The man who cannot seem to get enough of F1, Jacques Villeneuve, has signed for Sauber from 2005 onwards. The Canadian had already been earmarked to stand in for Jarno Trulli at Renault after the Italian parted ways with the French team.
The man who cannot seem to get enough of F1, Jacques Villeneuve, has signed for Sauber from 2005 onwards. The Canadian had already been earmarked to stand in for Jarno Trulli at Renault after the Italian parted ways with the French team.
Villeneuve has entered into a two-year contract with the team and joins current driver Felipe Massa, with effect from November 1, 2004.
Team principal Peter Sauber said: “I have to admit that signing a former World Champion is something truly special for me. However, I want to make it clear that this was not the decisive factor.
“When I was talking to Jacques, I could feel that he is absolutely keen and committed to returning to Formula One. He was always a great fighter and I am convinced that together we can achieve a lot. Sauber Petronas has made considerable progress this year, and I am confident that we are ready to tackle this challenge.”
While testing at Silverstone with Renault on Wednesday, Villeneuve said: “I am extremely excited to be back in Formula One with the Sauber Petronas Team, and I appreciate the confidence everybody is showing in me.
“It is my goal to work with Peter and his team to bring them forward in the championship during the next two seasons. On my recent visit to Sauber, I was extremely impressed by the professionalism that was apparent throughout the factory. I am looking forward to seeing the results.”
With the inclusion of the 1997 world champion into the team, F3000 champion Tonio Liuzzu has been shelved as one of Sauber’s drivers. He has, however, been linked as a test driver for the team from 2005 onwards.