Villeneuve Will Bounce Back, Says Pollock

Jacques Villeneuve will come back strongly from the crash which resulted in the death of a marshal at the Australian Grand Prix, according to British American Racing team principal Craig Pollock.

"It's been an awful shock and upsetting experience for Jacques," Pollock said of the Canadian former world champion at BAR's website. "His sympathies are with the family.

"But he knows he must carry on. Not many could get back behind the wheel to race after such a big accident but he's a strong character."

Pollock said the crash had reminded him of the accident that killed Villeneuve's father Gilles at Zolder in practice for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix.

"It was the first time I've seen Jacques in such a fearsome crash and I was really worried for him," he said.

BAR said an internal examination had revealed that Villeneuve suffered bruising and muscle damage during the crash which destroyed his car and badly damaged the Williams of Ralf Schumacher.

Villeneuve, who was briefly admitted to hospital complaining of nausea and chest pains after the race, will stay in Australia until next week for physiotherapy before the Malaysian Grand Prix on March 18.