Villeneuve wants BAR return

According to a report in British tabloid newspaper the Sun, 33-year-old Villeneuve believes that he is just the man to continue the good work it has achieved this year with Button, who lies third in the world championship standings.

Villeneuve drove for BAR from its first season in F1 in 1999 until he split in controversial circumstances with the team on the eve of last year's Japanese Grand Prix, where he was replaced by Takuma Sato. Button is set to join Williams next year.

"David Richards and I have had our differences but I believe we can put everything behind us," Villeneuve told the Sun. "I'm sure we can sort things out and work together on making the team go forward because BAR are true frontrunners. Ferrari is the best but after them it's BAR - the only team that can worry Michael Schumacher.

"I've spoken to David and it would be good if something can be worked out but we have to wait and see what happens to Jenson. But I want to get back into F1 and fight at the front. I've been watching the races on TV this season and I've been training since the winter. I'm hungry for a return.

"By the end of last season there were political problems, coupled with few results on the track, but the problems I had with David are no longer an issue."

In response to the story, Richards said: "He called me and we had a chat about things, as have a lot of people. We will resolve the current situation first."