Friday March 31st, 2000

Mercedes-Benz motorsport chief Norbert Haug denied on Friday that Jacques Villeneuve had been offered a drive with McLaren next season.

"We are totally satisfied with our two drivers, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard," said Haug. "Jacques Villeneuve is one of the outstanding drivers...but there have been no talks or negotiations from our side."

Craig Pollock, British American Racing team's managing director, told German sports television channel DSF on Thursday he believed Mercedes were chasing Canada's former world champion, currently with BAR.

"I think that Mercedes are interested in Jacques," said Pollock, adding Arrows and Benetton owners Renault would also like to sign him.