Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Joseph Charles Villeneuve (born 9 April 1971) is a Canadian former racing driver and current commentator who competed in Formula One, the CART and IndyCar Series, and the NASCAR Cup Series. He is the son of Gilles Villeneuve, who was killed in a crash during qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix, and the younger brother of Jacques Villeneuve Sr.
Villeneuve won the 1995 CART championship and the 1997 Formula One World Championship, becoming the first Canadian to win the Formula One Drivers' Championship. He also won the Indianapolis 500 in 1995, becoming the first Canadian to win the race since 1968.
Early life and career
Villeneuve was born in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. He began racing karts at the age of four and won the Canadian Junior Karting Championship in 1980. He moved to Europe in 1983 to compete in Formula Ford and Formula 3, and won the French Formula 3 Championship in 1990.
CART
Villeneuve moved to CART in 1991 and joined the Green Team. He won his first race in 1992 at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and finished third in the championship. He won the championship in 1995, becoming the first Canadian to win the title.
Formula One
Villeneuve made his Formula One debut in 1996 with the Williams team. He won four races and finished second in the championship, behind Damon Hill. In 1997, he won the championship, becoming the first Canadian to win the Formula One Drivers' Championship. He also won the Indianapolis 500 in 1995, becoming the first Canadian to win the race since 1968.
NASCAR
Villeneuve moved to NASCAR in 2007 and joined the Bill Davis Racing team. He ran 16 races in the NASCAR Cup Series, with a best finish of 15th at the Coca-Cola 600.
Commentary
Villeneuve retired from racing in 2008 and began working as a commentator for the Speed Channel. He currently works as a commentator for the Formula One on NBC telecasts.
Personal life
Villeneuve is married to Johanna Martinez and has two children. He is a resident of Monaco.
Awards and honors
- 1995 CART champion
- 1997 Formula One World Champion
- 1995 Indianapolis 500 winner
- Member of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame
- Member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
