Jacques Villeneuve talks about his future in racing
07/22/09
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| Jacques Villeneuve is still optimistic about his floundering career |
UPDATE After being in Brazil to race in the Argentinean series of Top Race20at Interlagos, Jacques Villeneuve gave his opinions on several topics like his present, his future and his goals.
– "I like the cars in Top Race, the atmosphere and the level of the series. I come here to do my job driving the car and to have a good time. My priority is Formula 1 or NASCAR, but who knows? It is possible that I will race more here, next year. It would be good, I like it and I have enjoyed the two races I have competed in."
– "The objective is to improve and have a better result in Buenos Aires. I'm not satisfied with my performance, because I came from very far and I didn't reach the expectations. Maybe it was the car, maybe we could have avoided the accident, probably, it was me. It was a stupid bump, something unnecessary. I come to race two races during the season, so there is no need to crash my car like that. But I will have another opportunity in Buenos Aires, my revenge."
– "The car (Mercedes TRV6) turned and braked very well, but it wasn't that powerful in the straightaways. I hope we can improve before Buenos Aires, where I want to have better results. It was another great experience to be in a Top Race competition in Brazil, I feel very comfortable racing here."
– "I came back because my experience here last year was marvelous, in every sense, especially in the sporting sense. I like the series, I feel good, and that is why I like being here. Without a doubt, they are two very important races and I'm happy I can take part in them. Just like last year, I come here to participate, even though I would love to improve the results from 2008."
– "Even though I had been in Sao Paulo before, I feel proud for being part of the event to honor a great driver, like (Ayrton) Senna. He is one of the greatest in history and you can tell that because of the admiration and respect that we all, as colleagues, feel."
– "What I miss most about Formula 1 is to drive the car; those cars are amazing; the competition, the speed… The fastest cars to drive through a turn, are in Formula 1."
– "My sons, -Jules, 2 years old and Jonas, just 1, only have seen me driving a F-1 in pictures; I want them to see me while racing, it is something that would be worth it."
– "I like the current Formula 1 format, in which tests are banned, and this case maybe more experienced drivers would be more requested. I'm taking a look to some options, but as of today, there are few to rejoin the series."
– "I would love to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans and NASCAR. But there is nothing like Formula 1. I still can compete there. I have two sons and I would love for them to see me in F-1. I still have some years to do so."
07/19/09 From Brazil, where he is racing in the Argentinean series, Top Race, the Canadian driver spoke about the possibilities that he is contemplating in Formula 1, NASCAR and even Top Race. Today he didn't achieve the times that he wanted while driving the Mercedes TRV6. This is his second opportunity in the series, which is disputing its 7th. race weekend of the season at the Interlagos circuit. Formula Truck is also racing here this weekend. He will start from the 7th. row trying to get a better starting position for the Final race. He highlighted Fernando Alonso in Formula 1.
Jacques Villeneuve possibly imagined a better qualifying run, keeping in mind his experience at Interlagos, where he won a Formula 1 race in 1997. This weekend, the Canadian is competing in his second ever Top Race V6 Argentina in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo. However, several factors came into play keeping him from a good qualifying result. He finished 25th [There is always an excuse].
The former Formula 1 champion is driving a Mercedes TRV6 in the rising stock car series. He completed the practices and qualifying runs, but wasn't able to get near the fastest speeds. "We had some issues with the car, especially the traction, and that is what kept us from running how I wanted. At the same time, I know how complicated this circuit is, the cars and the great quality of drivers that are here, it was hard to improve our position," explained Jacques.
Tomorrow he will race in the first qualifying run, which will start at 8:45 a m from the 13th. spot. He will try to improve his starting position for the final race, which is 24 laps or a maximum of 45 minutes.
Villeneuve held a press conference to talk about several issues before the main qualifying session. When asked about his experience in Top Race V6 and his choice of participating in the Argentinean series, the 1997 World Champion said, "I like the cars, the atmosphere and the level. I come here to drive my car the best I can, as well as to have a good time. Today, my priorities are Formula 1 or NASCAR, but you never know. It is possible that I race here more often come next year. It would be good, so far I've had a great time in the two races I've taken part in."
While in the same topic, Villeneuve acknowledge that he would like to take Top Race to Montreal, even though he understands it won't be easy to make this possible. He already talked about this with the president of Top Race, Alejandro Urtubey. "The Canadian fans aren't as passionate like the South American. During Winter they prefer to stay at home than be outdoors. But it could be a good option."
He was also questioned about the possibility of returning to Formula 1. "I like the actual regulations, where tests are prohibited, and it is probably why experienced drivers are being looked at. I'm looking at some options, even though as of today the possibilities are slim," he admitted.
Villeneuve avoided talking about the Brazilian drivers who are now competing in Formula 1 (Rubens Barrichello, Felipe Massa and Nelsinho Piquet), however he complemented Massa's driving and in his opinion, Fernando Alonso is the best driver.