Forsythe targets Villeneuve?

Team boss Gerry Forsythe was in England over the weekend, where he met Villeneuve's manager Craig Pollock. Forsythe did little to quell the speculation caused by his visit when he admitted that his title sponsor Players, who backed Villeneuve during his CART years, was looking for a 'big name' driver for 2003 - its last season of being allowed to sponsor motorsport in North America.

"We're looking for opportunities that would enable Player's to run three cars next year and we're looking to bring somebody back to our series who's got star power," Forsythe told ESPN.com. "I believe there's a former CART champion who fits that description."

When asked if that was Villeneuve, he replied: "He would be a good candidate."

Were Villeneuve to make such a move it would allow Olivier Panis to stay at BAR as team-mate to Jenson Button. In theory the Frenchman could help the team develop its car for a season before handing over to the 1997 F1 world champion. However, despite rumours to the contrary, Villeneuve has always publicly stated his desire to compete in F1 next season.