Villeneuve gets two-seater gig for Monza

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Jacques Villeneuve will be giving passengers a thrilling ride around Monza this weekend in Formula 1 Experience's two-seater car.

The 1997 world champion accepted the offer to drive the demo double-seater when asked by Paul Stoddart who runs the programme along with engineer Mike Gascoyne.

"I agreed because it's Monza -- the temple of speed. It's a circuit I've always loved and it's so rich in history," Villeneuve told Le Journal de Montreal newspaper at Monza.

He said he has not forgotten how to drive an F1 car at speed.

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"No, you don't lose it," said the former Williams and Honda driver.

"You get to the first corner and know exactly what to do. I admit to having some nausea because my ears are no longer used to the acceleration.

"The engine is 880 horse power so it's amazing, and the steering and the braking are very precise too -- it's great," Villeneuve added.

The Canadian, who attends all F1 races as a commentator for Sky Italia and France's Canal+, also revealed that he has repeatedly declined to conduct post-race podium interviews, because he is not officially 'retired' from racing.

"When you get this kind of request, you are a driver who no longer races -- a 'has-been'," said Villeneuve. But I'm not there yet. Not yet.

"I'll leave it to the others."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.