CUP: Villeneuve To Focus On NASCAR

Sprint Cup

CUP: Villeneuve To Focus On NASCAR

Former Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve says his top priority is trying to make a move to NASCAR...

SpeedCafe.com.au | http://www.speedcafe.com.au | Posted November 03, 2010 Charlotte, NC

Jacques Villeneuve is the 1997 F1 champion. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Jacques Villeneuve has reaffirmed his commitment to NASCAR after returning home from his debut V8 Supercar appearance at last weekend’s Armor All Gold Coast 600.

The Canadian finished a strong fifth alongside Paul Dumbrell in Sunday’s Race 20 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series, amidst talk that he could be on the grid full-time in the near future.

The rumors were fuelled by Ford Australia’s motorsport manager Chris Styring declaring he’d held talks with the 1997 Formula One World Champion about moving to Australia.

While Villeneuve’s ambitious bid to join the Formula One grid in 2011 via his own team has now officially been scrapped, the 39-year-old says he’s focused on creating more opportunities in NASCAR.

Villeneuve has made three starts in the Sprint Cup over the last four seasons (including this year’s Brickyard 400), along with five starts in the Nationwide Series and seven starts in the Truck Series.

“The Gold Coast race was the perfect opportunity to try those sort of cars (V8 Supercars) on a track I knew, with other international guests, so less pressure,” he told the NZ Herald from his Montreal base.

“We did pretty well, especially in race two where we finished fifth, which made the weekend enjoyable.

“If the opportunity arose I would like to do a full season. It’s a good championship and it’s in a good part of the world basically, but NASCAR comes first.”

“There’s quite a big difference between the cars, and there’s a lot more money being spent in NASCAR.”