BMW Consider a Shoot-Out with Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve could face a shoot-out in testing later this year to determine whether BMW keep hold of him next season, Autosport-Atlas has learned
Although the former World Champion has said several times that his contract for 2006 is water-tight, BMW chiefs are still evaluating their options for next year to decide who will line-up alongside Nick Heidfeld.
And BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen has admitted that one of the possibilities being considered is for the team to compare the contenders for the seat in winter testing before making the final decision.
"We have to make sure that we can achieve the best possible results in 2006," said Theissen. "With that, I am not only speaking for race results but also about the build-up work ahead of us being a new team.
"We need drivers who can push us forward, who can develop a car. I do not wish to talk about names, but it has to be our target that we can start working at the end of November with the two drivers who shall be in the cars in 2006.
"If we cannot achieve that, we might even do a driver comparison program in November."
Theissen believes that Villeneuve has made progress from his shaky start to the season, and the German has hinted that the Canadian could secure his future if he impresses in the final two races of this year.
"The Villeneuve situation is something we currently look into very thoroughly," he added. "You could see at the start of the season that even for a World Champion it is not that easy to come back and be competitive right away.
"Villeneuve needed some time to fit into the team and to come to grips with the tyres. In the second half of the season however he is much closer to Felipe Massa. We want to see how he does in the last couple of races."
BMW would have plenty of reason to keep Villeneuve on board for 2006. He would be keen to help push the team forward, they would not have the expense of having to buy out his contract, and he has a big following in North America which is a major market for the car company.
However, there are several other candidates that are being considered for the seat - with McLaren test driver Alexander Wurz believed to be among the favourites. He is out of contract after the season finishes in China.
The team are also understood to be in talks with Antonio Pizzonia about a deal for next year. The Brazilian has enjoyed close ties with BMW through his recent links with Williams.
Susie Wolff: Insulting allegations rooted in “intimidatory and misogynistic” behaviour
Susie Wolff: Insulting allegations rooted in “intimidatory and misogynistic” behaviour Susie Wolff: Insulting allegations rooted in “intimidatory and misogynistic” behaviour
Mercedes rejects “unsubstantiated allegations” against Wolff
Mercedes rejects “unsubstantiated allegations” against Wolff Mercedes rejects “unsubstantiated allegations” against Wolff
Hamilton interview: How Mercedes lost and found its Northern Star in 2023
Hamilton interview: How Mercedes lost and found its Northern Star in 2023 Hamilton interview: How Mercedes lost and found its Northern Star in 2023
Villeneuve: Verstappen wants Hamilton as next Red Bull F1 team-mate
Villeneuve: Verstappen wants Hamilton as next Red Bull F1 team-mate Villeneuve: Verstappen wants Hamilton as next Red Bull F1 team-mate
F1 driver mid-season swaps - Schumacher, De Vries, Verstappen and more
F1 driver mid-season swaps - Schumacher, De Vries, Verstappen and more F1 driver mid-season swaps - Schumacher, De Vries, Verstappen and more
The F1 rebel who defied Schumacher and won Williams’ last title
The F1 rebel who defied Schumacher and won Williams’ last title The F1 rebel who defied Schumacher and won Williams’ last title
Susie Wolff: Insulting allegations rooted in “intimidatory and misogynistic” behaviour
Susie Wolff: Insulting allegations rooted in “intimidatory and misogynistic” behaviour Susie Wolff: Insulting allegations rooted in “intimidatory and misogynistic” behaviour
Mercedes rejects “unsubstantiated allegations” against Wolff
Mercedes rejects “unsubstantiated allegations” against Wolff Mercedes rejects “unsubstantiated allegations” against Wolff
F1 says allegations of Wolff wrongdoing are “wrong”
F1 says allegations of Wolff wrongdoing are “wrong” F1 says allegations of Wolff wrongdoing are “wrong”
FIA opens compliance investigation into potential Wolff conflict of interest
FIA opens compliance investigation into potential Wolff conflict of interest FIA opens compliance investigation into potential Wolff conflict of interest
The ways F1 can help solve burnout in 2024's 24-race marathon
The ways F1 can help solve burnout in 2024's 24-race marathon The ways F1 can help solve burnout in 2024's 24-race marathon
Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp
Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp Why a forgettable Ferrari was important in its F1 revamp
The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency
The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency
The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success
The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.