By Phil Huff (25/11/2003)
November 26 2003

It had to happen. Following Jacques Villeneuve's departure from Lucky Strike BAR Honda, he's been unusually quiet, but he's finally spoken out, talking about his future, Jenson Button and, of course, David Richards. Villeneuve is still angry about the treatment he feels he received once David Richards took over the team, replacing his manager and friend Craig Pollock. Speaking to the Press Association on why he didn't race at Suzuka, Jacques said "There was no way I was going to risk my life for him. It had nothing to do with the team – it was all to do with David.

"If David had told me last May I would not be racing for the team then there would have been no problem," he continued. "But he told me I could trust him and that we could do something special together. I just could not listen to that and respect him in the end. I played their game but I knew it was not going to happen for a long time and that Sato would be in the car.

"I got a rubbish offer – it was no money really – and I think David expected me to punch him. That's what he wanted, but I wouldn't do it."

The 1997 World Champion was doubtful about Jenson at the beginning of the year, branding him a 'boy-band member', and then going as far as saying he'd quit Formula One if Jenson beat him.

"I was suspicious before last season because Jenson was being hyped beyond what he had achieved as a driver," said Jacques. "He was being hailed as a future world champion as soon as he joined the team.

"I thought they should have had a little bit of respect for me, because I had worked my backside off for them for four years," added the Canadian. "Jenson got into the middle of it because he was being told every day by Richards that he would be a world champion. We had a falling-out at the first race in Australia – but after that we talked, and there was no problem. Since then, we had a really good relationship."

The relationship apparently improved enough for Villeneuve to consider Button future World Champion material, saying "Jenson did a great job for BAR last year, and I have got a lot more respect for him. Jenson has potential to be a world champion but it looks to me that he needs to be working with British people.

"He had a good first year at Williams then had an awful time at Benetton but has come good again at BAR. He did a solid job for them. He did not seem to be fussed about anything – which is important. I didn't see him stressed too much, but it was not very hard for him because he was getting results for the team while my car was breaking down all the time. He was never under pressure, so we do not know how he will react when he gets under pressure."

Time is running out for Villeneuve to get a seat in 2004, with just a second seat at Jaguar a realistic opportunity, and Jacques is aware that it could end his F1 career: "Someone could get injured, so we will have to see what happens, but if there are no opportunities for 2004 then why should there be in 2005? I won't miss the Formula One paddock. I will miss racing, although perhaps I could do something else."