By Phil Huff (04/10/2003)
October 5 2003

Lucky Strike BAR Honda's star driver, the 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, has been dropped for 2004, according to reports coming from Canada. This unsurprising move now leaves the way open for Takuma Sato to make a full race return. Villeneuve's manager Craig Pollock made the announcement today, saying Villeneuve's contract would not be renewed. "We received a call from BAR Managing Director, Dave Richard, yesterday evening informing us of their decision," said Pollock.

"What is so disappointing is the fact that this team was built for and around Jacques," he continued, "and he underwent all sorts of trials and tribulations over the years as BAR struggled to find its place in Formula One."

"Jacques never wavered, and his loyalty to British American Racing was constant. He had other opportunities, and no one would have blamed him for going elsewhere, but he preferred to see this project through despite a car that did not live up to its expectations."

"Our primary emotions right now are sadness and disappointment. Jacques has given everything to British American Racing in its first five years, and always with a view to building a team that would be front-of-the-grid some day."

Speculation was rife earlier in the season that Jacques would be replaced as early as the Japanese Grand Prix. In response, Pollock said "All we know at this time is that BAR Managing Director Dave Richards has informed us that Jacques will no longer be part of British American Racing in 2004."

Have your say on the BAR-Talk Message Board. Source: Canada National Post