JV defends his decision to race

The idea of not to attempt a pass until after the first two chicanes followed concerns raised by the death of marshal Paolo Ghislimberti last year, who was killed by debris from a five-car crash at the second chicane. However Villeneuve was initially the only driver against the plan.

"I disagreed and felt that we should be racing - that's what we're paid for," said Villeneuve. "We knew a year ago that we would be racing in Monza and nobody complained until this morning.

"The other thing we have to think about is that there are a lot of people in the grandstand who saved money for six months just to come and see a race," added the Canadian. "I am a professional racing driver. I signed a contract to race and that is what I want to do.

"That's our job and that's what we are here to do."

Team bosses later vetoed the idea and the race started in the normal fashion.

To read Jacques Villeneuve Q&A click here.