Jacques Villeneuve

Jacques Joseph Charles Villeneuve (born April 9, 1971) is a Canadian automobile racing driver, and winner of Formula One and Champ Car championships and the Indianapolis 500, one of only two drivers to accomplish all three feats (the other being Emerson Fittipaldi).

Formula One champion

In 1996, he moved to Formula One with the Williams team. His debut was nothing less than spectacular, as he became only the second Formula One driver in history to achieve both a pole and a podium position in his maiden grand prix. He led the race until an engine problem caused by an earlier off-course moment forced him to slow and settle for second behind teammate Damon Hill. He won four races that year, reached the podium 11 times, and finished with 78 points — all rookie records, which still stand today. He finished the season runner-up in the drivers championship to Hill, and helped Williams win the constructor championship by over 100 points. With the 1997 departure of Hill to Arrows, Villeneuve became the number one at Williams, and he responded emphatically by winning seven races on his way to winning the drivers championship and another constructor crown. He finished with 10 poles, 8 podiums, and 81 points, clinching the title in dramatic fashion by beating Ferrari rival Michael Schumacher in the final race of the year. However, Villeneuve's career went into sharp decline following his drivers championship. Remaining with Williams in 1998, he struggled with an underpowered Mecachrome engine, and failed to win a single race.

Related Topics:
1996 - Williams - Pole - Maiden grand prix - Damon Hill - Rookie - Season - 1997 - Arrows - Drivers championship - Ferrari - Michael Schumacher - 1998 - Mecachrome

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