Villenueve won the title in 1997

The former world champion could find himself looking for a new team if rumours of a replacement at BAR in Japan's Takuma Sato prove true.

But Villeneuve, who has refused to race-off against other drivers for a slot on the team, said he also needed to decide whether he still wanted to race for BAR.

Villeneuve rejects BAR plan

"The team is looking to see if I'm the right driver for them but on the other hand I have to see if it's the right team for me," said Villenueve.

"I've never worked as hard as the last couple of years.

"And also I've never had as little fun in racing as in the last two years."

Right now I find it difficult to imagine racing in anything other than F1 Jacques Villeneuve

Villeneuve joined BAR, co-founded by friend and manager Craig Pollock, in 1999 after winning the championship with Williams in 1997.

But Pollock was ousted as team boss in 2001 and Villeneuve has struggled under new boss David Richards.

"Someone has to take the fall for the lack of results," said Villeneuve. "Craig got the fall two years ago so I guess I'm the next one in line."

Villeneuve said he aimed to stay in Formula One but he insisted he was open-minded about the future.

"I have achieved my childhood dream which was to win the F1 title, the 500 here," he said.

"Even if I was forced to retire, I wouldn't bite my nails. I wouldn't wake up in the morning and feel sorry for myself.

"So that is good, it allows me to do all my thinking with a clear mind. But I am definitely not ready to retire.