Villeneuve looking for first points

Lead driver Jacques Villeneuve ran 3rd for much of the Spanish race, and has the extra incentive of racing in front of his home crowd this weekend.

'My mood going into the Canadian GP is more positive than last year,' admitted Villeneuve. 'We believe we can do something so I am very happy and confident.'

After making some costly mistakes at his home race in recent years, Villeneuve has been accused of letting the pressure of the occasion overwhelm him, and he admits this is not his favourite event of the year.

'I love spending time in Montreal, but not in the week of the Grand Prix because there are just so many demands,' he said. 'Canada is always a difficult weekend for me, not just because of the fans, but also because of family and friends who call to get passes, which can be annoying sometimes.

'Personally, I don't feel any more pressure than normal to get a result in Montreal because I always try my best at every race.'

Despite the pressure of their attention and expectation, Villeneuve has a lot of respect for the Canadian fans:

'The Canadian fans are great because they are such racing fans. They want to see a good show. They are not just there for me and they don't boo the other drivers, as sometimes happens at other races. They are special in that way.'

While Villeneuve's recent form means he is likely to be the centre of attention in Montreal this weekend, his team mate Ricardo Zonta is also under the spotlight in Canada. The Brazilian rookie is returning after injuring his foot in Brazil. Some have suggested that the heavy braking required at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve may be too much for his tender foot to cope with, but Zonta cannot wait for the race.

He said: 'The past seven weeks have been very frustrating for me, but now I am just so glad to be able to drive again. I really have to thank the team for being fantastically supportive during the time I have been recovering.'