Villeneuve visits Sauber

Villeneuve is desperate to return to F1 next year having sat on the sidelines this year after BAR opted to put test driver Takuma Sato into the French-Canadian's race seat.

A report in Autosport magazine this week revealed his former team BAR wanted him back, but it seems Villeneuve is keeping his options open and with Sauber star Giancarlo Fisichella off to Renault next year a seat has become available at the Swiss-based team.

A team spokesman confirmed that Villeneuve had visited the factory where he inspected its new windtunnel and had informal talks with team boss Peter Sauber.

With BAR's impressive form this year, the Brackley-based team is thought to be the preferred option for Villeneuve, and he clearly believes he's the man for the job.

"I am the guy for BAR because they need someone who can adapt to the team very quickly," he told Autosport. "I was with the team through the hardest time and we survived it together. It is unfinished business and I am hungry.

"I would be quite happy to work for bonuses. I haven't even thought about the money, it's not the important thing right now."

Richards has confirmed that Villeneuve has contacted him, but the Briton is reluctant to look for a driver until the dispute with Button is resolved. A driver announcement is expected before the Italian Grand Prix in September.