Sauber Announce Two-Year Deal with Villeneuve

The Sauber team have announced Jacques Villeneuve will drive for them from the 2005 season onwards.

The 33-year-old Canadian entered into a two-year contract, which will come into effect in November. Villeneuve will be the teammate of Brazilian Felipe Massa, who will continue to drive for Sauber next year.

"I am extremely excited to be back in Formula One with the Sauber Petronas team, and I appreciate the confidence everybody is showing in me," the former World Champion said. "It is my goal to work with Peter and his team to bring them forward in the championship during the next two seasons.

"In my recent visit to Sauber I have been extremely impressed by the professionalism which is apparent throughout the factory. I am looking forward to seeing the results that will be developed by the state-of-the-art wind tunnel."

Villeneuve entered Formula One in 1996 and won a total of eleven races. He was World Champion in 1997. The Canadian made his Formula One debut today, testing for the Renault team at the Silverstone circuit.

"I have to admit that signing a former World Champion is something truly special for me," said Team Principal Peter Sauber. "However, I want to make it clear that this was not the decisive factor. When I was talking to Jacques, I could feel that he is absolutely keen and committed to return to Formula One.

"He was always a great fighter and I am convinced that together we can achieve a lot. I fully realise that signing a former World Champion is also an obligation for the team to provide him with a car that meets his expectations.

"Sauber Petronas has made considerable progress this year, and I am confident that we are ready to tackle this challenge."