Villeneuve Fully Recovered from Back Problems

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve was on Monday declared fit to compete at the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos after the back pains that prevented him from testing in Barcelona last week were eased.

Villeneuve's injury came through general wear and tear when driving his British American Racing car at the Malaysian Grand Prix eight days ago, but the former World Champion has now recovered after sessions on the treatment table.

"Jacques has fully recovered and he is already on his way to Sao Paolo," confirmed Villeneuve's spokeswoman Jules Kulpinski. "He will race in Brazil."

Briton Anthony Davidson, who is the official reserve driver with the Brackley-based team, was drafted into the Barcelona test last week when Villeneuve cancelled his attendance because of a bad back.

The Interlagos circuit is notorious for its grueling bumps, and Davidson will be on hand to step in if the practice sessions at the demanding Sao Paulo circuit cause Villeneuve further pain.

It is not unusual for teams to be forced to introduce substitute drivers, as Jordan back-up man Ricardo Zonta participated in two races last year when Heinz-Harald Frentzen was unable to compete.