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Formula One: Villeneuve is center of attention at Canadian Grand Prix

17 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

MONTREAL - Sundays Canadian Grand Prix marks the first of two stops for the Formula One in North America this season. The series will be back for the inaugural SAP United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis on Sept. 24.

Much of the attention this weekend focuses on Jacques Villeneuve, not only because he is Canadian but also because of intense speculation over which team he will drive for next year. Villeneuves two-year contract with British American Racing ends after this season.

"Rumors are fun," Villeneuve said. "But it doesnt help your work in the team because it means a lot of people are stressed out. We are still concentrating on getting this car to go quick and on getting some results. That is very important right now, but there will come a point when I will have to make a decision on what I want to do."

That decision, Villeneuve said, will only be made when he knows all the facts about the teams he is negotiating with.

"You cant make a decision until you have all the cards in your hands," he said. "You want to know what youre choosing from. You want to know where the teams are heading."

Villeneuve refused to comment on any specifics of his negotiations. "Once things are signed, only then will I say what it is," he said.

Villeneuve joined the Williams-Renault F1 team in 1996 after winning the 1995 Indianapolis 500 and the 1995 CART championship. Villeneuve won 11 Grands Prix and the 1997 Formula One World Championship with Williams before joining the new BAR team in 1999.

The past season and a half have been hard work for Villeneuve and BAR as they struggled to make the car competitive. He has thanked his fans for supporting him during the time of "frustration."

"Thanks for sticking with me," Villeneuve said, "but dont give up because things will get better."

Villeneuve hasnt had much luck in the Canadian Grand Prix since he finished second in 1996 at the track named after his late father. David Coulthard, currently second in the World Championship, has been competitive at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve but often failed to turn that into points-paying results.

"I scored my first world championship points here," Coulthard said. "I have also led a couple of races here, until I was stopped by mechanical problems."

Coulthard won the Monaco Grand Prix two weeks ago in his West McLaren-Mercedes.

"It is important not to get carried away just because of a slightly fortunate win at Monaco," he said. "To start third, not overtake anyone and then to win the race is something that you cant forget. I am feeling good about my performance, and I am looking forward to the race."

Coulthard, Villeneuve and the rest of the drivers, including championship leader Michael Schumacher, all enjoy the atmosphere of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located on an island in the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the city of Montreal.

"The Canadian Grand Prix is one of my favorite events," Michael Schumacher said. "I like the country, and people are very friendly. The track has some similarities with a street circuit, but it is also very fast and offers several overtaking opportunities. It is very hard on the brakes, and it is also not that easy to find the ideal setup."

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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