UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > BMW confirm: Villeneuve dumped

Contract terminated by team

Jacques Villeneuve’s Formula One career appeared to be over on Monday morning when the BMW Sauber team confirmed they’d parted company with the 1997 world champion.

It wasn’t entirely unexpected after Villeneuve was stood down for the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

The official report was that he was suffering from headaches after a heavy shunt at the German round just seven days previous.

However, headaches or note, it was always seen as a move to rid Villeneuve from the team’s race line-up.

Robert Kubica was confirmed as Villeneuve’s replacement after filling the French-Canadian’s shoes in Budapest at the weekend.

The Pole was impressive on his Formula One debut in qualifying as one of the 10 fastest cars and, before being disqualified for reasons beyond his control, racing home to a seventh placed finish.

Explaining the decision, team principal Mario Theissen said: “Jacques has performed well for us this year, scoring the Team’s first grand prix points in Malaysia, He has made a significant contribution to developing the newly formed BMW Sauber F1 Team and the performance of the car.

“However, after Jacques’ accident in the Hockenheim race the team decided to review its options for next year, including assessing Robert Kubica in a race environment.

“Our decision to look towards evaluating our driver line up has naturally impacted Jacques’ position for the remainder of this season.

“We fully understand that it is difficult for Jacques to maintain his natural level of commitment in circumstances of uncertainty.

“We respect his position and wish him well for the future.”

Villeneuve arrived in Formula One in 1996 fresh from an IndyCar championship and Indy 500 success.

In just his second season he won the drivers’world championship for Williams before electing to join the BAR venture with his manager Craig Pollock.

Written: Mon, 07 Aug 2006 09:27:48