Villeneuve 'Annoyed' with Low-Key Return

Former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve said he was "annoyed" after making a low-key comeback to Formula One at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Canadian, making his return after a year on the sidelines, finished 11th in his Renault, who lost further ground on BAR in the race for second in the Constructors' Championship.

"I'm happy that we pushed to the end, but I'm not happy with the position at the end," complained Villeneuve, who has signed a three-race deal with Renault until the end of the season.

"It was fun. I could fight until the end. That made it fun but it wasn't for any points so that was a little bit annoying."

"It was fantastic to be back, though. It has been a long time. Physically, it was a struggle but it was better than I had hoped," added the Canadian.

Villeneuve, as famous for his simmering rivalry with Michael Schumacher in the past as his world title with Williams in 1997, renewed his acquaintance with the German again in Shanghai.

Seven-times World Champion Schumacher, who started from the pitlane after a spin in qualifying, overtook Villeneuve but could only finish 12th after a troubled race.

"I wasn't going to let him by, but I wasn't going to block him either," said Villeneuve, who has signed to race for Sauber in 2005 and 2006. "There was no point. I was fighting with Mark (Webber), not with Michael. When Michael got on the inside, I still tried to brake late but he was quicker than me of course.

"It was fun but it must have been boring for Michael because he is used to being at the front. To be stuck at the back must have been quite boring for him."

BAR have 105 points to Renault's 96 in the Constructors' Championship with two races left this year, in Japan and Brazil.

Villeneuve, meanwhile, was optimistic he could make more of an impact in Suzuka in two weeks.

"I am looking ahead to the next race. I know the track very well, so we should be able to work on the car from the start," he said. "I wouldn't say I was unlucky today. It just took me a couple of laps too many to get my rhythm."