Will JV be driving for in '04?

Wrex · 23 Sep 2002, 09:35 (Ref:386427)

Autosport.com reports former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has declared himself available on the driver market for 2004 – because he believes he will not be wanted at British American Racing.

The big question is, where can/will he go?

Ferrari - unlikely, seeing as Michael will still be there.
McLaren - Maybe partner to Kimi?
Williams - Returning home to Frank?
Renault - With Trulli or Alonso?
BAR - would they really resign him?
Toyota - Are they really that stupid?
Jordan/Jaguar/Sauber - Can they afford him?
IRL/CART - if they still want/remember him.
Another racing series (like sportscars)
Retirement

Chris Gray · 23 Sep 2002, 09:46 (Ref:386430)

I heard that he wasn't going to return to CART/IRL, but that BAR wouldn't keep him on at that current salary.

f1manoz · 23 Sep 2002, 10:07 (Ref:386450)

JV will be very lucky to find a seat in F1 in 2004 unless he drops his salary and performs wonders next year.

bastinscully · 23 Sep 2002, 10:30 (Ref:386460)

I hope Jacques goes to renualt or toyota for 04, but he`ll have to drop his salary a few million.

Red · 23 Sep 2002, 10:37 (Ref:386465)

I voted Toyota.

By the way, I also agree that Ferrari is not an option, but not because Michael is still there (and Jaques will refuse an offer..

) but more likely because that offer won't come; if we only consider that Rubens has already signed...

Wrex · 23 Sep 2002, 10:46 (Ref:386469)

Red, I cant see a serious offer coming from anyone on the list.

A top team won't be interested as they have their pick of drivers (and the list of great drivers at the moment is big). The lesser teams probably don't interest him and would'nt be willing to pay him the money he asks anyway.

That leaves another series (again no cash), and JV's ego would probably not allow himself to take a 'step' down.

enemy-ace · 23 Sep 2002, 11:01 (Ref:386479)

Jacques has stated in the past that he would be willing to partner M.Schumacher at Ferrari but only on equal footing. I think Williams would welcome him back, but it all comes down to seat availabilty and money. I think Renault wouldn't mind having him, only problem is he isn't managed by Briatore.

Valve Bounce · 23 Sep 2002, 11:33 (Ref:386511)

WREX, you forgot to list Minardi

Valve

Red · 23 Sep 2002, 11:36 (Ref:386516)

Quote:

Originally posted by Wrex
Red, I cant see a serious offer coming from anyone on the list.

Well, Wrex, to be honest neither do I. But I still think of Toyota. It is my feeling that they hired (and will for 2003) drivers only to have someone to blame if they don't achieve. But by 2004 they should start to perform at a reasonable level, and Jaques is perfect for the role: he's not slow, so he can deliver something, but also is very easy to blame him if something goes wrong (several DNF's, or if the car doesn't develop in a rapid rythm, stuff like that) Sorry for the cynical point of view.

slicktoast · 23 Sep 2002, 11:57 (Ref:386539)

Whoever has lots of $$$$$$$$$$

Lee Janotta · 23 Sep 2002, 13:31 (Ref:386610)

Jacques has priced himself out of getting a ride in 2004. He'll probably do a couple sports car races (Sebring, LeMans, Petit LeMans, maybe Nurburgring), then have to absolutely beg and buy his way back into F1 for 2005, probably with either Williams or Jordan, _maybe_ Ferrari. Getting his ego knocked down a couple pegs will do him some good.

Speedworx · 23 Sep 2002, 18:23 (Ref:386730)

He'll most likely be in CART.

Jordi · 23 Sep 2002, 21:43 (Ref:386887)

Anywhere where he can win, in F1 hopefully

Evilsenna · 24 Sep 2002, 01:53 (Ref:387005)

He will be with Renault, alongside Alonso!

The dream team!

Mania · 25 Sep 2002, 00:33 (Ref:387747)

Cant see him fitting in at Mclaren with Ron Dennis.

Cant see him going back to Williams with Ralf and Pablo around.

Renault is an option - providing Alonso or Trulli dont perform..if they do then Villeneuve is out of luck.

Jaguar is probably not an option - I think he may even end up extending his stay with BAR - Richards will probably make JV drop his price and swallow his pride before giving him an extention.

Either way, it all looks dicy for Jacques for 2004.

Wrex · 25 Sep 2002, 00:43 (Ref:387748)

Well this poll says it all IMO. Regardless of the topic, almost every poll I've seen here shows 1 or 2 winners. I have'nt seen one where the (tied) winner only has 19% of the vote.

It demonstrates to me Mania's last point, JV may be in trouble.

Unless Pollock buys a team ..............

DanFlag · 25 Sep 2002, 01:30 (Ref:387762)

Jacques @ Ferrari

Inigo Montoya · 25 Sep 2002, 01:58 (Ref:387767)

Retirement.

Liz · 27 Sep 2002, 20:54 (Ref:390168)

Not the Invisibles after what he said this week. Possibly Champ Cars if Gerry Forsythe still wants him -- bet he can get him cheaper now too.

But the real answer is very likely Retirement. He had his one good year and he's finished.

Mania · 27 Sep 2002, 21:00 (Ref:390170)

Quote:

Originally posted by Liz

But the real answer is very likely Retirement. He had his one good year and he's finished.

Kinda harsh there Liz. I think he still has a lot to offer. He's no Gilles but I still think he's one of the top 4 drivers in F1 even today. So - maybe he still has a good run left in him.

Valve Bounce · 27 Sep 2002, 22:31 (Ref:390228)

I totally agree with Mania's assessment. In fact, I reckon Jacques would be willing to take a considerable reduction in salary for another chance of glory with a top team. I reckon that Jacques can be brilliant if he had a top car to drive, and can win races again given the opportunity with a team like ferrari, McLaren, Williams and even Renault. Looks like Jaguar might be the bee's knees from what I see of second practice today. Eddie's surprised a lot of detractors lately. Maybe the Jaguar could be an option, who knows?

Valve

TeddyG · 28 Sep 2002, 20:27 (Ref:390689)

Jacques will no doubt be in F1 for 2004 if not at BAR (which I believe he will be) then at another good/great team. Just look today taking 7th place less than a second off the Ferrari's... showing he's still got plenty to offer and the team managers know that...despite all the rumors I don't think money will really be an issue ...

however I believe that 2003 will be a breakthrough year for BAR/Honda...ex-Williams designer Geoff Willis will get his chance to produce a much better chassis, as he states the current one is critically flawed...also with Honda finally concentrating on one F1 team and pulling out of supplying CART engines they now seem like they are ready to really concentrate 100% on BAR allowing them to pool their resources entirely on the F1 effort...
JV will impress next year giving his all as usual..and most certainly beating the pants off Button...the only question is will Dave Richards wake up and realise just how much JV is really worth!

Mr V · 28 Sep 2002, 20:38 (Ref:390698)

Quote:

Originally posted by TeddyG
the only question is will Dave Richards wake up and realise just how much JV is really worth!

I think Dave Richards knows exactly how much JV is worth, and thats why JV will have to drop his asking price if he wants to stay at BAR (or any other team in F1!) JV, no matter how good/bad his BAR car's have been, hasn't done enough in comparison to his team mates to warrent such a large retainer.

Rennen · 28 Sep 2002, 20:50 (Ref:390707)

A pickup truck!...with a bigger engine in it than the one Mika Salo currently has in his!

Valve Bounce · 28 Sep 2002, 23:44 (Ref:390807)

Now now, let's be sensible.

Valve

View Poll Results: Where will he go in 2004?
Ferrari	2	6.67%
McLaren	2	6.67%
Williams	2	6.67%
BAR	3	10.00%
Toyota	1	3.33%
Renault	7	23.33%
Jordan / Jaguar / Sauber	1	3.33%
IRL / CART	4	13.33%
Another Racing Series (sportscars etc)	2	6.67%
Retirment	6	20.00%
Voters: 30. You may not vote on this poll

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