Villeneuve Back in F1 With Renault

LONDON September 17, 2004; Stephen Wade writing for the AP reported that former series champion Jacques Villeneuve is back in Formula One, and his goal is clear: beat former team BAR-Honda.

The Canadian will drive the final three races of the season for Renault and then join Sauber-Petronas in a two-year deal.

Eleven months ago, the 1997 F1 champion quit BAR-Honda on the eve of the season-ending race in Japan after BAR announced it had signed Japan's Takuma Sato to replace him in 2004.

"The team and I share a common goal: to beat BAR to second place in the championship," Villeneuve said Friday. "I am here to enjoy myself as well, but the priority is to contribute to Renault's fight in the championship."

Villeneuve's return to F1 was as rapid as his departure.

Renault said Tuesday that Villeneuve was testing with the team. Jarno Trulli has been released to join Toyota. Villeneuve was confirmed Friday for the final three races, starting with the Chinese Grand Prix on Sept. 26.

With Michael Schumacher its ace, Ferrari already has won the drivers' and constructors' title. Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello is on the verge of finishing second. Only second-place in the team chase is up for grabs, with BAR-Honda three points ahead of Renault.

Villeneuve's move to Sauber means the top seven teams have nearly set their lineups for next season.

Schumacher and Barrichello are staying at Ferrari, with Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella set for Renault. Sato will stay at BAR-Honda, and David Coulthard, who is leaving McLaren, could be joining him.

Coulthard would replace Jenson Button, if Button moves as expected to Williams. BAR and Williams are involved in a contract dispute with the English driver.

Williams' second driver will be Mark Webber. If Button is forced to stay with BAR, Williams will be looking for a second driver. Antonio Pizzonia is a top candidate.

McLaren has confirmed Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya for 2005, with Villeneuve and Felipe Massa driving for Sauber.

Jordan and Minardi have no confirmed drivers yet for next season. Jaguar, whose drivers are Webber and Christien Klien, announced Friday it was pulling out of F1 at the end of the season.