Official: Villeneuve tests for Renault today

[NAZCA M12]

Looks like at Renault they are considering dropping Jarno Trulli for the final three races of the season. The story started yesterday when rumour had it that Renault were in negotiations with Trulli and Toyota in order to free him before the end of the season, and that JV had a seat fitting back at the factory. It was later confirmed:

http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=63258

In other news, Ralf returned to testing with Williams at Silverstone. He ended up fastest:

http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=63251

Also, the fastest laps from the last race (Monza) have been posted:

http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html?http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/040913153805.shtml

Notice how Alonso's pace did not get better as it should (the track was drying out) whereas Trulli's pace did and he ended up marginally faster. Also look how **** Montoya was. Even Pizzonia was quite a bit faster in absolute times (recorded on the same lap therefore same conditions as well), despite making a bunch of stupid mistakes. Is this the same Montoya who recorded the fastest ever lap in F1 history on Saturday morning? How come he's always fast in unofficial sessions and crap when it matters? Apart from his 3rd fastest lap, "jungle" boy (or "junk" boy if you judge him by his driving) made a new record in highest speed at Monza's race: 369,9 K's. That's why i love this track so much.

[MUYA]

JV hmmm in a reault with an engine that's not upto par with Ferraris, BMW, MErcs and Toyota? hmm that should make him crash less often :p hmm also a car with better aerodynamics should make allow him to stay on track less often ;)

[bigC]

JV hmmm in a reault with an engine that's not upto par with Ferraris, BMW, MErcs and Toyota? hmm that should make him crash less often :p hmm also a car with better aerodynamics should make allow him to stay on track less often ;)as recent as last weekend, JV was rumoured to be going to sauber, now he may be signing renault. i don't care where he signs anymore, i just want to see him back in F1.

indeed, renault isn't a top team: they're only 31 points ahead of 4th place BMW. not bad for an also ran. ;) toyota spends like a top team, but they're more like BAR: the early years.

1 Ferrari 234
2 BAR-Honda 94
3 Renault 91
4 Williams-BMW 60
5 McLaren-Mercedes 52
6 Sauber-Petronas 29
7 Jaguar-Cosworth 10
8 Toyota 9
9 Jordan-Ford 5
10 Minardi-Cosworth 1

[MUYA]

erm mistyped...I meant with a car with better aerodynamics like the renault has, JV could stay on track more...! :D I am not diubting Renault...they are good just their engine isn't upto scracth with the other boys but, on twisty circuits they do well.

[MUYA]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3657122.stm

[JonathanM]

Nice link there Muya

[bigC]

so, will he be with Renault for the final 3 races before joining Sauber? it would be something if he races for Renault and manages to beat BAR for second overall. that would really piss off richards et al.

http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/formula_one/news_story.asp?ID=98763&hubName=auto_racing-formula_one

[Daneel Olivaw]

Villeneuve races last 3 with Renault, then one year with Sauber Petronas.

-edit- sorry my bad, just read over at radio-canada.com that he signed for 2 years.

[bigC]

Villeneuve races last 3 with Renault, then one year with Sauber Petronas.he signed a 2 year deal, but who's counting. i'm glad he's back in F1, especially for the final 3 races this year. i wasn't going to watch the Chinese GP live since it starts at 2 am EST, but i'll probably watch it now (at least the first lap, before JV crashes or blows an engine). :lol:

http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/formula_one/news_story.asp?ID=98963&hubName=auto_racing-formula_one

[Daneel Olivaw]

At least he'll have a respectable car with Renault. There is a good chance the engine won't blow... :)