Trulli quits - Villeneuve to test Renualt tomorrow!!!

Reg · 09-14-2004, 04:27 PM

Wow!!

Even as a Villeneuve fan I was skeptical when I heard this rumor on the weekend. Now it seems true as it has been reported at numerous F1 websites. Some articals even go on to say he could race the final three races this year. Trulli may also jump into Zonta's Toyota seat right away being he quit the team.

I thought if anything Fissi would jump to Renault early and that would let Jacques hop into the Sauber seat three races early.

What a circus!

Any of you racefans think he has a hope in matching the pace of Alonso? Will this help or hinder his cause for a drive next year?

If he helps Renault overtake BAR to get 2nd place in the WCC will that get him the seat in BAR once Button is gone?

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

Not sure what it all means, but that's great news. I'm a JV fan and it will be good to have another "personality" back in F1.

motion · 09-14-2004, 05:05 PM

I think its a bad move... not being in a car since last fall means there's a slim chance he'll be on the pace. If he can't match Alonso then everyone's going to think he doesn't have it anymore. I'm a JV fan also, and hope I'm wrong!

trj911 · trj911's Garage

Go JV! Now there is a reason to watch the race.

Eric Coffey · 09-14-2004, 06:56 PM

My prediction: JV will prove to be a disapointment. He simply doesn't have what it takes (any longer) IMO. Kind of like Damon Hill, very good in the best car, but can't put anything together in a 2nd-tier car.

MFAFF · 09-15-2004, 02:22 AM

Oh dear the misinformation machine again.

Jv will 'test' a Renualt today and tomorrow at Silverstone.
The aim is to get him to drive instead of Tulli who has effectivley been 'sacked' by renault in advance of his move to Toyota.

So somebodyelse will drive the Renault in the next race and its perhaps JV. Afterall he did win a World Championship for them, way back when. We'll see if his tests are successful, if not then he won't race.

As for Damon...one little question to those nay sayers, who was the Williams test driver who actuallly did the majority of the development work to get the 'best' car? One Damon Hill. Yes that's right the one who challenged MS for the title and then won it did so in a car that he was the primary test driver for.

He was not the best race driver for sure as his efforts in traffic showned, but he sure as s##t was one of the best drivers out there, he worked damn hard at getting a very very fast car to the front of the grid and was fairly handy at keeping it there.
JV benefitted in 97 from the work Damon did in 96 on the 97 car and was brilliant enough to win in 97. JV is one of the great 'race drivers' but not nearly as interested in testing and development.

Neilk · 09-15-2004, 05:23 AM

Jacques Villeneuve signs with Sauber!!!

Wow... I am not sure what to think. Is JV washed up? Can Sauber benefit from his skills? Was JV the reason BAR never got anywhere until he left, or was he key in getting the car to the next level?

With all the changes coming next season, next year should be really interesting, unless Ferrari (or some) other team masters the new specs.

}{arlequin · }{arlequin's Garage

I am still gonna cheer for JV. I've been a fan since he was in Indy and Indy lights (or was it Atlantics? LOL, so much for being a fan but it was long ago) Especially memorable was his first F1 race for Williams where he led Damon for most of the race and backed off b/c of team orders since his car was spraying a bit of oil... finished right behind Hill.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

Sauber?

That's not good. He has to know he will be a midfield runner at best. Must be the money.

motion · 09-15-2004, 12:11 PM

He's a second off the pace on the first day... hope tomorrow will be better.

http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html?http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/040915193703.shtml

araine901 · araine901's Garage

Lets just hope he left his whine at home this time around.

911pcars · 09-15-2004, 09:41 PM

Test drive in a Renault one day; signs with Sauber ....... same day?

I hope he took good notes. Sauber needs all the help they can get.

Sherwood

Reg · 09-16-2004, 02:58 PM

He was third fastest today. Ran quicker than any Renault this year at Silverstone from what some were saying. He was within 1/10th of Sato who was fast time of day, some 7/10ths quicker than the pole time at this years GP back in July! Impressive!

motion · 09-16-2004, 04:42 PM

Really very close to Kimi and Sato in times... very impressive. This is looking good.

911pcars · 09-16-2004, 04:50 PM

The '04 Renault has an excellent chassis. This is a good reference point for JV. Let's hope the '05 Sauber is up to the task. Based on this limited performance, I'd think his market rating just shot up. What's wrong with Renault as a ride for '05? Their chances seem better than Sauber's (uses last years Ferrari engine - still no slouch).

Sherwood

Reg · 09-16-2004, 05:45 PM

Renault have signed Fissi to drive next year. I can only see a problem with that if JV wins a race or perhpas blows away Alonso both of which are not likely.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

I wonder if JV is bringing a big sponser with him? Sauber has always been a well-run team. They've won World Championships with Mercedes in Group C. Maybe an infusion of money will bump them up the grid.

MFAFF · 09-17-2004, 02:54 AM

I think Sauber are trying to graduate to the upper end of the field...

The best way to do that is to gain some more visible finishes and positions....

Jv has a higher profiel than any previous driver, even Fissi....
So hopefully they will get more exposure...This year they used a Ferrari engine and gearbox (including rear suspension) but next year they will only use a Ferrari engine, and possibly only a stpe behind the Ferrari team as opposed to a season behind, but revert to their own gearbox and suspension.

It will be interesting...

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

Renault has confirmed JV for the final 3 races of this year. Looks like Ford has put the Jag team up for sale as well ....

Az911 · 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neilk
Jacques Villeneuve signs with Sauber!!!

Wow... I am not sure what to think. Is JV washed up? Can Sauber benefit from his skills? Was JV the reason BAR never got anywhere until he left, or was he key in getting the car to the next level?

JV undoubtly held BAR back with his huge salary(only second to MS). Look at the turn around that was made right after JV left. Hopefuly he can help out Sauber more then he helped BAR.