SILVERSTONE, England (AFP) - Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve clocked the third best time in testing but Renault have still refused to confirm whether or not the veteran Canadian will drive in the final three races of the Formula One season.
The French team, who dumped Jarno Trulli earlier this week, face a choice between the 1997 world champion and long-standing test driver Franck Montagny over who drives in China, Japan and Brazil.
A decision will not be taken until Friday or the start of next week, although it is widley expected that Villeneuve will get the nod.
"On Wednesday, it was a little difficult in testing'," said Villeneuve who has already been confirmed as a Sauber driver for the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
He lost his drive at BAR-Honda towards the end of last year.
"I had a bad position in the car and I was breaking a little late. Today there were a lot of adjustments. The team was great and in the afternoon I was able to attack.
"I have spent a stress-free year, no political pressures and I feel like a new man."
The 33-year-old Villeneuve clocked 1min 17.434sec on Thursday, the third best time of the official session.
Trulli, who will drive for Toyota next year, clocked 1:17.913 in his new car.