SEPTEMBER 30, 2000

Villeneuve warns F1 field he is improving

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 World Champion, has warned his Formula One rivals that he has improved as a driver in his spell at British American Racing.

Since winning the title with Williams and leaving the team in 1998, Villeneuve has scored just 14 points in two seasons with BAR.

All the points have in fact come this season, and the Canadian believes that the tough years he has endured at BAR have made him a better driver.

"I believe that my skills have improved over the last two years," said Villeneuve. "Once we get a winning car that is going to be very useful."

Villeneuve has just signed an extension to his current deal at BAR and has faith that the new 'Athena' chassis and electronic control system will transform the team further.

He added: "This has been the hardest two years of driving that I've experienced. If you're still hungry for winning, then you'll work as you can. I'm still very hungry."