By pitpass.com (11/08/2003)
August 11 2003

It seems like only yesterday that BAR burst on to the scene proudly proclaiming it's "tradition of excellence", alienating almost everyone in the pitlane not merely with its mighty budget but the (admittedly misquoted) claim that it would win its first Grand Prix. Five years later and though things have improved since that wretched first - pointless, in almost all senses of the word - season, the Brackley outfit is still looking for that first victory.

After 77 races the team has 58 points, that's 0.744 pts/GP but who would honestly dare to try and work out what each of those points has cost in terms of dollars?

When Craig Pollock was 'dropped' less than twenty-four hours before the launch of the 2002 car many believed that that the appointment of Dave (as it was then) Richards would herald a new beginning for the team. Not quite, but they're certainly getting there.

Previously BAR had appeared to be a members only club for Pollock and his protege, to say that the team was built around the Canadian's (undisputed) talents would be the biggest understatement of all time.

Without wishing to be confrontational, Richards was aware that he had to turn BAR into a team rather than an ego trip for a former champion, even if he was the son of one of the greatest racers in motor sport history.

The introduction of Jenson Button was a masterstroke, not simply because it rescued the English youngster at a time when his talent was being smothered at Renault (Benetton) but because it gave JV a much-needed kick up the arse. Villeneuve's hair bristled and from the outset it was clear that he was unhappy at this good-looking talented youngster joining his team. The insults and fur flew, but finally having realised that nobody was listening to his tantrums, and worse, Button was blowing him away, Jacques shut up and got on with the job.

The Canadian has revealed that he and BAR are: "heavily into discussions", regarding a contract for next season, and surely Jacques, possibly more than BAR, will be keen to see the discussions bear fruit.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore has made it crystal clear that he doesn't want the Canadian in his team, while Michael Schumacher mocked his former nemesis when asked about rumours connecting him with Ferrari: "We want to improve," mocked the German.

For all his faults, Villeneuve is (still) a bloody good driver with much to prove and should he walk away from F1 we will all be all the poorer.

However the fact is that he carries much unwelcome baggage, much of it in the form of the Scottish former ski-instructor that ended up becoming his manager and fronting an F1 team. The doors at Renault and Ferrari are firmly closed to JV, would Ron or Frank really be willing to take on the Canadian and his baggage?

So what else remains, Jaguar, Jordan, Sauber... Minardi? We think not.

If Villeneuve and Richards can work out a deal whereby the Canadian drops his ludicrous pay demands and puts his money where his mouth is, as Nelson Piquet did, he would prove that the fire still rages within. That said, BAR would have to start bucking up their ideas as far as reliability is concerned.

After all the hissing and spitting it's clear that Button and Villeneuve are beginning to gel, just as BAR is slowly, but surely, making improvements. It's not too late for the Canadian to prove to his fans and doubters that not only does he still have the talent but that he can be a team-player. Working with Richard and Button there is still time for Jacques to do something special rather than leaving the sport on a low note.

This article was written by pitpass.com and is used with permission.