Former Formula One Champion Jacques Villeneuve will join Netherlands-based Team Hezeberg in vying for a spot in the Daytona 500 launch grid, NASCAR said Wednesday.
The 50-year-old Canadian driver, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1995 and the F1 driver’s title in 1997, took part in pre-season testing at the popular Daytona Beach circuit on Tuesday and Wednesday, confirming that he will attempt to qualify for the race on February 20.
Villeneuve has competed since 2019 in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, alongside the series champion and Amsterdam native Loris Hezemans, who will be the main controller of Team Hezeberg.
“That was amazing,” Villeneuve said on NASCAR.com. “The last time I was on NASCAR in North America was a few years ago, I think it was Sonoma [Raceway] The last time should have been many years ago.
“It’s going to be extremely special because it’s also an outstanding race.
“It’s a very special race to be in and it’s hard to get into when you have to qualify on time or in duels.
“So it made it a little more intense, and made the show already something special.”
The team, assembled by former motorsport driver Toine Hezemans, Dutch businessman Ernst Berg, and Reaume Brothers Racing, intends to run partially on schedule, competing mainly in road races.
“It’s a small team and there’s still a long way to go,” Villeneuve said. “We’re focusing on Daytona right now and hopefully we’ll do a lot more races.”
