Villeneuve Not Looking Forward to French GP

Former champion Jacques Villeneuve sees little reason to suspect his troubled Formula One season will improve in France at the weekend.

"We expect a hot race and we will be fighting the tyre war in Michelin's own backyard, so I am a little concerned as to how competitive we will be in Magny-Cours," said the Canadian in a BAR team preview today.

"To be honest, I am not really looking forward to driving there."

Villeneuve had a nightmare last weekend at the Nurburgring, the circuit where he had his first and most recent wins. He failed to clock a time in first qualifying and was overtaken by both Minardis, the slowest cars on the grid, on the first lap of the race.

When he got past them, he spun out and rejoined in last place again. He also damaged his front wing and failed to finish the race after a gearbox problem.

Villeneuve's Formula One future is in serious discussion with his BAR contract expiring at the end of the year, and few, if any, other teams expressing much interest. With driver negotiations under way, he is running out of time to boost his image and has now failed to finish six of nine races.

"Jacques will understandably have been disappointed with his performance last weekend," said team boss David Richards. "But with only a week between these two races, a quick return to the track should provide him with the momentum he needs."

Briton Jenson Button, Villeneuve's teammate, finished seventh at the Nurburgring for two points. Unlike the Canadian, he was confident for Sunday's French Grand Prix: "It's a track I enjoy so I'm looking forward to it," he said.