Villeneuve: The saviour of Formula One?

JV to save the day?
By Phil Huff (21/08/2003)
August 21 2003

Lucky Strike BAR Honda's star driver Jacques Villeneuve has been talking to Autosport magazine about many things, including what he would do to save F1.

In a lengthy article covering many subjects as diverse as gambling, music and love, he goes into significant detail on what changes he would make to modern F1, and there's some surprises.

Many people aren't fans of the modern grooved tyres, and Villeneuve is no exception. "It's such a shame these grooved tyres just don't tolerate any slip angle. Because of the grooves, you have to build a very stiff construction - and that means you can't slide them.

"It's the same for everyone, of course, but if we could have slicks again, it wouldn't be that much quicker, and the cars would respond the way they're supposed to respond."

Moving on to refuelling, he adds "It's becoming a little bit crazy. You see a lot of cars pulling out of their pit too early now - it's becoming too critical. As well as that, we all come in at the same time - and there's no room in the pits to do the refuelling."

A common theme among all fans is the curse of traction control - every fan wants it out, but the FIA won't do that as it's too difficult to police. A fair argument, and one that Jacques grudgingly accepts. "The only way to get rid of traction control would be to get rid of electronics to the engine," says Villeneuve, "and have cable throttles again, that kind of stuff. And I'd go for that!"

"I'd get rid of all telemetry, as well." as if making sure that electronics should go completely. "Just talk with the engineers, get in, and drive. I think it would be much better for the show, because you would never have a perfect car."

He leaves his most controversial suggestion to last. Citing the Schumacher-Alonso incident at Silverstone, Jacques says "I think we should get rid of mirrors."

He's being serious. "I'm serious." says Jacques.

"If you don't have mirrors, you cannot block. If you're following someone, and he doesn't have mirrors, you know he hasn't seen you, so you know he will turn into the corner. In a race situation it would be 10 times safer without mirrors. You just mind your own business - like the motorbike guys."

Of course, motorbikes take up considerably less room than an a Formula One car, and the riders can peer over their shoulders, but his point is valid. Will the FIA listen to Jacques comments?

You know the answer to that.