Button has what it takes - Villeneuve

Jacques Villeneuve believes Jenson Button has the potential to be a future world champion – as long as he sticks to his British roots.

Button’s former team-mate Villeneuve today played up the 23-year-old’s title credentials as he launched a scathing attack on BAR boss David Richards.

Villeneuve alleges Richards tried to turn the Formula One fraternity against him last season so much so that the 1997 world-beater may not get another drive.

But the Canadian reckons Button – whom he likened to a boy band last season - has the chance to reach the grand prix summit if he gets the right backing.

“I was suspicious before last season because Jenson was being hyped beyond what he had achieved as a driver,” said Villeneuve in Switzerland today.

“He was being hailed as a future world champion as soon as he joined the team. I thought they should have had a little bit of respect for me, because I had worked my backside off for them for four years.

“Jenson got into the middle of it because he was being told every day by Richards that he would be a world champion. We had a falling-out at the first race in Australia – but after that we talked, and there was no problem.

“Since then, we had a really good relationship. Jenson did a great job for BAR last year, and I have got a lot more respect for him.

“Jenson has potential to be a world champion but looks to me that he needs to be working with British people,” Villeneuve added.

“He had a good first year at Williams then had an awful time at Benetton but has come good again at BAR. He did a solid job for them.

“He did not seem to be fussed about anything – which is important. I didn’t see him stressed too much, but it was not very hard for him because he was getting results for the team while my car was breaking down all the time.

“He was never under pressure, so we do not know how he will react when he gets under pressure.”

Button outscored Villeneuve by 11 points in his first campaign with the Brackley-based outfit and has been earmarked as their team leader in 2004.

Villeneuve will not be there after being told just days before the season-ending race in Japan last month that he was being replaced by Takuma Sato.

The 32-year-old is still seething about his treatment last year by Richards, who replaced his manager Craig Pollock as team boss at the end of 2001.

Villeneuve broke his silence on why he did not compete in Suzuka to the Press Association today at Pollock’s home in the Swiss Alps.

“There was no way I was going to risk my life for him,” said Villeneuve at Villar-sur-Ollon.

“It had nothing to do with the team – it was all to do with David.

“If David had told me last May I would not be racing for the team then there would have been no problem.

“But he told me I could trust him and that we could do something special together. I just could not listen to that and respect him in the end.

“I played their game but I knew it was not going to happen for a long time and that Sato would be in the car.

“I got a rubbish offer – it was no money really – and I think David expected me to punch him. That’s what he wanted, but I wouldn’t do it.”

Villeneuve, one of Formula One’s most charismatic figures, hopes his 130-race career – which has yielded 11 wins and that world title with Williams – is not at an end.

But he admits his chances of landing a drive in 2005 could be a problem if he cannot get one for next season.

“Someone could get injured, so we will have to see what happens,” added Villeneuve, who went to school in the Swiss village where he first met Pollock.

“But if there are no opportunities for 2004 then why should there be in 2005? I won’t miss the Formula One paddock. I will miss racing, although perhaps I could do something else.”

Villeneuve may consider competing in sports cars in the United States, although has ruled out any switch to the Indy racing league whose safety record he deplores.