Villeneuve to Renault for 2002?

Jacques Villeneuve's discontent at former manager Craig Pollock's departure from British American Racing last week could lead to the Canadian imminently quitting the Brackley team for good.

Sources close to the team have suggested that the 1997 world champion will join Renault for 2002 despite being on a one-year contract with BAR, in a swap deal that takes Jenson Button the other way.

Villeneuve to Renault echoes the protracted - and ultimately unfulfilled - talks between the Canadian and Benetton two seasons ago, which many believed would see the former CART titleist quit Brackley before Pollock. Against all odds, however, Villeneuve has twice signed new contracts with BAR since those talks, but looked a forlorn figure at last Tuesday's 2002 season launch.

Shocked by the news 24 hours earlier that Pollock had decided to leave his dual role as CEO and team principal, Villeneuve looked lost at the launch, where much speculation centred on his future with the team, now under the control of Prodrive boss David Richards. Further rumour has since suggested that Villeneuve may even consider stepping down for 2002 without having another seat to go to, freeing up a drive alongside the experienced Olivier Panis for one of the team's four test drivers.

However, it is the swap rumour with Button which is running strongest at present. The deal, should it come about, would allow Villeneuve to relieve his BAR 'nightmare', while simultaneously allowing Renault boss Flavio Briatore to rid himself of Button, who he feels has not been pulling his weight since being shipped to the team from Williams at the end of 2000. The outspoken Italian has frequently told the young Briton to 'knuckle down' but may jump at the chance of swapping him for a seasoned campaigner like Villeneuve alongside Jarno Trulli.

Villeneuve's departure could also spell the end for one of BAR's four testers, with Patrick Lemarie deemed to be holding down his position with the team on the strength of his friendship with the Canadian. With budgets becoming even tighter over the winter, following the 11 September attacks on America, every team is looking to cut back on expenditure, and one less salary at Brackley would not go amiss.