Villeneuve Racing Makes Official F1 Bid for 2011 Entry

Canadian driver Jacques Villeneuve is set to make his Formula One return in 2011. However, he has only one more (important) step to take, which is to be granted permission by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to compete in the upcoming campaign. Wonder why the FIA needs to approve his return to racing? Well, it seems the 1997 F1 champion plans to debut his own team in the series.

Taking the example of NASCAR – where some team owners get behind the wheel of their cars weekend after weekend – Villeuenve has reportedly submitted his bid for the 13th entry in the 2011 Formula One championship. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport magazine said 'Villeneuve Racing' is one of only 3 teams to be considered for the F1 vacancy next season.

Although the initial list of bidders contained approximately 10 teams, the announcement made by Bernie Ecclestone earlier this week seems to have reduced that number to only three. The FOM boss said that a EUR19 million sum will be demanded as a deposit from the teams that want a place on the 2011 F1 grid, as financial guarantees for their economic capabilities.

Under the circumstances, Villeneuve Racing and American-based Cypher Group are still on the run, with Auto Motor und Sport suggesting either Epsilon Euskadi or Durango are the 3rd team on the list. Stefan GP seems to no longer be in contention for the 13th entry.

It seems Villeneuve's team has already secured an existent infrastructure in England – the home of no less than 8 teams in F1 – while its crew will be formed of ex-Super Aguri and Arrows employees. Villeneuve would be one of the drivers for the 2011 campaign, while a second driver would be announced as soon as the FIA makes its final decision.

The ruling body is expected to reveal the name of the 13th entry in late July.