JV Visits Sauber

[mp356a]

Originally posted by Kicking-back
Obviously you haven't been watching very closely.

Really. The race coverage that I watch often talks about GF and his performance in the Sauber cars.

Mike

[BootsOntheSide]

Originally posted by Kirk
I would think that likely .... perhaps in the back of JV's mind, still an outside chance to drive for Ferrari before he retires. Never say never!

This is what I thought of as well, using the ride as a possible springboard to Ferrari the way Fisichella planned to. Imagine if Michael decides not to race in 2005 or 2006 after all the major drivers are signed - they've got a world champion right under their noses, and I wonder how much prestige and fan appeal Ferrari could regain with a Villneuve at the wheel.

[ralf fan]

Yeah as long as MS is in a Ferrari i dont think JV will go there... If MS does suddenly decide to leave after the major drivers are contracted then maybe it is possible...

But knowing MS i cant see him leaving Ferrari before giving them long enough notice to find a replacement of their choice

[Knowlesy]

My opinions on a Jacques return have changed a bit and I now appreciate he would be a refreshed driver and possibly back to his best should he make a return. As long as that is in a TOP outfit.

I therefore feel that a Sauber seat would not be right for him. I hope he goes to BAR if Davidson can't get the seat.

Others have made successful returns to F1....not least my personal hero, Mr Mansell (until the McLaren debacle). So I feel now is the right time for Jacques to make a return. If he don't get a seat for next year though, his career is FINISHED.

[alesi95]

Are we talking about the right JV here? Initial i thought the thread was about Verstappen. Jacques in a Sauber sounds a bit funny.

[Kirk]

Knowslesy: after reading your post above (and picking my self off the floor ) .... I agree with everything you just stated (except the Ant part). I think JV knows very well that he can't remain out of F1 much longer and he's pulling out all the stops ...eg.. money is not an issue, CP need not be involved, at least in person.
The lastest quote from his website:
Jacques also made clear that his salary wouldn't be a factor in determining his future employment.

"I would be quite happy to work for bonuses," he said. "I haven't even thought about the money, it's not the important thing right now."

[Armco Bender]

JV may as well visit Gracelands....
Because the King will be returning first......

[Kicking-back]

I was previously sceptical, but I now firmly believe Jacques Villeneuve will be racing F1 next year.

[Testure]

I think it says a lot about his change in attitude that he'd even consider visiting a team like Sauber at all. Sounds like he really is extremely eager to get back onto the grid. Which is fine by me, I think he's still a more than competent driver... I hope he has a crack at winning Le Mans some day, though. Now that'd make a unique record.

[jhansen]

I still think his chances of not racing next year are better than racing next year. But he definitely has a shot. Although, I still don't understand his return in a Sauber. Racing in a midfield team isn't what he wanted. The BAR seat is the last reasonable one left. There is the Toyota seat, but that's probably Trulli's. Why torture yourself for a year for the slight chance of a good seat in 2006? IMO he's just prolonging the inevitable.

[Nizmo32_josh]

Dont bash me for this please as it is just a thought. but wouldnt Toyota be a good place for Jacques as he was linked / ??raced?? for them in sportscars, making him no stranger to Toyota. After all they (Toyota) are after another experianced driver for cheap if possiable. I know Jacques would like this to as it would allow him to showup Schuies Brother.......

Just a Theory that has been playing in my head since the da matta axeing......

[GTRMagic]

Just like our own Alan Jones, you cant take the title "World Drivers Champion" away from Jacques....

He must have some marketability to Sauber, if nothing else, they would attract a load of interesting looking females dripping off him....

[Glen]

Jacques at Toyota? You must be kidding - can you imagine the fuss and handbags with JV and Ralf in the same team!\

Sauber is a good choice - he'll be genuinely very confident of beating Massa comprehensively, and Massa is a quantity very well known to lots of people, especially Ferrari. Should Schumacher decide to step down some time soon that would be a nice position for JV to be in.

[muzza4ever]

I don't see the fuss about why Sauber are a bad team - OK they are a mid field team at the minute - but they do have Ferrari engines. Their problem for me seems to be poor race tactics and drivers who have mid-field mentality. OK the car might suck as bit - but stick a good driver in there and you;d see better finishes and a damn sight of an improvement if they've got the back room staff to make the changes needed.

Personally I think JV could do the team a world of good - Whether that could be reciprocated by the team - they have recently got their wind tunnel online - but do some better engineering/aero bods - remains to be seen.

Let's face it Fisi hasn't exactly shone in any of the teams he's been at - another tale of promise without true delivery.

Massa - I just don't buy it- he's not destined to be a world champion in any equipment.

[muzza4ever]

And another thing BAR were hardly covering themselves in glory over the last 2 years were they?

Look at themm this season - it can all be turned round very quickly.

No reason why that can't happen at Sauber.

[luke]

Yes but there is stiff competion at Sauber with guys like Luzzi, Paffett, Albers and many more. Where as it's just between Mika and JV with a slight possiblity of Davidson at BAR.

[ASCII Man]

I would rather think it's just between Jacques and Anthony, think Mika is just having a laugh...

[Kicking-back]

Absolutely.

I'd say it's between Coulthard, Villeneuve and Davidson at BAR.

[touringcarnut]

I'd fancy Davidson at BAR, but I can see a certain scotsman having a good shout for the seat, but could
he offer the team enough in the long term?