Villeneuve not ready to leave F1

Villeneuve, now driving for the BMW Sauber team, made his Grand Prix debut in the 1996 Australian Grand Prix with Williams. Back then, he grabbed pole position and finished in second place behind teammate Damon Hill.

Villeneuve went on to win the title with Williams in 1997.

After moving to the BAR team in 1999, the Canadian struggled to shine, his last podium finish coming in the 2001 German Grand Prix.

"I have some very good memories, mostly in the first couple of years definitely, not so many afterwards," said Villeneuve ahead of the Melbourne race.

"But there are still here or there, even in the difficult moments, there are always the odd race or two where things go right and you actually get a good weekend, so racing wise you get good memories at least one a year normally, but good memories are mostly outside of the car I would say.

"I wasn't thinking about it being 10 years actually," added Villeneuve. "I always like coming here because it has been a track that I always went well at, especially in qualifying and since we have started the season more competitive than we did last season, coming here is exciting."

The 34-year-old Canadian was finally confirmed at the new BMW team for 2006 after months of speculation regarding his future following a shaky 2005 season with Sauber.

Villeneuve's contract ends at the end of the year, but the former champion says he is not done with Formula One yet.

"I certainly hope so," said the Canadian when asked if he expected to remain in F1 next season. "I am not ready to stop but it doesn't just depend on me, it depends on a bunch of other factors."

The BMW driver, winner of 11 Grands Prix, reckons he is still capable of winning if he is given the right equipment.

"Definitely. I can still race hard from the first lap to the last lap, and that is all that matters."