Villeneuve Subjected to Random Drug Test

By Jamie Makin
April 23 2005

Jacques Villeneuve was one of six drivers selected by the FIA for a random drug test after Friday's free practice sessions. Villeneuve had to submit a urine sample to the FIA for testing to prove he has not used any illegal substances.

There were allegations over the winter by a former Ferrari physician that cocaine use was rampant amongst F1 drivers, although no driver has tested positive in recent years. F3000's Tomas Enge tested positive for marijuana in 2002 and was stripped of his championship as a result. Similar consequences could be imposed on any F1 driver who tested positive for illegal drug use.

Random tests have become standard practice for the FIA in recent years and the fact that Villeneuve was randomly selected is not a cause for alarm. Also selected for testing were Fernando Alonso, Giancarlo Fisichella, Tiago Monteiro, Robert Doornbos and Vitantonio Liuzzi.