Villeneuve won his world title with Williams in 1997

The former world champion has been out of F1 since he was axed by BAR in 2003.

But after testing at Silverstone he has been drafted in by Renault to replace Jarno Trulli, who has left for Toyota.

However, the arrangement is short-term as the Canadian joins Sauber for 2005 and Giancarlo Fisichella arrives at Renault to partner Fernando Alonso.

Villeneuve will make his much-anticipated return at the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, next week, before wrapping up the campaign in Japan and Brazil.

The 33-year-old completed 700km during his two days of running at Silverstone, acclimatising himself to the Renault R24 after an absence of nearly 12 months from a F1 car.

And Renault team managing director Flavio Briatore liked what he saw.

"Jacques Villeneuve is highly motivated and has impressed us with his performance this week," Briatore said.

The team and I share a common goal - to beat BAR to second place in the championship Jacques Villeneuve

"Our objective is now to claim second place in the constructors' championship and we are focused intently on doing so."

Villeneuve, who claimed his world crown in 1997, said: "The team and I share a common goal - to beat BAR to second place in the championship.

"I am here to enjoy myself as well, but the priority is to contribute to Renault's fight in the championship.

"It will be tough, but sometimes you have to take the plunge. Once you have done so, there is no other option but to make it work."

Renault travel to China three points behind second-placed BAR.