Renault Now, Sauber Later?
Written by George Katinger · October 16, 2004
The world of F1 is rife with speculation on the future of Jacques Villeneuve and Renault, and the season ending race in Brazil: Of more concern to Jacques should be his future with Sauber. Renault may dump him now, will Sauber drop him later?
paddocktalk.com: F1: Jacques Villeneuve Out for Brazil???
sportnetwork.net: Villeneuve not testing for Renault!
f1central.net: Renault To Drop Villeneuve
grandprix.com: Renault’s dilemma
With his testing time cut to a handful of laps at Jerez this past week, will Renault put Jacques “I’m Not in Shape” Villeneuve back in the seat for the Brazilian GP? It sure doesn’t look good, does it? And it casts a serious pall on the future of Flavio with Renault. Renault may give him the boot prior to his contract completion. It was his decision to bring in Jacques to help pry second place from the hands of BAR. And I was in total agreement with the stratagy; who could be more motivated than Jacques to race hard against his former team? Unfortunately it just hasn’t worked out.
The unknown (and universaly touted) issue was Jacques competitiveness in a race. He’s had two shots at scoring points for the team, and even Jacques admits, his lack of performance has been crushing. Crushing to Renault’s ambitions and his legion of fans who have clamored for his return.
Jacques bigger concern should be his ride for 2005-06 and his contract with Peter Sauber. What are they thinking over at the Swiss team now? Huge mistake or just rust on the former champion’s driving skills? With Sauber’s limited budget you can be sure they will not just side line him and bring in another driver or elevate a tester. Jacques will either tool around at the back of the pack or resign and retire. With his pride and ego at stake I believe he will leave the sport rather than suffer that kind of indignity.
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