Geriatric former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve says that he is still pushing ahead with his training for a Formula One return, despite missing out on a shock comeback drive with the Stefan GP team for 2010.
1997 title winner Villeneuve, who last raced in F1 back in 2006 for BMW Sauber, was all set for a return to the F1 grid in 2010 along with his former sparring partner Michael Schumacher. The Canadian was set to drive alongside former Williams man Kazuki Nakajima this season.
But the Serbian team were not granted an entry for 2010, despite the collapse of the USF1 team, and although Stefan GP recently announced plans to secure an entry for 2011, Villeneuve is still hopeful that he will drive this season.
"I'm pushing on anyway," Villeneuve told Germany's Auto Moto und Sport on Wednesday.
"Last year showed that teams change their drivers during a season. And the return of Schumacher and de la Rosa is a sign that experience is appreciated once again."
Villeneuve is now 39 years old, but with Schumacher returning on a three year contract at the grand old age of 41, the Canadian is continuing to get into shape.
According to the German report, he is working with 'famous trainer' Erwin Gollner, using a 400,000 Euro 'machine' to help him get back to race fitness.
The former Williams and BAR man also denied that his age would be an issue.
"Look at hockey," he mused, possibly looking at some hockey, "Guys in their late 30s are still at world-class level. It's because we're all living much healthier and have gained ten years."
Stefan GP may look to Villeneuve again for 2011, but face competition for the vacant grid slot from former GP2 squad Durango and Epsilon Euskadi.
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