Villeneuve: « Stefan GP would beat all the new teams »

Strongly linked lately to a return to F1 with the Stefan GP team, Canadian Jacques Villeneuve revealed that the Serbian team could easily surpass all the new incoming teams in this 2010 season.

The 1997 world champion stated that Stefan GP benefits on the one hand from stable financial health, supported among others by the Serbian government, and on the other hand from Toyota’s technology. Judging by the good level of the Japanese team at the end of 2009, the “TF110” purchased by Stefan GP could hold some pleasant surprises.

«If they are allowed to participate – and to see how they speak and to move forward even if they haven’t had any input it is quite conceivable to be so – they will do better than several teams. » explained Villeneuve in the newspaper Auto Week. «The Toyota wasn’t a bad car last year and it has been developed. They would certainly be ahead of all the other new cars. »

Furthermore, he confirmed having spoken with boss Zoran Stefanovic but said that nothing contractual was discussed because the team has not received permission to participate and also because several drivers’ names were mentioned as well.

I had a discussion with him some time ago just to see where everyone stood. I am not directly involved with anyone. If it is confirmed, I would be really very interested because it seems to be a serious option, concluded Villeneuve.

The Stefan GP team, which recently canceled its initial tests in Portimao, could announce its drivers this week. While Kazuki Nakajima is reported to be 99% certain, the second name is subject to numerous discussions involving Villeneuve, Ralf Schumacher, or Chandhok.