PARIS (AFP) - Sauber Petronas Formula One team have signed 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve for two years from 2005.
The 33-year-old Canadian is this week testing with Renault to see if he can drive the last three Grands Prix of the 2004 season for them.
Villeneuve will team up with Brazilian Felipe Massa at Sauber.
The Canadian replaces Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella, who will move to Renault next year.
"He was always a great fighter and I am convinced that together we can achieve a lot," Peter Sauber, chief of the Swiss-based Formula One team, said Wednesday.
"I fully realise that signing a former world champion is also an obligation for the team to provide him with a car that meets his expectations. Sauber Petronas has made considerable progress this year, and I am confident that we are ready to tackle this challenge."
Villeneuve won 11 Grands Prix from 1996 to last year when he walked out on BAR before the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix.
"I am extremely excited to be back in Formula One with Sauber Petronas and I appreciate the confidence everybody is showing in me," he added.
Sauber will continue to use Ferrari engines next year but will revert to their own gearbox.
Sauber have used Ferrari engines for eight seasons after switching from Ford at the end of 1996.
The new car will be the first Sauber has developed completely in their new wind tunnel.
"I am looking forward to seeing the results that will be developed by the start-of-the-art wind tunnel," said Villeneuve.
Sauber lie sixth in this year's championship.