Villeneuve movie expected in cinemas by 2007

Production company 'Capri Films' plans to produce a movie about the life of Gilles Villeneuve, father of BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Jacques Villeneuve, who was killed in an accident in 1982 in Belgium.

On the one hand, the film will deal with the Formula One career of Gilles Villeneuve, on the other, it will also feature Jacques' on his way to winning the 1997 Formula One World Championship. It will be based on a book written by Gerald Donaldson. Production of the US$30-million project is supposed to begin this year, with Jacques being involved as an advisor.

In the past, his manager, Craig Pollock, had been contacted several times by persons interested in producing a film about the Villeneuve family. And while Jacques rejected all previous offer, he agreed this time. Pollock says: "This was different - Jacques will have his say." The film, which will be produced by Gabriella Martinelli, is expected to hit the cinemas in 2007.