Jacques Villeneuve’s bid to join the Formula One grid as a team owner has the support of McLaren chairman, Ron Dennis, but the former McLaren team principal has cautioned the Canadian that it takes serious financial backing to succeed.
“Everyone in the world of F1 hopes it works for the better. It’s always good to keep the champions of our sport around,” Dennis told Rue Frontenac.
“But I repeat that it will take extensive financial resources. This is not a sport for the faint hearted.”
Villeneuve announced that he was teaming up with ex-GP2 team, Durango, in early July to form ‘Villeneuve Racing’ in the hope that he could secure the 13th slot on the grid.
The ex Williams-Renault world champion says he’s cut no corners in his bid to enter F1, but ultimately the decision rests with the FIA.
“I’m really proud of our bid,” said Villeneuve. We have no control over what others will present and how our approach will be evaluated, but everything was done according to FIA requirements. We have cut no corners, we did everything in the rules. My partners have done an impeccable job.”
The 39-year-old has also signalled that he could be back in the car at some-point, which left Dennis a little sceptical.
“It’s very difficult to be out of the cockpit for so long and then come back and be as fast as a driver that has never stopped.”
Discussion about this post