Villeneuve Speaks Out: No Options Right Now

After two months of silcence, former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has spoken out today, revealing his chances of making a return to the grid for next year are virtually non existent and admitting he is not actively searching for a drive for 2004.

The 1997 World Champion was left without a driving seat for next season after his former team, BAR, decided not to renew his contract for the upcoming season, replacing him with Japanese driver Takuma Sato. Villeneuve subsequently decided to withdraw from the final race of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix, and has remained silent in the media ever since.

But in a private media luncheon held today in Switzerland, the Canadian blamed - without so much naming him - BAR boss David Richards for destroying his career, and said his options of staying in Formula One are currently void.

"Last year, someone in the paddock was trying to destroy everything I achieved, putting about that I was a pain to work with," Villeneuve said. "Everyone believed it. Even Bernie [Ecclestone] believed it because he was telling me I had to change.

"There was nothing I could do about it. It was out of my hands. I got a crap offer from BAR. It was insulting because there was no money involved. We went back with a counter offer but heard nothing."

Asked if he might return to his former team, WilliamsF1, now that Juan Pablo Montoya is moving to McLaren in 2005, Villeneuve said the option does not exist.

"I don't think Williams will want me back," he said, adding that "unless I can get a top car I am not sure I would consider [staying in F1]. If there are no opportunities for 2004 then why should there be any in 2005? I would not rule it out but I am not working towards it."

Villeneuve also rejected speculations that he withdrew from the Japanese Grand Prix because of pressure or offers from Honda or BAR and clarified the decision was his alone.

"Everyone knew that Takuma would be in the car next year and if they had told me in May I wouldn't be driving for them I would have accepted it - but they didn't," the Canadian said. "I didn't race in Japan because why should I risk my life for someone like that?"

He concluded by saying he may look for racing opportunities elsewhere, stating that "I won't miss the Formula One paddock. I will miss racing - although perhaps I could [race] somewhere else."