Under-fire ace Jacques Villeneuve may not have to sing for his supper just yet, but the Canadian may be forced to take part in a demeaning talent contest if he is to retain his seat alongside Jenson Button at BAR next year.

According to Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper, the 1997 world champion may have to face up to a host of potential rivals for his ride in a shoot-out based on the current wave of televised 'star-finding' talent shows. According to the report, the idea occurred to the Brackley-based team when Button's girlfriend became the centre of attention on the BBC's Fame Academy programme, and could lead to a publicity generating F1 version to take place in the off-season.

Villeneuve admitted to the BBC yesterday that he feared for his future, not only with BAR, but also in Formula One, after not having received a firm offer of employment for 2004. Although he doubled his points tally for the season at Monza on Sunday, the Canadian is not thought to get on particularly well with the new management - headed by David Richards - at BAR, and faces pressure from Honda to make way for test driver Takuma Sato next season.

The timing is particularly bad for Villeneuve, as there are few top line seats available next season - the real shake-up could take place for 2005 - and those left open will all require financing by the driver - something that the Canadian is unlikely to be able to fulfil.

Although he has admitted that he has a couple of undisclosed options outside F1, the dearth of decent seats in the top flight means that JV could be forced to take on all-comers in what would amount to a no-win situation.

"We are looking to see if this kind of shoot-out would be a viable solution," team boss Richards told the Telegraph, "It was amazing how involved everyone at BAR and Honda became watching [Button's girlfriend] Louise [Griffiths] in Fame Academy, and the idea seemed intriguing."

Richards admitted that he would not consider just anyone for the contest, as he had the team's integrity and competitiveness to consider, but seemed to think that the idea could work.

"Of course, at the end of the day, it is my responsibility to see that the team have the fastest and best driver we can find, and not just a gimmick," he said, "There are a whole range of options open to us, but this one is an exciting idea if we can make it work."

Talks at last weekend's Italian Grand Prix have apparently paved the way for the shootout idea to be out into motion, although firmer details have yet to be ironed out.