Villeneuve in demand.

Following rumours that he was on his way to McLaren for 2001, Jacques Villeneuve now appears to have more than one offer in his pocket.

It now emerges that the Canadian could be wanted by Benetton for next season, following the team's takeover by Renault three weeks ago, a move which would allow Villeneuve to link up with the manufacturer which powered him to his world title in 1997.

Although it has been common practice in the past for Renault to insist on at least one French driver in its team, it would appear that a French-speaking Quebecois would fit the bill alongside the retained Giancarlo Fisichella for 2001. Fisi is a firm favourite of new Benetton team boss Flavio Briatore, and is unlikely to be leaving the team in the near future after his good results so far this year.

Villeneuve, typically, is playing down the rumours which have begun to surround him so early in the season, and only admits to having entered negotiations to extend his current contract with British American Racing. He has said, however, that nothing is certain, and joked that BAR may not even want him to stay on for another twelve months.