Villeneuve Not Interested in other Teams
Jacques Villeneuve says he is not in discussions with other Formula One teams as he is convinced he will stay with BMW next year
The Canadian driver signed a two-year contract with the Sauber team at the end of last season, but doubts emerged about his future after the Swiss squad were bought out by BMW, who plan to race under their own name in 2006.
Villeneuve, however, has reiterated his intention to stay with the team despite the change of ownership, although he admitted he has not held any talks with the German carmaker yet.
"We've not had conversations anywhere. I've not spoken to BMW," said Villeneuve. "I'm not the kind of guy to go and talk to everyone if I already have something in my hands - what's the point? It's quite a short contract, there's not enough lines to forget what's in it. There's not millions of ways to screw each other up.
"We need to start building the relationship, the earlier the better but I'm sure they have their own demons to work on until the end of the season with Williams. Their energy is concentrated there and that's only fair, they have a contract there.
"I'm sure that as soon as the season is over the contacts will start. The hasn't been many talks with the team, everyone is just concentrating on their job until the end of the year and then closing the book and starting something new.
"For me I'm very happy BMW is coming. The big question is how good will we start because then we will progress, there will be a lot more people developing bits for the car. All that kind of stuff that we don't have now will be a huge help next season.
"I'm sure it will be a step up from this year but how much I don't know. We haven't even talked yet, so I am not even sure who will do what job. Everyone is waiting until the season is over to get into discussions."
Villeneuve also said his role at BMW will be very important next year as he would be the only current driver to stay at the team after Brazilian Felipe Massa was confirmed as a Ferrari driver, replacing Rubens Barrichello.
"[Continuity is] extremely important, that is why it is good that I will be there," Villeneuve added. "If you start with two different drivers it takes extra time because you don't know where you are coming from and whether you have made progress, you need continuity."
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