Villeneuve rules out BDR purchase

The 1997 Formula One world champion has been linked to a purchase of the team he is racing for since his manager Craig Pollock expressed an interest in buying a NASCAR team, but Villeneuve claims that he will not be involved in any takeover bid.

Villeneuve said: "Over the last few weeks there has been persistent speculation that I am considering some form of purchase of the Bill Davis Racing organisation.

"In spite of my consistent denial of these claims, the questions and speculation continue, so I want to set the record straight, one time only.

"I am not interested in buying the BDR business, or any other NASCAR team. I have not been considering such a purchase, and I will not be changing that position."

Villeneuve added that he wants to remain totally focused on his racing in NASCAR, where he is currently preparing for his rookie season in the Sprint Cup in 2008.

"I am in NASCAR to race, and to perform to my very best," he said. "That will take all of my focus, time and attention, and there is no need to complicate that. I just want to be able to concentrate on racing.

"NASCAR is a new challenge and it will be tough to reach the top, and even tougher to stay there. That is a process that I am committed to and one which will take time.

"Suggestions that my commitment to the sport will be short-term are also wide of the mark. I expect to be racing NASCAR for the next few years at least."