Villeneuve test first pictures
Jacques Villeneuve got back in the cockpit of a contemporary Formula 1 car for the first time since last year's United States Grand Prix at Silverstone on Wednesday morning as he begins a two-day test with Renault to prove he is good enough to be handed the seat for the rest of the season
The former world champion has been drafted in for a two-day evaluation run as the French manufacturer considers its option for the remainder of the campaign after splitting with Jarno Trulli on Tuesday evening. He did one installation lap at 9.48am and just after 10.02am he completed two flying laps.
Renault is desperate to regain the initiative in its fight for second place in the constructors' championship after losing the place to arch rivals BAR at the Italian Grand Prix. Its advantage has slipped over recent races, thanks in part to Trulli's failure to score a point since the French Grand Prix in July - the weekend when it became clear he would not be driving for the outfit in 2005.
Villeneuve will not only hopefully provide a speed boost for the team but will stir up interest in F1 now that both championships have been decided.
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