Villeneuve lands Sauber drive

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve will return to Formula One with Sauber next season.

The 33-year-old Canadian has agreed a two-year contract with Sauber to replace Giancarlo Fisichella, who is leaving for Renault at the end of the season.

Villeneuve has been out of the sport since leaving BAR with one race of last season remaining, although he may return earlier than expected after Jarno Trulli was sacked by Renault.

He is testing for Renault today at Silverstone and depending on his performance, he may replace Trulli for the final three races of the season.

Villeneuve is delighted to end his brief sabbatical from the sport.

The 1997 world champion said: "I am extremely excited to be back in Formula One with the Sauber Petronas team, and I appreciate the confidence everybody is showing in me.

"It is my goal to work with Peter Sauber and his team to bring them forward in the championship during the next two seasons.

"In my recent visit to Sauber I have been extremely impressed by the professionalism which is apparent throughout the factory.

"I am looking forward to seeing the results that will be developed by the state-of-the-art wind tunnel."

Team boss Peter Sauber is happy to find such a high-profile replacement for Fisichella, having considered handing the drive to youngsters such as Anthony Davidson and Vitantonio Liuzzi.

He said: "I have to admit that signing a former world champion is something truly special for me.

"However, I want to make it clear that this was not the decisive factor. When I was talking to Jacques, I could feel that he is absolutely keen and committed to return to Formula One.

"He was always a great fighter and I am convinced that together we can achieve a lot. I fully realise that signing a former world champion is also an obligation for the team to provide him with a car that meets his expectations.

"Sauber Petronas has made considerable progress this year, and I am confident that we are ready to tackle this challenge."

Today's news deals a blow to Gary Paffett's hopes of a Formula One breakthrough. The DTM driver was expected to test for Sauber later this year but his chances of a race seat now look slim.

Davidson must now pin his hopes on getting the vacant Jaguar drive, with David Coulthard likely to pip him to Jenson Button's seat at BAR.