According to latest rumors of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport magazine a potential 'Villeneuve Racing' is one of only 3 teams to be considered for the F1 vacancy next season. Taking the example of NASCAR – where some team owners get behind the wheel of their cars – Villeneuve has reportedly submitted his bid for the 13th entry in the 2011 Formula One championship as the chances of acquiring a driving seat in one of the existing F1 teams are limited. Although the initial list of bidders contained approximately 10 teams, the announcement made by Bernie Ecclestone earlier this week seems to have reduced that number to only three. The FOM boss said that a 19 million euros sum will be demanded as a deposit from the teams that want a place on the 2011 F1 grid, as financial guarantees for their economic capabilities.
Under the circumstances, Villeneuve Racing and American-based Cypher Group are still on the run, with Auto Motor und Sport suggesting either Epsilon Euskadi or Durango are the 3rd team on the list. Stefan GP seems to no longer be in contention for the 13th entry.
It seems Villeneuve's team has already secured an existent infrastructure in England – the home of no less than 8 teams in F1 – while its crew will be formed of ex-Super Aguri and Arrows employees. Villeneuve would be one of the drivers for the 2011 campaign, while a second driver would be announced as soon as the FIA makes its final decision.
Villeneuve told BBC Sport:
"I've never made it a secret that I'm working hard on an F1 project. But I've not discussed the details or what my plans were and I won't be drawn on it now. I'm not commenting."
A future Villeneuve Racing will be Villeneuve's second attempt to setup a team after the unsuccessful entry of British American Racing in late 90s who was led by his ex manager Graig Pollock, British American Tobacco and Reynard Engineering.
