• 2011 season

Durango eyeing Villeneuve collaboration

ESPNF1 Staff
July 17, 2010 « Dean Stoneman dominates race 1 at Brands Hatch | »
Jacques Villeneuve's bid for an F1 return is gathering momentum © Sutton Images
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Italian racing team Durango confirmed on Saturday that it is collaborating with Jacques Villeneuve for his bid to return to Formula One in 2011.

The former GP2 outfit, founded in 1980, announced in April that it had lodged an application to fill the thirteenth spot on next year's F1 grid. And after it emerged that Villeneuve has formed 'Villeneuve Racing', Durango confirmed it would be interested in a collaboration to enhance the chances of both parties involved.

"I really hope together we will find a place," Durango owner Ivone Pinton told 422race.com on Saturday. "For Durango, to work with him [Villeneuve] is an honour and a privilege," added Pinton, who said he has known Villeneuve since he was 16.

Although there have been conflicting reports that the Villeneuve Racing/Durango team might be based in Italy or England if granted entry by the FIA, Pinton said he was unsure where the car would be built.

"We still don't know where the car would be built but the home of the team will be ours, in Italy."

Although Villeneuve earlier refused to be drawn on whether he would be a team owner or driver, Pinton said there were several options available for him to contribute to.

"I think he's preparing himself the job to do after he quits driving."

Durango ran Villeneuve in the Speedcar series in 2009, and was also involved with Giancarlo Fisichella's GP2 team.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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