Villeneuve 'back in 2005', claims Pollock.

Jacques Villeneuve's manager has confirmed rumours that the out-spoken Canadian could be back in the Formula One fray next season, admitting that the 1997 world champion was already talking to teams about seats.

Pollock has confirmed that his charge is talking, among others, with former employer Williams - as speculated earlier this week in Autosport magazine - but nothing has been agreed between the two parties, with Villeneuve keeping his options open for as long as possible. However, Pollock is convinced that he will be a part of the F1 scene next season.

"I would put a lot of money on Jacques being back in 2005," Pollock told Britain's Sun newspaper, "I have already had discussions with the right teams, but he is only prepared to race for someone who will give him a chance of fighting Michael Schumacher for the title."

Williams has one confirmed opening for next season - following Juan Montoya's decision to sign for McLaren - and may have a second should Ralf Schumacher decide that his future lies elsewhere. But Villeneuve will need to decide where the greatest chance of victory lies if he is to achieve his ambition of a second world crown.

Ironically, the team offering the biggest challenge to Schumacher and Ferrari at present is BAR - the operation Pollock and Villeneuve both left within the space of two years following David Richards' appointment as principal and Takuma Sato's elevation to race regular.

There may also be a further twist to the tale in as far as Schumacher may decide to call time on his glittering career at the end of the current campaign, with his exit from Ferrari likely to spark one of the biggest reshuffles in recent seasons, possibly opening doors for Villeneuve at McLaren and Renault. Toyota, albeit not presently a title threat, has also been touted as a possible destination for the Canadian.

Williams, however, remains the firm favourite with punters speculating on Villeneuve's ultimate destination.

"Jacques certainly doesn't feel he is finished with Formula One - he is hungry to race again and fitter than ever thanks to a new training programme," Pollock continued, "Money will not be an issue when negotiating a return, but he will not [want to] chug around at the back of the field. He wants a car that can win races and fight for the championship. Williams is certainly an interesting prospect."

Williams has been linked to a number of drivers since news of Montoya's pending departure - and Schumacher Jr's lack of form - became news, with Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Giancarlo Fisichella and IRL champion Scott Dixon heading the list, from test drivers Antonio Pizzonia and Marc Gene. The same report that quoted Pollock reckons that, with any title shot likely to be compromised by an inexperienced newcomer, and the likes of Webber and Button being tied to current deals, Villeneuve stands as good a shot as anyone.