What about Jacques??

Principessa · Post 24 Sep 2005, 14:32

What is going to happen with Jacques Villeneuve next season?
Villeneuve was pretty certain to have a race seat at BMW next season teamed up with Nick Heidfeld. But Mario Theissen says that everything is possible and that Villeneuve can't be certain of his place with BMW because he still has a valid contract with Sauber.
In the paddock rumours are spread that Dan Wheldon will get the second race seat at BMW next year. Of course nothing is certain at this point, but do we have to worry about Jacques future in F1? I think fans around the globe are very keen to know more about the future of their star and they're not alone. What will happen with the 1997 world champion. At this point nobody knows I guess. Sad but true, their is a possibility that we won't see JV in a F1 car next season.

manchild · Post 24 Sep 2005, 14:36

There are rumors that if not in BMW JV will get a seat in RBR team 1 with DC. Sort of exchange - Klien for JV (some people never learn)

Principessa · Post 24 Sep 2005, 14:39

The only thing I hope is that JV can stay in F1...it would be a loss for F1 if he doesn't find a team for next year

Post 24 Sep 2005, 14:40

In my opinion they should give him a chance. Not because of the contract but because he's a natural racer. Even a blind man can see he had difficulties with the Sauber but he's really moving closer to his best level.

BMW have always had the tendency to hire drivers selected by nationality, but isn't BMW a global known company? What's the problem with Jacques then?

Anyway, who are they actually considering better than Jacques to take his seat?
Takuma Sato the inconsisitent?
Ricardo Zonta the 'beaten by Jacques at BAR'?
Alex Wurz who didn't race since 1999? (however he might be a good option, german speaking, highly rated driver)

Ah well... Jacques is there and must remain there, can't believe they are even considering taking anybody else when money isn't the issue and Jacques is infact already there without BMW having to do anything

Post 24 Sep 2005, 14:41

manchild wrote:There are rumors that if not in BMW JV will get a seat in RBR team 1 with DC. Sort of exchange - Klien for JV (some people never learn)

oh Klien... didn't think about him. Anyway is there really anyone who thinks Klien is a better driver than JV?

Principessa · Post 24 Sep 2005, 14:43

Maybe BMW wants to start with young drivers...

that's a possibility and you have to say that Villeneuve isn't really young in F1terms.

But JV and DC, that would be a cool combination

Good friends and very experienced drivers

manchild · Post 24 Sep 2005, 14:55

BMW insisted on one German driver for Williams (Ralf) and now they seam to insist on both German drivers. It has to do with sales in Germany but it has nothing to do with a way to win in F1.

Principessa · Post 24 Sep 2005, 15:09

I still think you have to look at the capability of the driver if you want to have a good team. And with Jacques your on the good spot for a capable driver

jaslfc · Post 24 Sep 2005, 16:13

if im not mistaken jv's contract was for 2million a year. and i think bmw is happy to pay out his contract!! Ill be sad if we dont see jv on the field. Wouldnt it be nice if they give him a chance next year and he shows his 96/97 form and take on the mclarens and the renaults!!

Principessa · Post 24 Sep 2005, 16:20

I guess that would be a bit difficult to take on the McLarens and the Renaults.
It's not only the driver that needs to be good....we can't forget about the car

Scuderia_Russ · Post 24 Sep 2005, 17:50

They wouldn't go far wrong with Heidfeld and Wurz if they did want an all German line up. Heidfeld has been out of the last two races and Webber is only just ahead of him if I remember my championship positions correctly...and Wurz had some excellent drives in his Benetton days. A new team and a race seat could really fire him up. As for Jaques, it would be a great shame to see him leave the sport. Unfortunately the Sauber doesn't do him justice...It hasn't had any updates for at least four races!

Principessa · Post 24 Sep 2005, 19:48

I'm not sure that they would take Alex Wurz in their team (BMW) What's the point? He's not so great and indeed he hasn't been racing for a long time. Of course he does a good testing job, but I don't really think you can compare Wurz with Villeneuve qua skills. Villeneuve is 10 times better and has more experience.

Scuderia_Russ · Post 24 Sep 2005, 20:12

BMW might not look at it like that. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

manchild · Post 24 Sep 2005, 20:27

I say – Goodbye Giancarlo and welcome back Jacques!

Why not? No one would have done it worse than Fisichella did this season (all technical problems considered).

Principessa, please send an e-mail to Flavio…

jaslfc · Post 25 Sep 2005, 03:14

itll be nice if jv goes back to renault but i think its better for him to stick to bmw(sauber) it took him half a season to get the car set up to his driving style and now if he is there in 2006 he can help design the car to match his style. I honestly dont think bmw will be a race winner but hopefully they can be fighting for a top 5 finish in every race.. But no one knows what is goin to happen in f1.. look at mclaren from a very dissapointing season ini 2004 to have the fastest car in 2005!! Bmw has always been good in the engine department and maybe with the new v8 engines they could have the best engine next year.. BTW will it still be a 2 race engine next year??