Magny-Cours, July 02: BAR driver Jacques Villeneuve is gloomy about his prospects ahead of this weekend's French Grand Prix.
The Canadian said: "We expect a hot race and we will be fighting the tyre war in Michelin's own backyard.
"So I am a little concerned as to how competitive we will be in Magny-Cours.
"To be honest, I am not really looking forward to driving there."
He experienced another upset at the European GP last weekend, when he was overtaken by both Minardis, the slowest cars on the grid, on the first lap of the race.


He also damaged his front wing at the Nurburgring and failed to finish the race after a gearbox problem.



Villeneuve's contract at BAR expires at the end of the year, and no other F1 team appears interested in offering him a drive. He desperately needs to improve his performance having failed to finish six of nine races.



"Jacques will understandably have been disappointed with his performance last weekend," said team boss David Richards. "But with only a week between races, a quick return to the track should provide him with the momentum he needs."



Meanwhile Villeneuve's team-mate, Jenson Button of Britain, is confident ahead of the French Grand Prix.



"It's a track I enjoy so I'm looking forward to it," he said.


Bureau Report