London, Sept 17: Former champion Jacques Villeneuve has cold-shouldered suggestions that BAR might decide his Formula One future with a televised 'shoot-out' against would-be replacements.
''Formula One is supposed to be a sport,'' the Canadian's spokeswoman quoted him as saying yesterday in response to reports that he might be asked to take part in a contest to see who partners Briton Jenson Button.

Newspapers said the test could scrutinise the drivers' attitude and presentation as well as their speed and race-craft.
They also quoted team boss David Richards as saying that Villeneuve, the 1997 champion with Williams and son of the late Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve, would have to change his attitude.
The Canadian has no deal for 2004 and few options. All of the top teams have already confirmed their drivers with the only acknowledged vacancies being at Jordan, Jaguar, Minardi and Sauber.



''I have never worked so hard in my life,'' said Villeneuve, visiting Denmark before resuming testing in Spain for the US Grand Prix on September 28. ''If my attitude is a problem, then there is no attitude change that could convince David.''



Button's girlfriend Louise Griffiths recently took part in a reality television Fame Academy talent show and newspapers quoted Richards as saying the format had possibilities.



''It is an interesting way of finding out who can perform,'' he told the press. ''We're talking about something more technical and detailed, but it is an intriguing idea. My job is to find the fastest and best driver for BAR Honda. It's not just a gimmick.



''There are a range of options open to us and it is an exciting idea if we can make it work.''


Bureau Report