Former Formula 1 World Champion, CART IndyCar Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, Jacques Villeneuve, has joined the lineup for Autosport International 2017.

Images: influenceassociates.com

The son of Formula 1 race winner, Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques is one of only three drivers in history to win the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, the CART Championship and the Indianapolis 500. He remains the only Canadian to win either the Indianapolis 500 or the Formula 1 World Championship, let alone both.

Celebrating 20 years since the Canadian beat Michael Schumacher to the 1997 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in the final race of the season, Villeneuve will join host Henry Hope-Frost on the Autosport Stage on Sunday 15^th January. In addition, Villeneuve will be doing interviews over at the F1 Racing Feature in Hall 6 during the course of the day, while Paddock Pass and VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to see the 1997 F1 World Champion at a series of autograph signing sessions on the day.

Villeneuve will share his memories of his history-making career in motorsport which spans over 30 years and also includes outings in Le Mans, NASCAR, V8 Supercars, Formula E and FIA World Rallycross. Villeneuve will also formally open the show at a ribbon cutting ceremony on the day.

Jacques Villeneuve said: “Autosport International is at the heart of what both drivers and fans love about racing. It is an opportunity to indulge in all things motorsport. I’m very excited to share my stories and my experiences of my life behind the wheel, 20 years on from winning the Formula 1 World Championship. I’m also looking forward to meet the fans who have supported my racing career for over 30 years.”

Anthony Rowlinson, motorsport Editorial Director at Autosport Media UK, said: “Jacques Villeneuve’s racing legacy speaks for itself. He blasted into F1 with Williams and his fight with Michael Schumacher for the 1997 F1 title is one that fans remember fondly. We’re thrilled to be offering fans the opportunity to hear about his fascinating career, as well as his plans for his future and his ideas for the future of the sport itself.”

Williams Martini Racing – which was originally established by Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head in 1977 – is celebrating its 40^th anniversary at Autosport International. It will mark this momentous occasion with a new interactive feature. Fans will be able to immerse themselves in 40 years of Williams heritage – from the team of 1977 right up to Williams Martini Racing of 2017 – as part of a centerpiece that will also see a complete overhaul of the Autosport Stage.

• Jacques Villeneuve confirms attendance at Europe’s premier pre-season motorsport show
• 1995 CART IndyCar Champion and 1997 Formula 1 Champion will appear on the Autosport Stage on Sunday 15^th January 2017
• Marking 20 years since his Formula 1 championship victory, Villeneuve will also formally open Autosport International at a ceremony on the day
• Get the chance to see Villeneuve being interviewed on the Autosport Stage and F1 Racing Feature
• Paddock Pass and VIP ticket holders will have further opportunity to see the 1997 F1 World Champion at autograph signing sessions throughout the day
• For tickets and further information about Autosport International, which runs from 12^th to 15^th January*, please visit www.autosportinternational.com

More guests and features at Autosport International will be announced in the coming days. The 2017 show takes place from 12-15 January at the Birmingham NEC. Tickets for the event, which covers every aspect of motorsport from karting to Formula 1 and also engineering, are on sale now and can be purchased from http://www.autosportinternational.com

The Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will be held alongside Autosport International. Visit www.performancecarshow.com for tickets and forthcoming show announcements.