Grand Racing: Jacques on oval drive - By Rohan Alvares, Sports Reporter
A man who took the Formula One world by storm when he beat the legendary Michael Schumacher to the drivers’ title in 1997, Jacques Villeneuve is easily the biggest name yet to sign up for the Speedcar Series.
And just as it did not take him too long to stamp his mark during the early days of his Formula One career, the Canadian has already got the local fans buzzing in anticipation of his Dubai debut at the Grand Racing Championship this weekend at Dubai Autodrome.
Speaking to XPRESS, Villeneuve revealed his motives for signing up for the fast-growing V8 stock car series. He said: "There were many reasons. I am working on Nascar right now and most of the Nascar races are on oval tracks. The Speedcars are also similar to Nascar so it would be a good experience.
"I was in Europe for the 24 hours of Le Mans so I wasn’t too far away. And it was also a chance to catch up with some friends in the Formula One paddock. Even in the Speedcar series there are a lot of people I have raced against either in Formula One or Formula Three in Italy and in Champcars. I am also hoping to meet some potential sponsors that will have some investments in the States maybe."
Villeneuve, who turned 37 yesterday, is hoping to extend his celebrations into the weekend with a good debut at the Autodrome when he competes in the final round of the Speedcar series.
"It’s the first time I’m in Dubai. I have been wanting to come for a long time but there was never the occasion. I don’t know the track yet but the other drivers told me it is quite a nice track. I can’t wait to get on it and find out how it is. But it will be very hot, that’s my only worry," he said.
Beijinhos, Ludy
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