Villeneuve hopes for Hungary heat

Jacques Villeneuve is keeping his fingers crossed for a hot race next weekend in Hungary as he bids to turn around his flagging fortunes.

The Canadian has been put in the shade so far this season by BAR team-mate, Jenson Button, scoring just three points. But the former world champion hopes his superior fitness will give him an edge at the Hungaroring. He said: "The heat will affect the tyre wear - the hotter it is, the harder it is on the drivers, the tyres and the engine. However, I train hard, so the hotter it is, the happier I am."

Despite his woeful recent run of form - he has only finished in the points once this season - Villeneuve is upbeat going into the race weekend.

He said: "I enjoy the Hungary race, the general atmosphere is nice. The people get excited about the race and it's quite a happening city.

"It's always been fun racing there. It's a strange track because it doesn't really have straight lines, it turns all the time, which normally is not a good thing, but somehow the layout is fun and it has a good rhythm. The track is changing a bit this year so I don't know exactly what to expect.

The BAR-Honda team are to give test drives to two racers next month in a bid to find new talent. Formula 3000 outfit Arden International will provide the first two drivers to take part in the scheme.