Wednesday March 20th, 2002

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve says he is not ready to accept a reduction of his salary to move to a different Formula One team.

The British American Racing star, who won the World Championship in 1997 with the Williams team, is believed to be the second best paid driver behind four-time champion Michael Schumacher, with an estimated salary of $20 million each year.

30-year old Villeneuve has struggled with the Brackley-based squad since he joined them at the start of the 1999 season, but says that he would not take a pay cut to move to a different team.

"After a certain level the money you gain is not because you need it, but because it shows what you're worth compared to other drivers," Villeneuve told Motorsport News. "I've won the World Championship. If a team decides I'm not worth it, then I won't go.

"And I don't want to step backwards and finish my career in a third-rate team, just for the sake of working. I wouldn't do that."

Villeneuve made his Formula One debut with Williams in 1996, staying with them until the end of the 1998 season before joining BAR, and he has recently threatened to leave the team if they fail to improve soon.

Published at 18:57:39 GMT