Villeneuve relaxed on Formula One comeback

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve insisted it was “business as usual” as he gears up for his return to Formula One.

The Canadian was out of action since he fell out with BAR towards the end of last season, but was offered a surprise return by Renault, who had sacked Jarno Trulli.

Villeneuve impressed in testing and was given a short- term deal for the season’s last three races.

He was back getting to grips with the Shanghai International Circuit, venue for the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix this weekend. Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, had five largely fruitless years with BAR, dominated by internal troubles.

Now he claims he has purged the strife and is in positive mood.

He said: “It’s great to be back, also because of the reception and the way I’ve been received within Renault. That makes it much better. I’m sure a lot can be done.”