Christian Tortora from RDS (a french F1 specialist) has heard that Jacques is talking to Dave Richards and BAR. He says that Richards himself told the British American Tobacco that Jacques would be a great solution to replace Jenson. For those you can read french.. http://www.rds.ca/cgi-bin/nouvelles?site=rdw&action=4&SPODIR=information&sport=#106710
Not a chance of that happening, especially after Dave Richards offered Jacques only $1 for the 2004 season. If BAR was even talking to Jacques, then the Button switch must be pretty close to a done deal legally speaking.
JV is desperate....he's talking to everyone. Last month he called me about a ride in my Acura Regards, Jon P. Kofod www.flatoutracing.net
Hey all you guys who didn't believe that JV has spoken to Richards and BAR. f1racing.net ''BAR confirm Villeneuve contact BAR-Honda team principal David Richards confirmed here Saturday that he has spoken with former driver Jacques Villeneuve since the announcement of Jenson Button's planned departure to Williams. Button shocked the team nine days ago when it was announced that he has signed to race for Williams next year and several current and former drivers have already sounded BAR out about their chances of replacing him. Richards confirmed that 1997 world champion Villeneuve, who left the team in acrimonious circumstances at the end of last year, has made contact but insisted he is not in discussions over a return just yet. Richards, who has remained tight-lipped since the Button controversy ignited, said: "He (Villeneuve) called me and we had a chat about things, as have a whole lot of people. But we will resolve the current situation first." The team, who are currently third in the world championship, are contesting Button's shock decision to move on because they believe they took up an option to retain the British driver before it expired at the end of July. Richards said he believes the situation will be solved before the Italian Grand Prix in early September and insisted that, in the meantime, he will not consider any other options. Villeneuve, however, admitted on Saturday to British newspaper The Sun that he is keen to make a comeback. He had sounded out Williams about a return but there will no longer be a place at the team if Button's move is confirmed. The Canadian driver walked out on BAR before last year's season-ending Japanese Grand Prix after a season of turmoil in which he openly discussed his deteriorating relationship with Richards and the team. But he told The Sun: "David Richards and I have our differences but I believe we can put everything behind us. I'm sure we can sort things out and work together on making the team go forward. "BAR are true front-runners. Ferrari are 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. I want to get back into Formula One 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." Villeneuve would be happy to return to the team he helped set up in 1999 but Richards insisted it is currently more important to concentrate on ensuring the team works as normal until a final decision on Button is made. He said: "I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a different atmosphere but this will not be a team that will be destabilised by side issues. We are a racing team and every single man is a solid professional. It is just more focused and more professional, if it can be - perhaps a little less jokey. Everyone knows what the objectives are and what our goals are and no-one has flinched from that." So what do you guys have to say? For now JV looks to be the #1 candidate to replace Jenson which is a very good thing,
It depends on who you are talking to. Mika Häkkinen or Anthony Davidson would be good choices to replace Jenson Button too. Usually silly season is over after Hungary. This time however, seems like silly season is far from over.
All those years with McLaren doing nothing spectacular. Mika was better than him and then when Kimi arrived..it was David's chance to be the #1 guy at McLaren but it didn't happen. In my opinion.... if DC joins BAR, Sato will blow him away all season. DC will go to Jaguar or he's out.
I got a rare invite to the "secret lair" at Tochigi in Japan the week before last. Honda not liking JV is a bit of an understatement...
DR did meet with JV but only to psyche out JB .No intentions of hiring JV.Just my prediction.Only time will tell what's for real
I can just picture the "meeting": JV: "Looks like you need a lead driver again" BAR: "We were shocked silly, not stupid."
if i were dave richards, i would sign up jv and hakkinen, and put sato in testing. i dont think either one of these guys is asking to get back in it for the money - just a good seat, and these are the last ones left. he would get brownie pts with bernie, and lots of ad money. and he would have a chance of at least coming in second to schumi.
That is some sound advice. Persuing legal action against Jenson is a waste of time and Sato is a waste of a racing seat anyway.
IMO, JV going back to BAR is like someone re-hooking with his ex-girlfriend (after he's bad-mouthed her to all of his friends) .....yyyuuucccchhhh!!!!!!!!
I am surprised Bourdais has not been in any of the silly season rumbling that I have heard. He won F3000, he is on his way to win Champ, he is still young and seems to be a real racer (Denver performance was a real treat to watch). I would imagine he would be worth the risk. Ron.
I agree, snagging Mika and Jacques would really put BAR into the "big leagues" when it comes to inserting drivers' bio's into the Year End Statements. I especially would love to see Hakkinen back. And I have to totally agree with Juan Montoya, Button's an idiot for making this move. He's a genius behind the wheel, but take him out and.......what a dumb move. I hope it comes back to haunt him. He must like having his career go up and down. However, I do think Sato has done well enough to keep his seat. It would be a shame to cut him off so soon. I mean how's a guy supposed to get into this sport. Look at how well Pizzonia did for Williams, yet Jaguar dumped him as soon as they could. For some guys it takes a bit of time. Wes
Now Jacques is talking to Peter Sauber. JV visited Sauber Factory thursday... http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=motorSportsNews&storyID=6019783&src=rss/uk/motorSportsNews§ion=news
I still want JV to go at BAR but if it doesn't work out , Sauber is JV best option. Jacques and Liuzzi driving for Sauber next year would be good. (an experience driver with a youngster)
