2023-06-09 16:00:55
Jacques Villeneuve is no longer part of the Vanwall team FREDERIC LE FLOC H / PANORAMIC
The former Formula 1 world champion, disappointed to have been dismissed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans by the Vanwall team, announces his immediate departure.
We had already known for a few days that Jacques Villeneuve would not take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the colors of the Vanwall team. We now know that the Quebecer, not selected by the management of the team for the centenary edition, will not finish the season of the World Championship of which the 24 Hours of Le Mans are part.
The Canal+ consultant expressed his bitterness via a press release. ” I am deeply disappointed to have learned of my replacement for the next 24 Hours of Le Mans through a press release from Vanwall Racing Team ByKolles on May 25, 2023. To date, I have not received any official communication from the team, which is all the more surprising that I am still under contract to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” explained the 1997 world champion.
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«The timing of the release coincided with my imminent arrival at the hospital for the birth of our baby girl, which was scheduled for May 26. ByKolles was fully aware of this family event, which made it impossible for me to answer or manage this ad.»
«As a racing family, we have always managed to balance our family lives and our professional careers, with motor racing always looming large. In fact, my preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans was meticulous and well organized. I spent a lot of time and effort preparing myself physically and mentally for this extraordinary challenge that I was looking forward to. After my victories at the Indianapolis 500 Miles and in Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans hold a special place for me. I am therefore deeply disappointed that the opportunity to participate has been unfairly and unilaterally denied to me,” he added, before announcing his immediate departure from the team and indicating that he was preparing for the 2024 season.
A mixed start to the season for Villeneuve
The return of Jacques Villeneuve since the start of the season with Vanwall had not been crowned with success. The Quebecer had played the first three rounds of the championship and was involved in several incidents.
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