Villeneuve Backs Panis

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has predicted that his new British American Racing teammate Olivier Panis will project the team to the front of the grid this season.

Villeneuve, who won the title with Williams in 1997, had been partnered by Ricardo Zonta at BAR for the last two seasons and suggested the more experienced Panis will provide more competition in the team in 2001.

Villeneuve said: "The only reason I race is because I like being there pushing it to the limit. Olivier is a great driver and he is an experienced born racer and has won Monaco.

"The job he did last year was useful and everything will step up in the team now. We haven't been a full race team in the past because the other driver (Zonta) has not had enough experience. The team has to step up and we want to be up front and we will definitely be there."

Panis himself returned the compliment and said that he expected his BAR experience to be more rewarding than his test driver role at McLaren last season.

"I'm pleased to be back because I've watched it on the television but I just want to race," Panis said. "Last year I drove for a very strong team but I like BAR because they are very motivated and they have good people in the team.

"Jacques did well last year and I want to do well with him this year. I've got big respect for him because he's won the championship and it will be very good to work together. I'll push him as much as possible."