Richards refutes new Villeneuve CART rumour.

David Richards reacted quickly to counter speculation that British American Racing's star driver Jacques Villeneuve may be racing in the US CART series next year, following his appearance at last weekend's Miami street race.

Although the suggestion that the 1995 CART champion may be linking up with the Forsythe team appears to have quietened down following confirmation that Paul Tracy is expected to link up with existing drivers Alex Tagliani and Patrick Carpentier next year, Villeneuve's presence in Miami - along with manager Craig Pollock, has re-ignited rumours that he could still leave BAR for 2003.

Richards, however, is keen to stress that the Canadian will be partnering Jenson Button in Formula One.

"From my position there is no question about it - Jacques' driving with us next year," he told the FIA press conference in Suzuka, "He has a contract with us. even if the fact that he visited a CART race in Miami and saw all his old mates seems to have started the speculation again."

The BAR team boss admitted that there had been a time when Villeneuve could have gone to Forsythe, but the timing of his discussions there and the situation regarding who would drive for BAR ultimately meant that the negotiations came to nothing.

"It was some months ago, and has become public knowledge now, but Jacques had the chance to drive in the Players team," he revealed, "We clearly needed a replacement for Jacques and, when the time drifted on and Olivier [Panis] had the offer from Toyota, without the replacement driver, it wasn't practical for the team [to release Villeneuve].

"I also think Jacques was not particularly enthusiastic. He was willing to work with the [Players] team on [a deal], if that was to the benefit of the team, but he wanted to stay in Formula One. He is a Formula One driver and he is committed to Formula One and he wants to be here - and I am very pleased he will be with the team here next year."