Jacques Villeneuve was left stunned and angry today after being told he could face the humiliating prospect of taking part in a Fame Academy-style contest if he wants to keep his Formula One seat.
The 1997 World Champion could have to race off against several rivals for the drive at BAR in 2004 although, incredibly, attitude and presentation will also be judged in a high-speed pageant that would be ridiculed as a gimmick by much of the paddock if it goes ahead.
"Formula One is supposed to be a sport," Villeneuve said. The Canadian had admitted after last weekend's Italian Grand Prix that he has not yet received any offers of a drive for next season.
The 32-year-old, whose lack of corporate speak and desire not to engage in team promotional activities has made him some enemies, will surely turn down any invite to the show especially given his pedigree of 11 grand prix wins and an IndyCar title. Villeneuve has also reacted to BAR boss David Richards' charge that he must change his attitude if he wants to partner Britain's Jenson Button next year. "I have never worked so hard in my life. If my attitude is a problem then there is no attitude change that could convince David," added Villeneuve, whose fifth - and possibly final - season with BAR will earn him a reputed $13million.
Villeneuve equalled his season's best finish in Monza last Sunday with sixth place. Though that still left him six points behind Button's haul of 12, the Canadian has been dogged with reliability problems for much of the campaign.
PA