Villeneuve Praises Future Teammate Massa

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve on Friday said his past criticism of Brazilian driver Felipe Massa will not hamper his relationship when they are paired together at Sauber next season.

Villeneuve, who will move from Renault to Sauber next year, blamed Brazilian youngster Massa for failing to spot blue flags and regularly getting in the way during his debut season two years ago.

While the outspoken Canadian said his comments were fair, he believes Massa has improved since he joined the grid with Sauber through his season sabbatical as a Ferrari test driver.

"I was critical of many people," said Villeneuve, who returned to the paddock for the first time since last year's United States Grand Prix. "I was critical in the first season and everyone in the first season has to learn. You make mistakes.

"There is nothing wrong with criticising mistakes as long as people learn and he [Massa] seems to be doing a very good job now, he doesn't annoy anybody or anything. He has a lot of experience."

Villeneuve, who lives in Switzerland, announced last week that he will drive for the Swiss Sauber team in 2005 after taking a year out following his split with former team BAR-Honda. The 1997 World Champion, who spent the last five years with BAR, had only been expected to return if he was given the opportunity to race at the front next season.

Privateer team Sauber are unlikely to offer him that chance but he insisted he is still motivated by racing and not simply moving to Sauber as a stepping stone back to the top.

"I drove for five years in a bad situation and the motivation was there," said Villeneuve. "I am sure that next year will be a very positive atmosphere and that is what will make the difference. Just see the step that BAR made this year, anything is possible. You never know what will happen.

"But I am not even thinking about next year right now, there is enough work to do in the next month. But I am happy about next year."