Frustrating day for JV

It was a frustrating afternoon for Jacques Villeneuve in Japan. The former World Champion was 8th on the start grid but the introduction of the safety car, after the crash of Juan Pablo Montoya, killed off any chances the Canadian had for a successful race.

Team Sauber and Villeneuve knew they had to change their strategy because of the safety car but Jacques says that once he failed to get out ahead of the early stoppers following his first pit stop he knew he had little chance of making up the time.
Jacques Villeneuve "We changed my strategy after the safety car came out, but once the others who had already pitted came by ahead of me as I rejoined after refuelling I knew that was it.”

After the race, the Canadian was very upset, he believes he had a good car for the race but by the time he was able to get going he was in 11th position and out of range of the points positions.
“The car was good, and I think mine was faster than Felipe's. I was catching him at the end but big deal, we fought for 10th place. Not a glorious day!”

Juan Pablo Montoya was forced to retire on lap one after an incident with Jacques. The McLaren driver was behind Jacques and unable to pass him. Jacques says he cannot explain what happened to Montoya as he did not see what caused him to crash into the barrier.
“As for Montoya on the first lap, I never even saw him so I have no idea what he might have been trying to do when he went off."