Villeneuve - I can beat Schumacher

13 April 2012

Jacques Villeneuve insists he still has what it takes to beat Ferrari ace Michael Schumacher.

Villeneuve spoke of his self-belief at Lucky Strike British American Racing's 2001 launch.

The Canadian - who claimed the 1997 title with Williams - believes he still has the ability to overcome the all conquering German.

Asked if he was good enough to beat the Ferrari ace, Villeneuve said: "I wouldn't be racing if I didn't believe that - and I don't think the team would have kept me if they did not believe that.

"After having won, not winning is difficult. But its not only about winning."

Villeneuve believes the Northamptonshire-based BAR outfit can take inspiration from the huge strides made since their debut season in 1999.

"We went from '99 to 2000 making a big improvement and all the work paid off," he said.

BAR managing director Craig Pollock certainly believes that in the former champion and his team-mate Olivier Panis he has a duo capable of making waves when the 2001 season blasts off at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 4th.

Pollock said: "We have got a fantastic driver line up - probably the best in Formula One."

And Frenchman Panis - who is bidding for his second F1 victory after a memorable triumph in monsoon conditions in Monaco in 1996 - is backing his BAR compatriot to produce the goods.

"I have got a big respect for Jacques," he said. "He has won the championship and he is very quick. I need to push him and he will push me."

There was one false start, however, as Villeneuve's hiccup in testing - writing off the Honda-powered BAR 003 - meant a replica chassis had to be unveiled to the world's press.

One man bouncing around with particular delight was 20-year-old Anthony Davidson, who has landed a test driver berth after a massive step up from the Formula Ford Zetec Championship.

The Hemel Hempstead-based racer, brother of big Brother celebrity Andrew, said: "To go straight to Formula One is just unbelievable.