Formula One news

Villeneuve urges drivers to be 'themselves'

Jacques Villeneuve has criticized the general manner by which the majority of modern day drivers go racing in the Formula One field. Outspoken Villeneuve, who last drove in F1 for BMW in 2006, believes that more aggression should be seen in the heat of on-track battles, particularly with the use of slick racing tyres.

1997 World Champion Villeneuve may have been dropped for Robert Kubica before the end of the season three years ago but still believes that he may have a future in the sport. "Yes, definitely, I am not resigned," he told Germany's Sport Bild. "I was born in order to drive racing cars; everything I've ever made has been to do with speed, whether skiing or now at home in Montreal, motocrossing or karting - I always try to be on the limit and taking risks."

He went on to say how he misses this fighting spirit in F1 nowadays. "The problem is that, in Formula One, there are no warriors anymore," continued Jacques, son of gutsy Gilles Villeneuve, who was killed in an accident at Zolder in Belgium in 1982. "Alonso is still such a type, but apart from him? Today, we have only things that are likely to have previously been undertaken by some PR people, say no more. There are no more fights like those which we have all loved; it came to me last year when we had Massa against Hamilton for the title fight - man no longer has that impression of 'hate', that pure struggle for victory. That was different with Michael Schumacher and I, or Eddie Irvine."

The French-Canadian was then asked if the introduction of more young drivers to the sport reduces the competitive edge. "Basically, if you open up your mouth, it is what comes out of you," Jacques, who has recently raced in America's Speedcar series, continued. "You need to always be yourself, in everything you do - I am not sure that is the case with all drivers of today. but the truth is always possible."

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