JV arrives at Silverstone

The former world champion turned up at the track shortly before 9am and, after sporting a very baggy pair of plain white overalls, he disappeared into the garage to start getting himself acclimatized to the cockpit. The team is now believed to be working on his seat position.

Villeneuve has been drafted in for a two-day evaluation run as the French manufacturer considers its options for the remainder of the campaign after splitting with Jarno Trulli on Tuesday evening.

Renault is desperate to regain the initiative in its fight for second place in the constructors' championship after losing the place to arch rivals BAR at the Italian Grand Prix. Its advantage has slipped over recent races, thanks in part to Trulli's failure to score a point since the French Grand Prix in July - the weekend when it became clear he would not be driving for the outfit in 2005.

Villeneuve will not only hopefully provide a speed boost for the team but will stir up interest in F1 now that both championships have been decided.

Autosport.com will bring you news of the test as it happens