Villeneuve to race V8 Supercars

(GMM) 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve is in talks to contest this year's championship of Australian V8 Supercars.

The Melbourne newspaper Herald Sun said the French-Canadian is the first choice to become Russell Ingall's teammate at the Super Cheap Racing team.

"This is real. Absolutely. He is pretty keen to do it," team owner Paul Morris said.

"Man, how good would it be? How long since we've had a formula one driver in touring cars in Australia? The last one was Alan Jones. And if he drives as good as AJ, he will be all right," he enthused.

Morris explained that about $2 million in sponsorship to run the car and pay the 37-year-old driver needs to be raised.

On a trip to the US next week, Morris plans to meet with Barry Green, Villeneuve's former IndyCar boss who is still part of his management team.