Villeneuve confirmed at BMW

After months of speculation regarding his future, the Canadian has been confirmed at the team for the 2006 season.

"We took a close look at Jacques' performance level at the end of last season," said BMW motorsport chief Mario Theissen.

"After an extremely tough first half of the year - which showed that even a former World Champion cannot come back after a period away and be competitive from day one - he got closer and closer to his teammate over the second half of the season.

"We are in no doubt that Jacques will make the BMW Sauber F1 Team stronger."

Villeneuve, who joined the Sauber squad last season before the team were bought by BMW, had a year of his Sauber contract left to run, but doubts emerged about his future after he endured a troubled season.

The 1997 World Champion was pleased to stay with BMW.

"Between 1999 and 2004 I experienced first-hand the difficulties and complexities involved in setting up a new team," said Villeneuve, "but I've never been afraid of a challenge.

"Sauber was already a good team and now we also have the resources of BMW behind us. I will do everything I can to contribute to the success of the BMW Sauber F1 Team."