Villeneuve Feels Ready for Stronger Race in Japan

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve says he feels ready for the Japanese Grand Prix after completing his first race with the Renault team today in China.

The 1997 World Champion, who has signed to drive with the French squad in the final three races of the season, endured a disappointing Chinese Grand Prix in his return to racing after an absence of almost a year.

Villeneuve, who started the race from 12th position, finished down in 11th, one lap down. The Canadian, however, said the race had taught him a lot and he feels ready to attack in Japan in two weeks time.

"I learned a lot during the race this afternoon: I know the R24 better, I have got a full race distance under my belt and I have also understood what a 2004-style race is like," said Villeneuve. "To be honest, I just needed too long to get into the rhythm at the start of the race.

"I made a good start but I hadn't warmed the tyres enough and lost a lot of the positions I had made up. As soon as the circuit rubbered in more and the grip improved, I was able to attack but unfortunately, I couldn't stay close enough behind Webber in turns 9 and 10 - which meant that I was too far behind to try and overtake when we got to the braking zone for the hairpin at turn 14.

"Even so, I feel ready for Suzuka now."

Villeneuve's teammate Fernando Alonso had a better day and finished in fourth place, but Renault lost out to rivals BAR in their battle for second place in the Championship, the Honda-powered team stretching their lead to nine points with two races remaining.

"It was a pretty good race," said Alonso. "We started the weekend with quite a lot of problems, we improved the car throughout the weekend and it got better during the race. I think these five points will be important for the championship at the end of the year.

"The next two circuits should favour us more than the last ones have and I am feeling good. My motivation his high and I am focused on scoring the points we need to get back second place in the championship."