Villeneuve tipped to stay at BAR

It is understood that a final decision has not been made by the former world champion on where he will race in 2004, but BAR is now favourite to retain his services on a performance-related deal. A contract is expected to be signed with the next month.

Despite hitting out at the reliability of the BAR package in Canada last weekend, Villeneuve has admitted that he is encouraged with the progress the team has made. "I don't want to wait until I am 50 to be in a position to be competitive again," he said. "But what you have to understand is that the BAR car had made a huge step forward this year. We have closed the gap to Ferrari a lot and, for us, that is very important.

"When you make a decision you have to see what is available and what your options are, and it is impossible for me to give you an answer until I know what the options really are. It is easy to say now 'Oh, I only want to drive in these kind of teams', but when the question is you drive in another team or you stay at home, then maybe you will change your mindset."