The 1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve will compete full-time in the 2019 Euro NASCAR championship, it has been announced.
Villeneuve will drive for Go Fas Racing in 2019 after completing a two-day test at Autodromo di Franciacorta in Italy on December 13-14 as he becomes the first-ever F1 champion to race full-time in the European touring car series.
“I had a lot of fun discovering the car because it is really similar to what I was used to in NASCAR in the US,” said Villeneuve. “You can really drive it hard and you can work a lot on the car and that is also very nice.
“I also like the track, it’s interesting and there’s a lot to do for the driver. Returning full-time is what matters the most to me, because I want to be part of a complete project and have a goal for the entire season. I’m really looking forward to the first race of 2019.”
Go Fas Racing owner Alain Lord Mounir said: “We are really excited that a former Indy 500 and Formula 1 Champion will join Go Fas Racing and we really feel that with Jacques’ talent and the team we put together, we have a shot at the NWES championship this season.”
Euro Nascar’s President-CEO Jerome Galpin added: “Having Jacques aboard is a huge piece of news for everybody involved in Euro NASCAR: our fans, partners, teams and drivers. The series continue to grow and to gather everybody having passion for Pure Racing, whether they are World Champions drivers or fans attending our events.
“The 2019 NWES season promises to be one of the most exciting of any European series.” American outfit Go Fas Racing made its European debut in the Elite 2 class in 2018 fielding a Ford Mustang and already won a race at Brands Hatch.
It remains to be seen if they move up to Elite 1 or continue in the same category. For Villeneuve, it is another series in his long career and a return to NASCAR albeit in Europe this time after his last run in 2013 in America.
