just read this at http://www.f-1.com/uk/en/news_view.asp?cid=1&nid=78520
After eight years in Formula One during which he took part in 131 Grands Prix, 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has quit the sport in sensational circumstances.
Earlier this week it was announced that Villeneuve's services would not be required any longer at the team he helped to create, BAR. With Japanese driver Takuma Sato taking Villeneuve's place alongside Jenson Button for next season, the French-Canadian's options certainly looked limited for the future.
Despite rumours that surfaced earlier this year that Takuma Sato would be driving in Suzuka, it was widely believed that this was speculation and Jacques would be driving, as per his contract, to the end of the season. This emerged not to be the case, however, with the news today that it would be Sato in the BAR this weekend.
BAR boss David Richards told news agency Reuters what transpired. "I was travelling down here on the bullet train this morning and I received a call from Craig Pollock [JV's manager] informing me that Jacques wanted to be released from his contractual obligations.
"I've agreed to this. If somebody doesn't want to drive, they don't want to drive and so Takuma will be driving on Sunday."
Villeneuve's manager, Craig Pollock, gave an explanation for his decision. "Jacques is extremely disappointed not to be staying with the team next year, and he simply felt that his heart would not be in it for the coming weekend. As a result he asked that he be allowed to stand down. We are grateful to David Richards, and the team, for releasing him early from his contract."