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Villeneuve: It would not be my goal to go to McLaren

Started by HSJ , Feb 23 2002 17:48

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48 replies to this topic

#1 HSJ

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 17:48

From www.f1-live.com

Villeneuve had been linked with a possible drive for the 2001 runners- up in the past, but it would appear that the opportunity to work with Dennis, whom the Canadian describes as someone who likes to play games, does not appeal. Although Villeneuve is with BAR at the moment and is struggling to get into a position where he can win a grand prix, it would seem he would rather not be winning races than be in a race winning position at McLaren and having to deal with Dennis.

Villeneuve said: “McLaren would be a difficult, er, a difficult one. They've been on the way down. I don't know what it would be like to work with Ron Dennis anyway. I think it's very difficult to get a clear answer from Ron. I think Ron likes playing games, so it's very difficult. It would not be my goal to go to McLaren.”

Oh, Mr. Villeneuve! The thing is, the feeling is mutual I guess... You weren't wanted in 2000, 2001, or 2002, were you? I mean, you came knocking on our door, but were rejected. Cheque$, you're not saying this just because one unnamed ex-rookie got "your" McLaren drive? After all, you've said that it made no sense for McLaren to pay the same amount for that unnamed driver as they would have had to pay your highness to be bothered to drive a McLaren.

:smoking:

Personally I wonder what's eating JV so much.

#2 Gemini

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 18:04

I think these three years at BAR, with his friend as a boss, with no real chance to fight for big prize, changed Jaques.. he might lost his "killer instict"...it was just too good , too safe, too
stress-free, too adrenaline-free... If he will get a drive in a top team again, will he find "it" back?

#3 HSJ

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 18:12

I hope this isn't the real JV, but rather the downbeat version of him. I'd love to see another WDC calibre driver in a real car adding to the excitement at least in individual races even if not a whole season.

#4 pa

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 18:14

Well. he's got two things right - Ron is a complete wanker and the McLaren has reached the top of its evolutionary curve.

#5 Ghostrider

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 18:40

Ron only hires drivers who he think will take after his Ron-speak. Kimi will not be a problem in that aspect.

#6 Mrv

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 18:59

Who in the hell would want to drive for a wanker like Ron?

#7 Mrv

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 19:01

Originally posted by Ghostrider
Ron only hires drivers who he think will take after his Ron-speak. Kimi will not be a problem in that aspect.

I don't agree. Kimi will not see eye to eye with Ron. Sauber had problems with Kimi, and Ronny will soon find out if things don't go his way.

#8 Ghostrider

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 19:09

Originally posted by Mrv
I don't agree. Kimi will not see eye to eye with Ron. Sauber had problems with Kimi, and Ronny will soon find out if things don't go his way.

I meant more in the aspect of talking to the press. Kimi seems to say almost nothing to the press, and that is probably perfect for Ron. But you are right, Kimi has a rumour that he is not so easy to work with, and his attitude may not fit perfectly to team Ron Dennis.

#9 Ricardo F1

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 19:11

Who in the hell would want to drive for a wanker like Ron?

If McLaren produce a WDC/WCC car . . . everyone on the grid . . .

#10 Mrv

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 19:34

Originally posted by Ricardo F1
Who in the hell would want to drive for a wanker like Ron?

If McLaren produce a WDC/WCC car . . . everyone on the grid . . .

Except Michael Schumacher.

#11 Ricardo F1

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 19:55

. . and I think the feelings mutual!!

#12 tombr

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 19:59

How about it, Ross? Would you take a Mac seat and drive for a wanker like Ron?

#13 davioissimo

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 20:12

You lot honestly ! was it you people that used to have a go at Senna when he was dominating ? is it this negative 'support the underdog to proove more people wrong' attitude ? Why is it people can't just appreciate brilliance instead they try to pull it down from its higher level pedastol cos its gonna further to fall !...well everyone rips into Schumacher cos he's perfect everyone ripped into Senna cos he was perfect then it was 'poor ole Senna' when he died by the way...and even though McLaren haven't won for a couple of years you all hated it when they were so perfect so your loving it now when they don't win and the Fiat beats the Merc...lol its the same with Ralf he reminds these people of his brother especially when he starts winning so its like 'right, let's rip him quick guys !' before he bores us yeah? and support 'raggid' man Montoya..you can always spot the people i'm talking about just pick someone who is at the best and they'll be ripping them down and saying they're just lucky or they always fluked everything blah blah...I got know real favourites at the moment I like watching Schumacher drive and others like Fisichella who've missed out but and i laugh at people slagging off the likes of 'too succesfull' Mr Dennis...good luck to the guy he'll get back to the top soon. You watch them say Jenson's improved if he's closer to Trulli instead of just saying Fisichella must be really fast ! anyway !!!!!......back to the endless reading..cool it is too ! :yawn: :cool:

:yawn:

#14 Mrv

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 21:03

Originally posted by tombr
How about it, Ross? Would you take a Mac seat and drive for a wanker like Ron?

I would rather drive for Team Taliban.

#15 Ricardo F1

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 21:05

Now THAT'S politically incorrect!!

#16 Mrv

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 21:12

#17 maclaren

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 21:16

Hey, Villeneuve is happy at BAR! Last year the car was **** out of the box, but now things are better. JV said it is now possible to attack the corners.

Last season McLaren often wasn't to Mika's liking, but in Silvirtone Mika said that he could attack the corners and dominated the event, so JV will shine at BAR, no question :wave:

#18 Mrv

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 21:18

The only thing that will Shine at Bar is JV and his Turtle Wax. I hear he buffs them up real nice. Go JV!!!!

#19 Scudetto

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 21:19

Is that why David Richards has already gone on record saying that BAR don't have the chance to win this year?

Richards: No wins this year

Looks like he activated JV's performance clause before he even had to run the car in a race. Does it seem like Richards want's JV out?

#20 Mrv

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 21:27

I don't see Bar winning a race in this Millenium never mind this year.

#21 yr

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 21:51

Originally posted by Ghostrider

I meant more in the aspect of talking to the press.
Kimi seems to say almost nothing to the press,
and that is probably perfect for Ron. But you are right...

Oh well, here it comes again: "Finns are no good in
interviews, they have nothing intresting to say..."

Right.

Perhaps you as an diehard Fisi fan could post here few
really great quotes from Giancarlo, afterall, he has been
in this busines for a long time and therefore it would
be a piece of cace to find, say, dozen of quotes where
GF really gives us something worth of listening.

As for JV... Sure, even though you were the one who
was knocking on Rons door last summer (with GF and
AZ of course), you wouldnt have take the ride if you
had got it, you just negotiated with Ron about MHs seat
in order to refuse it if you had got it. :lol:

#22 Kiama

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 22:19

Well I'd say if I was Richards and I could save at least 10 million by letting JV walk and hiring a Jos Verstappen or that young Wilson guy, hell yeah I'd be trying to get rid of him

#23 logic

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 22:35

Villeneuve, oh boy :wave:

Kimi told in finnish newspaper that he chose McLaren because there he can fight for wins and for the title. He could chose between Ferrari and McLaren and did the right decicion

If Ville ever had had the chance to chose between McLaren and Ferrari which one would he have cosen? :lol:

None , BAR instead :clap:

#24 tony

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 23:38

Why do some of you feel that JV is not being honest? There's a very strong chance he will leave BAR after this year, and a small but not vanishingly small chance he will leave mid-season this year. It would appear his only shot a better team will be Renault. And that's even a question since we have yet to see the Renault in action.

Actually, why do we all keep assuming BAR will be bad this year or the year after. I honestly think they have a shot at being 4th or 5th this year. 4th and 5th spots will likely be a contest between Jordan, Renault, Sauber, and BAR. Jordan and Sauber both have rookie drivers this year. Renault is likely to be a good team, but we still do not know. BAR on the other hand, has the same engine as the Jordan and two very good, very experienced, fast drivers. In terms of points scored (that's the important thing) BAR could quite possibley beat Jordan and Sauber this year.

Obviously at some point in his career JV must have had the notion of creating another team to compete with the big 3. If he didn't think this is possible he never would have joined BAR, with or without Pollock. JV still thinks he can get BAR pepped up and competitive. For the sake of making F1 interesting I hope he is right.

#25 Rene

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Posted 23 February 2002 - 23:59

Originally posted by HSJ

Oh, Mr. Villeneuve! The thing is, the feeling is mutual I guess... You weren't wanted in 2000, 2001, or 2002, were you? I mean, you came knocking on our door, but were rejected. Cheque$, you're not saying this just because one unnamed ex-rookie got "your" McLaren drive? After all, you've said that it made no sense for McLaren to pay the same amount for that unnamed driver as they would have had to pay your highness to be bothered to drive a McLaren.

Personally I wonder what's eating JV so much.

You seem to forget several things...
1) JV and DC are friends, which gives JV a glimpse into Mclaren which you HSJ don't have. JV is certainly in a position to say if he would be willing to drive for a team or not. I know you might not believe that given your long history of watching F1....

2) You weren't wanted in 2000, 2001, or 2002, were you? I have it from a source very close to JV's management team, that there has been more than one offer made to JV from Maclaren since 1998.

3)You have no idea what terms JV is looking for in a contract, so your comments in regards to his pay are silly at best....

#26 MONTOYASPEED

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 00:12

Originally posted by Kiama
Well I'd say if I was Richards and I could save at least 10 million by letting JV walk and hiring a Jos Verstappen or that young Wilson guy, hell yeah I'd be trying to get rid of him

B.A.R wants to win :rolleyes:

That's why they don't hire Verstappen.

#27 Williams

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 00:46

Originally posted by Rene

3)You have no idea what terms JV is looking for in a contract, so your comments in regards to his pay are silly at best....

I think the biggest problem Ron has with Jacques is Jacques' extreme reluctance to do a lot of publicity stuff. I'm sure that's their biggest sticking point.

They hate each other's guts, but I am sure that wouldn't stand in the way of a deal they find to be in their mutual interest.

#28 SlateGray

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 01:05

Originally posted by Rene

You seem to forget several things...
1) JV and DC are friends, which gives JV a glimpse into Mclaren which you HSJ don't have. JV is certainly in a position to say if he would be willing to drive for a team or not. I know you might not believe that given your long history of watching F1....

2) You weren't wanted in 2000, 2001, or 2002, were you? I have it from a source very close to JV's management team, that there has been more than one offer made to JV from Maclaren since 1998.

3)You have no idea what terms JV is looking for in a contract, so your comments in regards to his pay are silly at best....

Thanks Rene. :up:

#29 Nikolas Garth

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 04:35

Originally posted by tony
Why do some of you feel that JV is not being honest? There's a very strong chance he will leave BAR after this year, and a small but not vanishingly small chance he will leave mid-season this year. It would appear his only shot a better team will be Renault.

Agree.

#30 tinman

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 04:42

Originally posted by MONTOYASPEED

B.A.R wants to win That's why they don't hire Verstappen.

Then why do they keep on designing a dog of a car and maintaining an overly paid driver$$$?;)

#31 Jumboexpress

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 05:04

Tinman whats up with you and youre idol Jos, get things straight out J.Villeneuve is by far the better driver than Jos. YOu could come up with a lot of excuses, what ifs, it will not change the fact that J.Villeneuve is a proven winner and have won the championship, whereas your fav driver Jos have not even remotely achieve what J.Villeneuve has done. Furthermore give some valuable insights on Jos better than J.Vill, come on now dont tell me youre just gonna throw the "superstart" the "potentovertaking" those were achieved in a very light car. I dont know why are you yeah you is so fixated of JOs so called abilities. Given that Jos is known throught his career he either crash or crushed someone. Qualifying is not Jos forte either, if Bernoldi could outq these extraordinaire then J.Vill could crush Jos so bad that you would just come up with some wonderful excuses for him.

#32 tinman

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 05:08

Originally posted by Jumboexpress
Tinman whats up with you and youre idol Jos, get things straight out J.Villeneuve is by far the better driver than Jos. YOu could come up with a lot of excuses, what ifs, it will not change the fact that J.Villeneuve is a proven winner and have won the championship, whereas your fav driver Jos have not even remotely achieve what J.Villeneuve has done. Furthermore give some valuable insights on Jos better than J.Vill, come on now dont tell me youre just gonna throw the "superstart" the "potentovertaking" those were achieved in a very light car. I dont know why are you yeah you is so fixated of JOs so called abilities. Given that Jos is known throught his career he either crash or crushed someone. Qualifying is not Jos forte either, if Bernoldi could outq these extraordinaire then J.Vill could crush Jos so bad that you would just come up with some wonderful excuses for him.

Hey I don't like Jos Either. I like JV pre-BAR but since then and the tanks designed by the team, I lost belief in JV anymore. He seems IMO to first consider the financial side o f a deal. That's what I meant above. :smoking:

#33 flyer72

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 06:49

Hmm... I think people as usual make comments that are very farfetched - Facts remain: Villenueve is an excellent driver who have wasted too many years driving cars that are below par.
McLaren would be a good alternative but if JV doesn't like the way Ron Dennis works, it wouldn't be a happy alliance.

I hope JV gets a competitive drive before he quits F1, he deserves it!

#34 HSJ

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 11:50

Originally posted by Mrv
Who in the hell would want to drive for a wanker like Ron?

Kimi at least preferred McLaren over Ferrari. He has said so explicitly. Who the hell would drive for Fer-yuck-rari?

#35 HSJ

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 11:56

Originally posted by Williams

I think the biggest problem Ron has with Jacques is Jacques' extreme reluctance to do a lot of publicity stuff. I'm sure that's their biggest sticking point.

They hate each other's guts, but I am sure that wouldn't stand in the way of a deal they find to be in their mutual interest.

I'm sure they hired KR for his virtuoso-like PR qualities. :lol:

If JV was good enough as a driver, to hell with PR, he could still be a Mac driver. But no.

#36 maclaren

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 12:02

Stop the Jacques bashing, 8 months and we will see who was the best of the rest :smoking:

#37 HSJ

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 12:05

Originally posted by maclaren
Stop the Jacques bashing, 8 months and we will see who was the best of the rest

Not Jacques.

#38 maclaren

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 12:09

Originally posted by HSJ
Not Jacques.

Jacques is the favourite. In 2000 he was 2nd best of the rest, last season he was the best of the rest.

This season Jacques will again be my favourite in middlefield :smoking:

Last season it was difficult to cheer for him while he finished too much in front of KR :stoned:

#39 Diffuser

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 13:03

Originally posted by Rene

2) You weren't wanted in 2000, 2001, or 2002, were you? I have it from a source very close to JV's management team, that there has been more than one offer made to JV from Maclaren since 1998.

All drivers´management say that and I just don´t believe it. Renault offered JV a contract in 2000 and that was confirmed by Briatore. I´ve never heard Ron Dennis say he wants Villeneuve. In fact, Trulli said Ron went straight for Räikkönen without asking any other drivers.

#40 Scoop

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 13:57

Originally posted by Mrv
I don't see Bar winning a race in this Millenium never mind this year.

they could win a race to the loo in the bar... :

#41 Scoop

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 14:04

Villenue's dream is to join ferrari and break the team...

but it seems like ferrari don't need help taking the slide down... er.. please no flaming..

#42 Rene

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 15:34

Originally posted by Diffuser

All drivers´management say that and I just don´t believe it. Renault offered JV a contract in 2000 and that was confirmed by Briatore. I´ve never heard Ron Dennis say he wants Villeneuve. In fact, Trulli said Ron went straight for Räikkönen without asking any other drivers.

I didn't say that Mclaren approached JV before they approached Kimi, what I said was Mclaren approached JV more than once since 1998, as to the seriousness of these discussions, I guess its up to a interpretation. With some teams on the paddock, a contract is worked out in general over a pint or two, while others need a boardroom full of lawyers before any progress has been made.....as well, there is a big difference between teams talking with a driver, and a contract being offered...again reread my post, and see what I actually said...

#43 Rene

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 15:43

Originally posted by HSJ

I'm sure they hired KR for his virtuoso-like PR qualities. If JV was good enough as a driver, to hell with PR, he could still be a Mac driver. But no.

I think your post shows what you know about F1, and about the personalities of F1. Ron knows Mclaren will produce a car which is capable of winning races, period, he could get almost any driver on the grid into that car, and be sure of a race win or two. He has DC, an experienced racer, who he knows will mount a challenge for the WDC. So who does he get to pilot car #2?? A strong independent driver, like JV, Fisi or RS??? No, he takes a young inexperienced finn, who has shown some decent skill. Now why would he do that??? Ever think that Ron wants to mould Kimi into a 'Mclaren' driver??

You seem to mistake interviewing skills with PR. Again you show how little exposure to F1 you have had. Teams have many many many sponsorship events, such as dinners with suppliers, trade shows etc. JV has an incredible dislike for this side of the business, and it would be a fight to get him to attend such things, while young Kimi will of course be the good soldier and show up for every PR event Ron has scheduled. Mclaren are in fact famous for having their drivers do the most PR work of any team on the grid. How you confuse this with interview skills is beyond me...

Its clear that all you want to do is bash JV(whos VC is quite impressive), while you bow before the alter of Kimi (who has zero accomplishments outside of making it to F1), blindly kissing his feet....

#44 kouks

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Posted 24 February 2002 - 21:48

You make some interesting points about JV character Rene.

If I was paying someone as much as JV is getting, I would expect him to bend over backwards for PR work, not play computer games 8 hours a day.

#45 Rene

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Posted 25 February 2002 - 05:01

Originally posted by kouks
You make some interesting points about JV character Rene.

If I was paying someone as much as JV is getting, I would expect him to bend over backwards for PR work, not play computer games 8 hours a day.

I can't argue with that....refusing to do PR is pretty pathetic, and not really in fitting with 'team' spirit....this last season JV participated in the most PR work of his whole career, perhaps his attitude is changing.....

#46 Booster

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Posted 26 February 2002 - 14:03

I agree, JV is slowly changing and is becomming more and more "available" to the media and PR "duties".

I always hated those PR duties myself. In fact, it has hurt my careers many times. Although I'm a real team person when it comes to work, after hours are MINE and I don't wish to spend them attending "pollicaly correctness sessions". I'd rather spend that time with my wife, having a nice diner or doing "something else"

So, I can really understand why Jacques doesn't like those.

The fact that he plays video games or play his guitar is TOTALLY not of ANYONE'S business. What he does with his free time is HIS choice and in fact, it's NOT open for discussion. I mean, what would you say if someone came along and started telling you that you should do this or that in your free time ? Yeah, the F word comes to mind. :lol:

Now if you were to criticize the fact that he doesn't involve himself enough in testing, that would be another thing. I wish he would do a bit more, but hey, that's only my opinion. Maybe that aspect is a something that "could" present a problem when JV will look for another team in the future, IF BAR is not up to par this year... which is more then likely.

Booster :wave:

#47 Foxbat

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Posted 26 February 2002 - 14:18

Originally posted by Rene
[..] So who does he get to pilot car #2?? A strong independent driver, like JV, Fisi or RS??? No, he takes a young inexperienced finn, who has shown some decent skill. Now why would he do that??? Ever think that Ron wants to mould Kimi into a 'Mclaren' driver??

You make it sound as if Ron the Paragon and Fer-evil cheating bastards-ari have similar ethics :confused: