With friends like David Richards, who needs enemies? An article in the January issue of FI Racing quotes some nasty remarks the former head of F1 race team BAR-Honda made about Jacques Villeneuve, saying he is "past his sell-by date" and "the last thing BMW needs in its first year as an F1 constructor is the former world champion." BMW withdrew its engine supply from the Williams team after it bought Sauber, which it is currently redeveloping under its own name.

Villeneuve has had some rough years since winning the championship, some of his own making when he left Williams to go with the brand-new BAR team. But when Richards took over leadership of BAR-Honda things got worse. Almost from the moment he arrived Richards was down on Villeneuve and seemed to destroy the Canadian's self-confidence. The two had a falling-out at the end of 2003, which resulted in Jacques being sidelined the following season. Ready to come back in 2005, he was no longer a hot property and had to settle for a position with Sauber, hardly one of F1's leading teams. After a shaky start Villeneuve showed flashes of his old brilliance and often was as quick as teammate Felipe Massa, the young hot-shot who's moved to Ferrari for 2006.

Richards said "I was surprised to see that Peter (Sauber) employed Jacques -- and even more surprised when he explained the appointment by boasting that at last Sauber had hired a world champion... 2006 will definitely be difficult for BMW -- the last thing they need is someone like Jacques." Well, Mr. Richards, as a Canadian I may be prejudiced. But I hope he proves you wrong because the last thing F1 needs is a team leader who makes life miserable for his drivers. What's your take on Richards vs. Villeneuve, race fans?