Villeneuve signs up for second V8 Supercars event

Jacques Villeneuve, F1 Champion of 1997, has confirmed that he will soon compete in a second V8 Supercars race. The French-Canadian has already taken part in the series formerly known as the Australian Touring Car Championship earlier this year.

Having failed to finish one race in Townsville before crossing the line 24th in the second, Villeneuve will now pilot the Pepsi Max Car in Ipswich and Sydney. He is substituting for Greg Murphy, who is continuing to recover from major back surgery.

"I am thankful to the Pepsi Max Crew for another chance to jump in the car and with more seat time should make further inroads on the field," says Villeneuve. "These are difficult cars to drive and there is terrific talent in this category, so I was realistic about my chances in Townsville not even testing the car.

"I was pleased with the progress we made as a team through that weekend and comfortable with the knowledge that we can move forward in Ipswich and Sydney."

Villeneuve left F1 midway through 2006, having suffered a crash for BMW in the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. The circus returns to the venue this weekend.