JV Looks Ahead At Life With BMW

Jacques Villeneuve tells all after being confirmed to drive for BMW in 2006. Yesterday was the day of resolution for Villeneuve fans all over the world as the news was spread that Villeneuve has a 2006 race seat at BMW Sauber.

Interview with Jacques Villeneuve

Jacques, you must be delighted to have your 2006 season with BMW now confirmed?
"Of course, I am very happy, but it is what I have been expecting all along because there was a contract in place. I am still very motivated, which is why I signed the two-year deal with Sauber last year. I have had a great year in terms of my work with the engineers on the development of the car, and our hard work has been evident in that there was steady progress made. I came back to Formula One to be successful, unfortunately the Sauber was not as competitive this year as we all had thought it could be. I expect that, with the increased budget that BMW can offer, we can improve steadily, because Sauber is a very efficient team already. I'm really looking forward to working with the team in 2006, and really feel it is going to be a fantastic year."

But you must have worried a little, especially as your performances in 2005 have come under some criticism?
"In terms of performances, 2005 was quite hard. The car was difficult to drive in the beginning, and we done an insufficient amount of testing before the season started. On this particular point, I am extremely happy with the job we've done this year. Looking at lap times we were able to improve the car by over half a second per lap during the course of the season. Of course, things like this are not very visible as we were fighting for positions and not for podiums but it is quite satisfying to have achieved such a strong job."

What are your feelings about how the team will work now that Peter Sauber has left?
"Peter gave me the chance to drive in F1 again in 2005 and I want to thank him for this. He is a really passionate guy, he loves racing and I am sure that we will see him around again very soon. He put together a very efficient team, with a much a smaller budget than most of the teams in the paddock. Because of this, BMW, who are very committed to the new challenge of running their own team, will undoubtedly become a very strong contender in the future and I am excited to be part of this project."

And do you really believe there can be a quick improvement in the team’s performance?
"It’s important to be realistic and to consider from where we start. Sauber finished in eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship 2005, so there’s a long way to go. I am sure we can do considerably better, but it will take time. The important thing is to see an upwards trend."

What are your thoughts on seeing Felipe Massa move to Ferrari?
"First, I would like to wish him all the best there. I was really happy to be working with him this year - Felipe is a great guy, very quick on the track and I had a lot of fun with him. He has become a friend and this is something that will stay. Secondly, I didn’t discuss the details of his contract at Ferrari but Michael is at the end of his career and Felipe at the beginning. Felipe is there to take over when Michael will retire and he will be able to learn a lot more at Ferrari, both from Michael and from the team. This is a great opportunity for Felipe and I am sure that he will be good there."

Are you looking forward to working together with Nick Heidfeld in the new team?
"I am indeed. I didn’t really have any contacts with Nick apart from the usual business at the track but I like Nick’s personality and I thing that he is a good driver too. He has been quite impressive on a few occasions so I am looking forward to working with him."