89 replies to this topic

[BARouette]

During the Brazilian GP, Frank Williams gave its opinion about Jacques Villeneuve to a Montreal French newspaper. For those who speak french, you can find it here:

http://www.jacques.v...om/francais.htm


For those who do not speak french here's what he said:


"Jacques is still one of the best drivers in the world. I loved him when he drove for me. At Williams, we like drivers who attack, like Villeneuve and Juan Pablo Montoya."

"Jacques still burns with zeal. Great drivers never loose there fighter instinct."

"I am convinced that he could win races again if he would have the car to do so. Unfortunately in formula 1, drivers depend a lot on the car..."

"Jacques is very intelligent and Craig Pollock is one of my friend. They choose this road (BAR) for reasons that I respect. Pollock had to leave the team in December, but he did a good job in tough circumstances"

He also said that everything is frozen with regards to its drivers line-up until 2005.

[Alfisti]

If the source is reliable then it wouldn't surprise me at all if that is what he said. Frank has always loved overly agressive drivers .. he still loves Alan jones for god's sake.

He's right too.

[Rene]

Great post!

Frank and Patrick both hold JV's skill in a high regard....if you look at JV's race performance this weekend, if I may quote the pundit...

The mighty Canadian was soon approaching his first scheduled pit-stop, and his race engineer Jock Clear came over Jacques' radio to demand a couple of "qualifying laps" in order to secure his fantastic driver's position. When Jock demands, then Jacques responds! On his in-lap, he put in two personal bests in sector one and two before diving into the pits! But the pit-stop turned out to be full of drama. The change of tyres and the refuelling went without problems, but Jacques experienced a gear selection problem and was idle in the pits for probably five or six seconds longer than needed before rejoining the race in 14th position.

The time advantage that Jacques built up had now vanished thanks to his long stop, and he was forced to deliver a couple of white-knuckle laps once more. This time, it was supposed to be much more difficult because of the heavy fuel load onboard. But Jacques raced against all odds, and possibly broke some physics laws in the process as well! His first lap after his out-lap was to become his quickest, with personal bests in sector one and two once more! It was quite an amazing, almost surreal lap! And the bottom line is that he managed to keep his position ahead of Massa, courtesy of these unbelievable laps.

[BARouette]

Good post Rene. Where does it come from?

[Rene]

http://www.jacques.v...undit/index.htm

[Ross Stonefeld]

Ironic that Frank Williams would say he 'respects' JV's reasons for going to BAR, when he has a history of firing drivers who get too greedy financially

[Punisher6]

Originally posted by BARouette
He also said that everything is frozen with regards to its drivers line-up until 2005.

Who's "its" BAR or Williams?

[Rene]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Ironic that Frank Williams would say he 'respects' JV's reasons for going to BAR, when he has a history of firing drivers who get too greedy financially

I think thats because JV's motivation was not $$$ but rather to start something new, and build it up ala MS....

[Williams]

Originally posted by Punisher6


Who's "its" BAR or Williams?

I would speculate it's Williams. I doubt he knows about, or would share his opinion on, another team's driver contracts.

[WKAYE]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Ironic that Frank Williams would say he 'respects' JV's reasons for going to BAR, when he has a history of firing drivers who get too greedy financially

Perhaps Frank knows Jacques a little better than you do and maybe he didn't go to BAR just for the money.

[AyePirate]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Ironic that Frank Williams would say he 'respects' JV's reasons for going to BAR, when he has a history of firing drivers who get too greedy financially

I think FW may have just been grateful that Jacques chose to shakedown BAT instead of him

[SeanValen]

From his interview I know he would like Jacques and Montoya as his drivers at Williams. Exciting if that happened.

[Ross Stonefeld]

Didnt JV recently go on about not taking a pay cut or something?

[flyer72]

When Jacques switched to BAR, Williams was in trouble - the car was very uncompetitive in 98 and 99. Zanardi didn't even manage to score one point! JV did the right thing to leave Williams but considering that only Ferrari and McLaren were competitive, he didn't really have a choice but to go to a lesser team.

IMO Frank Williams is still very impressed with JV and was probably willing to let him go because he knew his team wasn't going to be competitive for a while.

[GL*]

Pollock was interviewed on TSN here in Canada at Brazil. He stated that since leaving BAR, Frank Williams and Ron Dennis both have befriended him personally and he mentioned something about business opportunities with them. I wouldn't be so sure that Williams driver line-up is frozen until 2005. Come on, this is F1 where contracts are meaningless! Hopefully, we can see JV and Montoya at Williams in upcoming years. I suppose it'd be ok if JV was in a McLaren too but I can't see that happening.

[D. Heimgartner]

Well, If Montaya keeps messing up... if he doesn't start contending for the WDC, then he will be ousted pretty quickly. And whom will FW call upon to replace him? Button? Pizzonia? Or Villeneuve?

Well my money is on the French Canadian!

[skylark68]

All I know is, Frank is an incredible judge of talent, evidently.

My only regret is that we did't get to see some of the exciting stuff behind the front 3 or so. The Pundit makes up for it, though, with his classic descriptions.

I'd be interested in Jacques opinion about BAR after the next five races or so.

[Punisher6]

Originally posted by Williams


I would speculate it's Williams. I doubt he knows about, or would share his opinion on, another team's driver contracts.

Yeah, good point, dumb question on my part

[The First MH]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Ironic that Frank Williams would say he 'respects' JV's reasons for going to BAR, when he has a history of firing drivers who get too greedy financially

Just like Ralf, who earns so little...

[The Fazz]

Sadly we all know that this counts for ****.

Jacques is stuck with BAR (or outside the top 3 teams) for the rest of his career I fear.

Williams have far too many choices at much cheaper rates (Button, Pizzonia etc). And in Montoya and Ralf they perhaps have the best driver pairing bar none.

Jacques is not going to McLaren and that is for sure. Sir Frank likes aggressive drivers, Ron Dennis doesn't, and he rather have PR automatons on his payroll. Ferrari is no option for Jacques whilst Schumi is there, which will be a while yet.

What's left is Renault, Toyota and BAR (Honda). And I don't see these 3 teams challenging the top 3 teams of the last 20 odd years.

[Melbourne Park]

Originally posted by GL*
... I wouldn't be so sure that Williams driver line-up is frozen until 2005. Come on, this is F1 where contracts are meaningless! ....

I think FW keeps to contracts.

As to F1 and contracts, a contract is still a legal one in F1. When they are broken, its often a costly affair. Drivers have managers these days, and teams have legal expertise. With the drying up of IT finance and tobacco money, having costly broken contracts is something F1 teams will increasingly avoid IMO.

[stenney]

As one who watched Gilles race and then followed the arrival of Jacques, I've always had an admiration for the Villenueve mistique. Gilles career cut short by such an unfortunate accident and Jacques devoting his career to a team that will likely never live up to him. Both saddening, though Jacques has made his own choice. It even looks like Jacques has locked himself out of other opportunities. He could have been with Renault, but chose to stay with BAR. I would certainly enjoy seeing Villenueve reach the podium.

There is no hope for someone who has the belief that Frank Williams has any intention "ousting Montoya". If you believe this suggestion you just don't understand.

[Ross Stonefeld]

Originally posted by The First MH

Just like Ralf, who earns so little...

How much is Ralf making? Honest question. And its not so much the value, but cost vs worth. As soon as Ralf starts asking for more than Frank thinks he's worth, he'll be asked to leave.

[The First MH]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld


How much is Ralf making? Honest question. And its not so much the value, but cost vs worth. As soon as Ralf starts asking for more than Frank thinks he's worth, he'll be asked to leave.

Sure, but this is true of of any team. Ron wouldn't pay DC more than he thinks he's worth, right. Neither would Eddie Jordan. Just ask Heinz. But you must still concede that Frank W. isn't a miser. He will pay if he believes he is getting a guy that can do the job - provided they do the job of course. It is my understanding that Ralf earns a figure close to what Jaques earns, so I doubt that money plays as important a role in Frank's decision for a driver, contrary to what some of us in the BB tend to think. I just don't see money being the main stumbling bolck - when there is a will there is a way... but first there must be a will...

[Melbourne Park]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld


How much is Ralf making? Honest question. And its not so much the value, but cost vs worth. As soon as Ralf starts asking for more than Frank thinks he's worth, he'll be asked to leave.

Come on Ross that's a loaded question, you know already Ralf is payed a huge amount, maybe he ranks second? JV gets a lot, then Irvine does too as well; I think Ralf gets more than Irvine, maybe more than JV. I don't know if there's a performance bonus, such as McLaren operate, but I'd say there is and Ralf would do well with that also ... he got it because of the developement work he did, because he showed he was after good, because he had a good manager, because of BMW and because FW did not know if JPM would perform.

The question really is not is Ralf worth it; the question is does Frank want to have two highly paid drivers next year?

[Ross Stonefeld]

There's no way he's getting more than JV and Irvine. Jv's making like 16mil a year and JV and Irv are 2nd and 3rd highest paid drivers. Ralf top 5, maybe.

[Melbourne Park]

Originally posted by The Fazz
Jacques is stuck with BAR (or outside the top 3 teams) for the rest of his career I fear.

What's left is Renault, Toyota and BAR (Honda). And I don't see these 3 teams challenging the top 3 teams of the last 20 odd years.

I think Renault will and maybe Toyota. Renault are also Nissan now, so its almost another Japanese choice. From a marketing perspective, JV would do a lot for Toyota. I'd rather have an Australian drive a Toyota though ...

[The First MH]

I seem to recall reading that Ralf makes 12 mil a year. I can not verify this, but's my recollection. Still, it's closer to JVi's figure than 5 mil...

[smendez]

Hey D. Heimgartner, why you change your opinion so fast?

First you make a thread saying:"This kid( MONTOYA) might be the real deal: a WDC. And it looks like it might happen this year!

and then you post on this thread : "Well, If Montaya keeps messing up... if he doesn't start contending for the WDC, then he will be ousted pretty quickly. And whom will FW call upon to replace him? Button? Pizzonia? Or Villeneuve?

Well my money is on the French Canadian! "

Just give some more time to JPM, he will adapt to the condition of being a WDC Contender and he will perform a lot better. i`m not saying that he will be champion this year but at least we will have a close battle between MS, JPM and RS.

Damn, this season will be so exciting....

Sebastian Mendez.

[Rene]

Originally posted by The First MH
I seem to recall reading that Ralf makes 12 mil a year. I can not verify this, but's my recollection. Still, it's closer to JVi's figure than 5 mil...

Source:http://www.atlasf1.c...p/id/4733/.html
"...speculation in the German media has said he would almost double his salary to 30 million marks ($13.09 million) a year...."

[HSJ]

Originally posted by BARouette

He also said that everything is frozen with regards to its drivers line-up until 2005.

You mean Williams line-up is set until 2005? I find that very, very hard to believe. It is not impossible, but Williams is a bit of a "revolving doors" team regarding drivers...

[FredF1]

William's may be a 'revolving door' as regards drivers - but FW doesn't break contracts to get shut of them.

Button was on a 1-year contract and was told this.
In fact, FW came out last year to make threatening noises about 'binding contracts', when Briatore was hinting that he may give Button the shove.

Zanardi leaving prematurely was by mutual consent.

Hill asked for too much money as far as FW was concerned. That was when Hill was renegotiating his contract. Even Ron Dennis stipulated a performance clause if Hill were to drive for him. So FW and RD were BOTH doubtful of Hill's potential.

It's been well documented that FW has NO problems with drivers - it's their managers he loathes.
Something I totally agree with. They're the F1 equivalent of ambulance chasers.

[Force Ten]

Originally posted by flyer72
When Jacques switched to BAR, Williams was in trouble - the car was very uncompetitive in 98 and 99. Zanardi didn't even manage to score one point!

Well, neither did JV, so, there. Ralf Schumacher actually was on his way to win the race in Nurnburgring, so it's a bit better score than JV's "holding up MS for 20 laps" thing that is considered as being the highlight of his 1999 year...

[AMD]

If JV could go to the next race at Imola and qualify in 5th like he did in 1999, I'm sure he be happy.

[Force Ten]

Originally posted by FredF1
Hill asked for too much money as far as FW was concerned. That was when Hill was renegotiating his contract. Even Ron Dennis stipulated a performance clause if Hill were to drive for him. So FW and RD were BOTH doubtful of Hill's potential.

Well, that is of course a lot of bull, but anyway, I am sure that Frank was patting himself on his back over the decision of Hill's replacement driver next year. I am sure that Patrick did it to. I mean - 1 win and 1 pole with the best car of the field - when has Hill ever had such a bad year in F1 thus far? So - he may doubt the performance of his driver but the man ain't know-it-all and even he sometimes makes mistakes.

[servellen]

Regarding the Williams line up: They have one of the strongest pairing on the grid. JPM has talent and potential, they would be stupid to let him go and have him manifest they talent they helped bring into F1 elsewhere.

Ralf is quick and slightly more laid back and strategic; bottom line is where one driver lacks the other makes up. Plus they push each other and have both won races -what other team can say that? People underestimate Ralf, his driving is as unspectacular as his personality; but both demonstrate a good understading of race car driving -and his lap times back that up. His biggest minus is his price tag and some ofthe dumb comments he makes -but the links to BMW probably make up for that as long as he keeps finishing races.

If they keep finishing races, the Constructor's championship is in the bag.

[FredF1]

Autorace

Why Hill decided not to join McLaren

The spectre of Mansell loomed over Hill's talks. The spectre of Nigel Mansell's abortive relationship with McLaren was a significant factor in the breakdown of Damon Hill's talks with the team.

McLaren chief Ron Dennis admitted privately that the embarrassment of the Mansell saga influenced the tough stance he adopted in negotiations. Those discussions about a 1998 drive ended in public acrimony, with Hill criticizing what he perceived as McLaren's failure to make a serious commitment to him, and Dennis questioning the world champion's will to win. Hill was clearly incensed by the terms proposed to him after preliminary discussions, despite his stated desire to win rather than make money.

"It's not right to expect me to roll over with my legs in the air and forego the things I have worked for in my career," he said. In addition, "I am not just delivering for Damon Hill. I am delivering for my fans, the country, the team. But I am not so desperate as to do that for nothing."

Dennis was unapologetic, intimating that he did not believe Hill's priorities matched the team's. "Winning races was the driving issue that was first on our list," he said. "We wanted any driver to share the belief we have in ourselves as a team, as David and Mika do. A performance-orientated contract is the best way to establish where a driver is coming from.

"As this was of no interest to Damon, it was of no interest to us to go any further." Insiders say he wanted to assess whether the 36-year-old champion was serious about another world title or whether he was in 'cruise and collect' mode. Conversely, Hill and his advisor, Michael Breen, felt that
McLaren's refusal to propose more than a single-year contract demonstrated a lack of faith in his ability as much as his proposed salary arrangement.

There are also suggestions that the final terms reneged upon what had been discussed between the parties initially, particularly over money: so much so that when he was told, Hill hung up the telephone in disgust.

The contretemps raised the ghost not only of Mansell's failed comeback, but of Hill's messy departure from Williams. However, Technical Director Patrick Head expressed an element of sympathy.

"It seems extraordinary to me to air the contents of a financial discussion in public, but it also seems to be an unusually low salary to offer a world champion," he said. "When he was with us, Damon felt like he was

always being put in a position where he had to prove himself. This was possibly the same thing. "It sounds as if Ron has a doubt as to whether he was committed. I think to Damon that would be a red rag to a bull. The implication is that Ron wouldn't have been that serious about it, but that's his privilege."

F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone added: "Who said it was a failure to get Damon into a McLaren? On whose part? Who made any commitment that he was going to drive for McLaren? It's up to Damon to decide where he wants to drive. He is a free agent and he must make up his mind what he wants to do."

Hill's serious transfer options for next season have probably been limited to the Prost and Benetton teams if he does decide to leave TWR Arrows .

To many, Alain Prost's team is the best bet given that the pair enjoy a healthy respect from their time together at Williams. Furthermore, the relationship promises exactly the kind of commitment that Hill implicitly felt was lacking from McLaren. "I think we have a better chance than some rivals", confirmed Prost. "We can talk driver to driver." The sticking point is that Prost is a small team entering a transitional year. More importantly, Prost said in Belgium that his budget does not stretch to hiring a top-line driver, although it is possible that tyre supplier Bridgestone may help.

Finance may also be a problem at Benetton, since team chief Flavio Briatore has intimated that the team is short of a full budget and its future plans are still uncertain.

Hill is thought not to particularly favour the Benetton option, but it is rumoured to be endorsed by Ecclestone, who is keen to see Hill return to what is perceived a topline team before the launch of digital TV in England.

It is still possible that Arrows' late-season rally could persuade him to stay. Tentative discussions are also believed to have taken place between the Hill camp and Jordan, but insiders say they have no real impetus.

Hill intimated that he had rejected an offer from Sauber worth £20 million over two years. Sponsor Petronas is still keen to have him, and despite the breakdown in negotiations, Peter Sauber confirmed that the door was not fully closed. Hill indicated that he would be able to say more about his future within two weeks. "I haven't spoken to anyone from Minardi yet, but I think I've done just about everybody else."

[Force Ten]

And your point is - Fred? as the article predates Hill's decision to move to Jordan and predicts that particular possibility as a rather remote one... I am not putting any worth to that particular piece of writing. It's just a bunch of educated guesses backed up by selected and cropped qoutes from F1 celebrities and most of them educated guesses turned ultimatively out wrong.

[FredF1]

I was supporting the reason why Ron Dennis and Damon Hill didn't come to any agreement.
I'll have to check my library at home - I think there's more details somewhere.
The article quotes both Patrick Head and Ron Dennis.

I'm not knocking Damon. He tried to get more money and good luck to him. It's just that Frank Williams thought he wasn't worth it. In the end, it's Frank's team and he can do as he sees fit.

My original post was in response to HSJ's claim that FW is a contract breaker.
In fact, it's the very opposite. That's why he signed Frentzen. FW wanted Frentzen to join in 1994 but HHF preferred to honour his Sauber contract - something that impressed FW no end.

[metz]

Fact remains, Pollock was working hard in Brazil. He got a lot more press time than a retired team manager normaly gets.
Most of his efforts were seen in the camps of Williams and McLaren as he is a respected friend of both.
I suspect that he was exploring options for JV.
But Frank will not take on JV as long as JPM is there. They are too allike.
Williams has a history and a patern of driver pairing.
One as a solid performer (Ralf, Hill, etc) and the other as one that pushes the envelope and drives at the edge (JPM, JV, etc).
Frank will stick to this formula.

[130R]

Where are all the JV bashers???

Or, is Frank Williams too respected for you to attempt to get in a cheap shot? Todd?

[Smooth]

Originally posted by 130R
Where are all the JV bashers???

Or, is Frank Williams too respected for you to attempt to get in a cheap shot? Todd?

I just posted this in another thread, but......


In retrospect, JVi looks dominant compared to JPM. With both drivers coming off of succesful CART runs, they step into one of the top (in JV's case THE top) cars in F1, and are expected to deliver immediatly. JVi ran his WDC teammate hard all season, and took the WDC the next. I will be honest, and say that I don't rate JVi too highly, and I think his 1996 season was better than his 1997 season, and had Schumacher had a Ferrari near the level of the recent cars, he wouldn't have looked so good, but he did make an immediate impression on his teammate, and got the job done the next year. If JPM can't do the same, Frank will tell it like it is.

[Zmeej]

Thanks very much BARouette!!

"a encore le feu sacre" (still burns with the holy fire)
I like that!

The article appeared in the Journal de Montreal, a tabloid in terms of general interest, but otherwise has the best sports section in the city, where the Jacques industry there is very competitive (as you might imagine).

Sir Frank sez that the drives on his team are locked up for '03 and '04, and after that they have young kids in the pipeline.

The Knighted Racer is given credit for "insisting on speaking French."

The final paragraph is:

"With the interview concluded, Ol' Frank returned to his command post, his eyes riveted on the monitors, which confirmed the fact that his team is capable of dethroning Ferrari as constructors' champions."

Great stuff.

Ross

You should just get over it.

[Ross Stonefeld]

get over what?

[AlesiGOD]

Frank has a great taste in drivers: Senna, Jacques, and Montoya.. Ralf got the job because of BMW, but is a fine driver none the less... (just not exciting...)

[Zmeej]

Get over this "money" bash.

Everybody is in F1 for the money and the life in Monaco, and the power games, and on and on.
Some people even like to do the promotional stuff. Some don't.

Why should Jacques agree to a pay cut?
Because since 1999 he has driven a pig?
Because BAR's designers can't keep rear wings attached?
Because Honda has failed to produce a competitive engine?
Because his endorsements of Lucky Strike have made them millions?
Because his endorsement of Honda has raised their profile?
Because the merest prospect, however ill-founded, of JV joining Ferrari gets all of Canada, Japan, France and Italy salivating?

J'attends votre reponse.

[Smooth]

Originally posted by Zmeej
Get over this "money" bash.

J'attends votre reponse.

I have no problem with the boys being paid. I have a problem with those who claim they are 'only in it to win'. If JV was only in it to win, he could, in theory, take a slight pay cut and get on a competitive team. Simple.

[Ross Stonefeld]

amen amen, he's only a 'true blood racer' when the check is big enough


And I dont think sucking it hardcore has raised Honda's F1 profile any.

[tifoso]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
There's no way he's getting more than JV and Irvine. Jv's making like 16mil a year and JV and Irv are 2nd and 3rd highest paid drivers. Ralf top 5, maybe.

The March issue of F1 Magazine had a list of the driver salaries. I posted it on this thread for what it's worth...
M. Schumacher -- $32 million
Villeneuve -- $21 million
Irvine -- $12 million
R. Schumacher -- $12 million

[Zmeej]

Ross

Hope you'll admit that Honda is more at fault for this hardcore sucking than Jacques is.

Smooth

Leaving BAR in the lurch (if that's what you're suggesting) would have had other ramifications, which I expounded on at length in another thread (betrayal of Pollock and Honda, betrayal is what killed his father and thus impossible).



For next year, Sir Frank has made it clear why going to Williams isn't an option, money or not.

If he wanted to go to Ferrari, he would have to take a pay cut, or bring some major sponsorship that could offset his salary demands, because even for Ferrari/Yankees $75 million is a lot to swallow. Although Ferrari might just do it, if you have alternatives such as Massa around (who would be much less disruptive to team structure), even the attraction of legend is robbed of pull.

If JV wanted to go to Renault, don't see any reason why he should take a pay cut. I'm sure they'd be willing to ante up.

He won't get into a Mac, because Ron won't pay his salary on principle.
Coming to a team in order to knuckle under wouldn't be in character for Jacques, and he's said as much. Does that mean he's less committed to win? I don't think so, it just means he's more committed to not knuckling under.

If you now suggest that he should swallow some ego, then lets get FIA and the owners together with a suggestion that, in order to reduce costs, all the pilotes should take a pay cut.

Don't think it would fly? Hmmm. Guess it's not really a question of money, is it?

Why would JV consider going anywhere else?