1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has reunited with personal trainer Dr. Erwin Göllner in Austria as the French-Canadian hopes to secure a place on the Formula One grid and a return to the sport next year.
Having last raced in F1 for BMW before being replaced by Robert Kubica after the 2006 German Grand Prix, Villeneuve's career in the sport looked to be over as he concentrated on other commitments such as producing his own music. With the fire still burning for Jacques, however, he has been training hard just outside of Salzburg.
"I found Erwin because I must be ready to drive as soon as possible," Villeneuve explained to French publication Rue Frontenac, now working again with the man who helped his fitness regime whilst driving for BMW. "He is providing the same routine as I had when I was in F1 before."
Having first departed the sport after leaving B.A.R at the end of the 2003 season, Villeneuve made an unexpected comeback to compete with Renault for the final three races of the 2004 championship. "It is a bit surprising but I am actually in better shape now than before driving for Renault," Jacques continued, "perhaps thanks to motocross or just because I began my training - but in any case, it's encouraging."
Laughing that training in a sauna is yet to happen - in order to simulate the temperatures of Bahrain, scene of next year's first race - Villeneuve stresses that no deal has yet been confirmed with a team. "There is nothing settled but I like the direction things are taking," he concluded. "Do you really think I'd come here to train if I didn't think I was in good shape?"
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