Formula One news

Villeneuve thanks Peter Sauber

Jacques Villeneuve has bid farewell to Peter Sauber and Felipe Massa at the end of a tough F1 return for the French Canadian. JV, 34, thanked Swiss-German Sauber - who has sold his Hinwil team to BMW - for taking a punt on the 1997 champ.

"Peter gave me the chance to drive in F1 again," Villeneuve told his website, "and I want to thank him for that. He is a really passionate guy, he loves racing. He put together a very efficient team with a much a smaller budget than most others in F1."

Although it is possible that not everyone at BMW agrees, Jacques thinks his 2006 Sauber contract will be honoured. JV reckons the team will 'become a very strong contender' pretty quickly. "I am excited to be part of that project."

Jacques also had some kind words for Felipe Massa, his Ferrari-bound Sauber teammate. Although JV slated the young Brazilian in 2002 for seeming to not even know how to drive 'in a straight line', the Canadian now says Felipe is a 'great guy' and 'very quick' on track.

"I would like to wish him all the best," Villeneuve continued. "I was really happy to work with him this year -- we had a lot of fun together. He has invited me to eat some pasta at Ferrari next year!"

JV is currently holidaying in Paris.

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