Look at Jenson (Button) -- he didn't want to stay at BAR last year, but his contract forced him to stay. Contracts are quite powerful things."

Indeed, using 'Buttongate II' as another example, the English star seems to have had to fork out a whopping sum to break the Williams pledge.

Of course, the saga may not end up in the negotiating room. Villeneuve says there is 'no indication' that BMW don't want him. And he reported: "I'm already building good relationships with Mario Theissen and the other BMW guys."

more news

• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: "2010 contract is signed"
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up

Homepage