San Marino: JV Sees Progress in Right Direction

By Jamie Makin
April 20 2005

Jacques Villeneuve has not let the negative press about his Formula One future deter him from looking forward to a good result in the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola this weekend.

"In Bahrain the car was stronger and I could drive more aggressively so that's encouraging for Imola. I am looking forward to going there after a good race where I almost got points so hopefully I will get them this time," said Villeneuve. The only thing that stopped him from getting those sought after points was when his good friend David Coulthard accidentally punted him off the track.

An early dismissal from testing two weeks ago put another obstacle in Villeneuve's way but he seems to have sorted out some difficulties in working with the team since them. "In addition to this, there is still room for improvement on the set-up side so I will be working even harder with my engineers to help the car go faster in this first European race of the season," the veteran driver said. "However, it seems that we are going in the right direction, so that's positive."

Villeneuve's eight past races at this track have given him a good idea of what to expect for the upcoming race. "Imola is a very different track; It's got numerous chicanes and the curves are particular so the driving style is different," Villeneuve explained. "There are a lot of difficult corners as well and it's a very demanding track for the engine and brakes so it will be a little bit difficult for everyone I think."

His biggest success at Imola was pole in 1997 but he later dropped out of the race with gearbox troubles. The C24 will not likely be a contender for pole this weekend, but Villeneuve would consider it a success if he could score his first points of the 2005 season.

Jacques Villeneuve - Results for San Marino GP:

YEAR	QUAL	RACE	COMMENTS
2003	7	DNF	Engine
2002	10	7	-
2001	11	DNF	Engine
2000	9	5	-
1999	5	DNF	Gearbox
1998	6	4	-
1997	1	DNF	Gearbox
1996	3	11/DNF	Rear Suspension

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