VILLENEUVE TO MCLAREN?

Ron Dennis comments about not being prejudiced against outspoken or unkempt drivers were thought to be directed solely at Eddie Irvine, but it now appears that he may have had another target in mind altogether.

The McLaren boss was responding to the Irishmans accusation that he only wanted malleable drivers at Woking when he claimed that [Irvine]s concept that we ..... do not like colourful individuals, personalities, those that paint their hair, wear weird baggy clothes, swear, or like fast girls, is ludicrous, but speculation now centres on the fact that Dennis may be considering Jacques Villeneuve among his targets for 2001.

Although it is early even by recent standards for the annual silly season to kick off, the possibility of Villeneuve and McLaren linking up next year is not beyond the realms of reality.

The Canadian was a potential target when he left Williams for British American Racing between 1998 and 1999, and has already stressed that his new team will have to perform in 2000 if he is to stay on board for a third season. Points in the Melbourne opener last weekend will have allayed Villeneuves fears slightly, but he will be hoping that BARs new Honda engine keeps pace with the developments of the front-runners if he is to repeat the feat.

The 1997 world champion has denied speaking with McLaren, but has admitted that he would hope to be on the short-list if a replacement was needed at Woking.