Villeneuve Criticises 'Robot' Drivers

Jacques Villeneuve has branded Formula One's young drivers as "machines" and blamed team bosses for sanitising the sport with their desperation to tow the corporate line.

Former World Champion Villeneuve - one of the most outspoken drivers on the Grand Prix grid - is likely to be dropped by BAR-Honda at the end of the year in favour of Honda's alleged preferred choice Takuma Sato.

He believes he is a victim of the modern era of Formula One and, in an official BAR-Honda publicity leaflet, he said: "They just want machines to drive other machines - it is easier than having a deal with a driver that has personality.

"Formula One is looking for these 'image' youngsters and every time they speak about a new Senna or a new Prost. But then just look at what happens to the miracle young drivers - they just become machines."

Villeneuve has courted controversy throughout his career with several public spats with drivers and team chiefs alike.

He has not won a race since his championship year and has struggled ever since he joined BAR in 1999. He has claimed only two points-scoring finishes in 14 races this year.

His estimated £13 million (Pounds) salary has been one of the sticking points in securing a deal for next year, but he admits he can no longer demand such a high price.

"You can only demand something after you have won a Championship and the top teams are fighting for you," said Villeneuve. "Then your value is raised.

"But no-one comes with a fixed price tag saying 'you have to pay this for me'. Teams will say 'screw you, we're not paying that'. It's a market - supply and demand. It's that simple."