Villeneuve gets further V8 outings

1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve will extend his V8 Supercars campaign by a further two events as he continues to sub for the injured Greg Murphy at Kelly Racing.

11-time grand prix winner Villeneuve replaced Murphy in the team's #51 Pepsi Max-backed Holden at this month's Townsville event but, having not had an opportunity to test prior to the weekend, struggled to a DNF and 24th place finish on the high-speed street circuit.

However the 41-year-old is confident that he can make progress at the upcoming races now that he has a proper feel for the V8 machine. He is slated to fill the role at Queensland Raceway (August 4/5) and Eastern Creek (August 25/26)

"I am thankful to the Pepsi Max Crew for another chance to jump in the car. With more seat time we should make further inroads on the field," commented Villeneuve.



"These are difficult cars to drive and there is terrific talent in this category, so I was realistic about my chances in Townsville having not even tested. On reflection I was pleased with the progress we made as a team through that weekend and was comfortable with the knowledge that we can move forward in Ipswich and Sydney."

"Jacques is an absolute professional and will add a lot of value to the team, especially as he secures further seat time over the next couple of rounds," added team director and fellow driver Todd Kelly.

"Jumping in the car at Townsville without testing – or for that matter even sitting in the car – was a daunting task, but he took it all in his stride and was pleased with his efforts. We have absolutely no doubt he will quickly move through the field in future events."

Murphy's exact recovery time from surgery on an injured back is not yet known, though the four-time Bathurst 1,000 winner is thought likely to return to action in time for this year's running of the Mount Panorama event (October 7).

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James Weeks