JULY 25, 2000

Villeneuve admits BAR progress was the key

JACQUES VILLENEUVE has revealed that British American Racing's recent progress was the reason behind his decision to sign to the team for another three years.

Villeneuve ended months of speculation about his future on Monday evening when he committed himself to the Brackley-based team but admitted it had been a tough decision.

"It was a difficult decision, but I am happy to stay with the team after two years of hard work.

"It is rewarding to see progress and I would like to continue with the team and to continue with that progress," he said.

Villeneuve has enjoyed a productive 2000 season, scoring 11 championship points - six of those in last two races - after a fruitless 1999.

His decision to stay with his mentor Craig Pollock on a deal said to be worth £25 million is likely to have repercussions throughout the whole sport as the Canadian was thought to be the fulcrum around whom this year's transfers would be conducted.