Villenueve to be replaced before 2004?

No smiles for JV
By Phil Huff (11/09/2003)
September 11 2003

Jacques Villeneuve has dropped hints that his time at BAR may be up, after speculating that he may be replaced as early as the Japanese Grand Prix in October.

British magazine Autosport report that, when asked about BAR Honda's prospects at the Suzuka event, Villeneuve commented "I really don't know how well we can do there... of course, if I'm in the car."

With BAR due to make an announcement on the 2004 driver line up, there's speculation that Takuma Sato will be taking over Villeneuve's seat, maybe as early as the Japanese GP, where he finished a creditable 5th in a Jordan last year.

Time appears to be running out for Jacques, with his manager Craig Pollock admitting that it will be hard to place his driver with another team. However, BAR boss David Richards has recently been singing Villeneuve's praises, despite castigating him earlier in the year.

BAR's decision is made tougher as partners in the team want different drivers; Lucky Strike favour 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, while Honda apparently want Japanese protégé Takuma Sato. Talks took place with Giancarlo Fisichella earlier in the year, and McLaren tester Alexander Wurz was also considered for the role. Dutchman Jos Verstappen is an outside chance, capable of bringing over $7 million in funding to the team.

Here at BAR-Talk.com we understand the decision has already been made...