Jacques set to join Mclaren for 2003?

[freud]

It was rumored early in the season that Jacques Villeneuve has signed a secret contract with Mclaren for 2003 and will join the team 'if Hakkinen decides to retire permanently.'

Today TAG Heuer (major partner of Mclaren Mercedes) announced the partnership between Jacques Villeneuve and TAG Heuer for their first range of their Sport Vision prescription eyewear and sunglasses. Some circles in f1 quickly noted that this comes just a day after meeting of Hakkinen with Ron Dennis and Norbert Haug at Monaco.

Although no one is sure BUT this is a strong indication that Mika has decided to say permanent farewell to formula one and that Jacques Villeneuve will join Mclaren Mercedes for 2003.

I think if that happens probably Raikonnen will get demoted into test driver status while DC would be kept.

I am excited about the prospect of JV joining Macs! Lets hope it happens.

[Wrex]

Likely: Mika is not coming back.

Unlikely: Any team is going to want JV, especially a top team.

JV has as much chance of getting a McLaren drive as Schumacher has of winning Sportsman of the year. Er.... ah... ok, maybe anything is possible.

[freud]

Here's part of the statement:

Jacques joins the ranks of the world's greatest Formula 1 champions, such as Niki Lauda, Jody Scheckter, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and more recently Mika Hakkinen, who have all worn TAG colors.

“I am happy to be joining the "dream team" of TAG Heuer ambassadors. TAG Heuer's philosophy, like that of Formula One, has always been driven by a quest for performance and this is what gives them their inimitable status,” Jacques said. “In addition to this, sight is an extremely important factor in sport in general and even more so in Formula 1 racing, since just like weather conditions, it is an area requiring absolute precision. "Sport Vision" prescription eyewear and sunglasses are undoubtedly at the cutting edge of technology, comfort and design."

“His personality, which is very close to TAG Heuer's values, such as -exceeding your limits, facing daily challenges and also passion - seemed to make this a natural and appropriate partnership," added Jean-Christophe Babin. "Along with the other TAG Heuer ambassadors, Jacques Villeneuve will soon be seen wearing "Sport Vision" glasses in the TAG Heuer advertising campaign ‘What are you made of?', launched on the international market in March 2002, and will be involved in public relations events for the brand over a period of three years."

[Wrex]

I still dont see how this gets him a drive in a Mercedes in 2003?

[freud]

My fingers are crossed, though I 'hope' he joins Mclarens... it will be great news for formula one!

[Liz]

Ten reasons Jacques will not get a drive at McLaren:

10. Kimi will work for 1/250th of the pay and is 10 years younger.
9. Jacques won't do PR.
8. Jacques won't read from Ron Dennis' script at press conferences.
7. Jacques won't shave.
6. Jacques can't set up a car; he's a 'natural driver' -- or he was -- and can't do development work.
5. Ron Dennis already has one DC, why would he need another one?
4. It's a choice between Jacques or a car, they can't afford both.
3. Ron Dennis has a secret contact with Jean Alesi.
2. Mika vetoed the idea.

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY JACQUES WON'T GET THE MCLAREN DRIVE:

1. Ron Dennis has signed Hugo.

[Mania]

Originally posted by Liz
Ten reasons Jacques will not get a drive at McLaren:


7. Jacques won't shave.
6. Jacques can't set up a car; he's a 'natural driver' -- or he was -- and can't do development work.
5. Ron Dennis already has one DC, why would he need another one?
4. It's a choice between Jacques or a car, they can't afford both.

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY JACQUES WON'T GET THE MCLAREN DRIVE:

1. Ron Dennis has signed Hugo.

These are my fav's!

But number 4 is probably THE best !

[Jay]

Well done Liz! You certainly make the best case.

[Liz]

It's time to be funny again.

[f1manoz]

I don't believe it. JV'f face does not fit at McLaren at all. I'm afraid old Jacques will be stuck at BAR.

Besides, how does signing this contract get him a McLaren seat???

[freud]

Liz, thats WAS hilarious.


My personal view is that if Ron wants to see his car back at the top, he needs a charger. DC & Kimi are great but Jacques aggression will help Mclarens a lot. As I said earlier I am keeping my fingers crossed. This is formula one and ANYTHING can happen!

[Wrex]

JV a charger?????????? When he can be bothered. I don't doubt his ability, just his motivation. He's become a paycheck driver, he's no longer a racer, or as McLaren needs, a charger.

[freud]

Hmm, thats interesting.

[f1manoz]

JV's face simply doesn't fit in the McLaren commercial and business empire.

[Wrex]

From itv.com
BAR have denied suggestions that Jacques Villeneuve must take a pay cut next season.

It was rumoured in Austria that Villeneuve would have to accept a reduced salary if he wanted to stay with the struggling team next season.

But team boss David Richards has admitted that the 1997 world champion has a firm contract for 2003 in which his salary is clearly stipulated.

And Richards could not resist the opportunity to take a dig at Craig Pollock, his predecessor at the helm of BAR and Villeneuve’s personal manager.

Richards said: "That is the situation. Basically, I’ve got no choice but to pay him 25% of our budget, which is a bit of a frustrating situation but you have to say that Craig Pollock did a very good deal…"

Villeneuve’s three-year contract is thought to be worth around £35million.

Richards said his personal relationship with Villeneuve was fine.

He said: "There is no problem there at all. He’s a very fast driver and we get along fine. It can be a bit difficult as regards the promotional side, but I can work around that."

hmm

[calais]

very good vote of confidence i think...........not

no wonder BAR got rid of pollock!!!!!!!!

[f1manoz]

Pollock proved he was incapable of running a fair race team.

[Valve Bounce]

Originally posted by freud
It was rumored early in the season that Jacques Villeneuve has signed a secret contract with Mclaren for 2003 and will join the team 'if Hakkinen decides to retire permanently.'
I am excited about the prospect of JV joining Macs! Lets hope it happens.

Freud - stop these crazy rumours or we'll send you to a psychiatrist.

Valve[img]http://www.**************************/smilies/bouncy.gif[/img]

[Mr V]

Originally posted by freud


I think if that happens probably Raikonnen will get demoted into test driver status while DC would be kept.

couldn't see kimi demoted to test driver somehow, he's too good for that, DC would be kicked out, but i honestly can't see Ron signing JV, Heidfeld will be in the Silver Arrows before Villeneuve imo!

[R]

Seeing Jacques in a McLaren would be great. It is not likely, but stranger things have happened. If we all use will power, maybe it will!

Originally posted by Wrex
JV a charger?????????? When he can be bothered.

Jacques is a charger. When he's got the car to give him an opportunity to win, he's as good as anyone out there. But, sadly, I think his wasted years at BAR has taken away some of his competitive edge. But don't forget how he charged up the field in Austria! That was the Villeneuve of old, and that was good to see.

[StuiE]

would it really be a tradgety for him if he took a pay cut? he will still be getting paid millions to race f1 cars! hey i would do that for $50,000

[Wrex]

Originally posted by R
But don't forget how he charged up the field in Austria! That was the Villeneuve of old, and that was good to see.

IMO R, that makes it worse. Clearly he has masive talent - you have it or you don't, and you never lose it. However, we only see it nowadays when he's "in the mood".

One drive this season (after being 'out-charged' by Webber in a Minardi in Oz) does'nt make up for 2 really bad seasons.

[R]

I don't disagree with you there, Wrex, and as a fan of Villeneuve, I must say it's disappointing to see how his career has gone down the drain in the last few years. That's why - to me - a race like Austria gives hope. It shows the spark is still there.

Originally posted by Wrex
he's no longer a racer, or as McLaren needs, a charger.

My point is that in a competitive car, he would still be able to do it, and Austria proves that. In a car that can win races - like a McLaren - Jacques will win them. That's why I think McLaren and JV would be a great combination. What would really be great is if Mika were to come back, and race alongside Jacques, then McLaren would really have a dream team. Oh, I guess I can always hope.

[Jordi]

People say it was just in Austria, but how do you keep motivated just by the money you get paid?

Jacques wants to win. Quoting him: "I prefer to win 6 races and DNF in the others than end all the races in 4th place"

He wants to win. Big salary, yes, but he's the only active champion besides Michael, isn't he?

[R]

That he is, and Gtr69, I would also race in F1 for $50,000 a year, but if I was a proven winner, if I had won the Indy 500, the Indycar (CART) championship and the Formula One World Championship, then I'm sure I would want more money too.

Jacques is a winner through and through, and the quote posted by Jordi just proves it.