Villeneuve splits with Sauber

14 April 2012

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve's Formula One career appears over after he parted company with BMW-Sauber.

The Canadian sat out Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix due to the after-effects of a heavy crash in Germany. BMW-Sauber used the opportunity to give Polish rookie Robert Kubica his debut and suggested he could stay on in the role even when Villeneuve was fit.

That prompted Monday's announcement of a split, with the team blaming uncertainty over Villeneuve's future for the decision.

Boss Mario Theissen said: "After Jacques' accident in the Hockenheim race the team decided to review its options for next year, including assessing Robert Kubica in a race environment.

"Our decision to look towards evaluating our driver line-up has naturally impacted Jacques' position for the remainder of this season.

"We fully understand that it is difficult for Jacques to maintain his natural level of commitment in circumstances of uncertainty. We respect his position and wish him well for the future."

Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, has no realistic hope of a drive in Formula One for next season and has already said a move to NASCAR racing would appeal.

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