Jacques Villeneuve has hinted that he may leave the struggling British American Racing outfit if its results do not improve.



The Canadian joined BAR before its first car had turned a wheel, and has admitted to being impressed by both its plans and early progress. Now, however, he is growing frustrated by a series of retirements and niggling problems.



"I joined the team last year and saw the way it was built," Villeneuve said, "I liked what I saw, and thought it would go far, but things haven't gone to plan. I may have no choice but to leave next year or the year after if things don't transform."



Although the 1997 world champion has managed to qualify in the top ten of several occasions, he has regularly been sidelined by mechanical failures - including twice being stranded on the grid. The catalogue of problems includes recurring gearbox and differential maladies, while the Supertec engine has also let the team down on more than one occasion.



BAR will team up with Honda in 2000, as the Japanese giant returns to F1 as a works supplier. This, admits Villeneuve, is one of the reasons why he will stay with the team next season, but says that the combination's performance will decide his future course.



"I want to win BAR's first race next year, and I still think we have the ability [to win races]," he said, "If the engine is good, we will be quick on all circuits. The chassis needs some work, but the engine has let us down [this year]. I think [next season] will be make or break for us."