By pitpass.com (17/09/2003)
September 17 2003

The proposed BAR 'shoot out' that has got journalists and race fans licking their lips in anticipation has been dismissed out of hand by former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. "Formula One is supposed to be a sport," Villeneuve, at around £14m a year, the highest paid driver in F1 after Michael Schumacher, told the Press Association today.

The Canadian who finished sixth on Sunday also refuted claims that he is not giving BAR 110% and that his attitude leaves a lot to be desired: "I have never worked so hard in my life," he said. "If my attitude is a problem then there is no attitude change that could convince David (Richards)."

Since the 'shoot out story first broke there has been wild speculation regarding the format it might take with some sources actually claiming it might take place at the Bahrain circuit, even though the track won't be ready until early next year.

The other wild speculation concerns Villeneuve's claim that F1 is a "sport", not for some time Jacques.

The 'sport' side of it died many years ago - we can't trace the exact date - and it's no longer even a business. Max Mosley recently suggested that F1 is 'a fashion' while Bernie Ecclestone's demands for more 'A List' celebrities, coupled with the format and content of his F1 Magazine, suggests that F1 is now simply showbiz.

Check out our Memo to Jacques.

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