'Vettel will shine this year', predicts Villeneuve

Jacques Villeneuve believes Formula 1's 2017 cars are tailor-made for Sebastian Vettel, and predicts the German will shine this year.

F1's new generation of cars, with wider tyres and increased downforce, will undoubtedly require a good amount of muscle but also finesse to make the most of their potential.

And Villeneuve believes Vettel profile perfectly matches the new cars requirements.

"Sebastian's driving style fits perfectly with the new cars," he told Sport Bild.

"Not just that, he is the one who has done the most kilometers with the new tyres -- by far. This is a clear advantage, especially at the beginning of the season," said the former Williams driver.

The man who won the world championship in 1997 is also looking forward to the prospect of faster cars, which he believes will finally separate the boys from the teenagers.

"Finally, the days are over when you could go straight from a tricycle to a formula one car," said the French Canadian.

"Now these cars need men, not kids."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter