Villeneuve tips Vettel for a strong season

As the 2017 season edges closer, 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has named Sebastian Vettel as a possible standout performer.

It is widely expected that Mercedes and Red Bull will set the pace early on in the season, however the 45 year old believes that Vettel in the new Ferrari is the man to watch.

In an interview with Sport Bild, Villeneuve referred to the German's time spent testing the new Pirelli's as a key factor.

"Sebastian's driving style fits perfectly with the new cars. 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.

He also referred to the heightened physical challenge that the new technical regulations bring: "Finally, the days are over when you could go straight from a tricycle to a Formula 1 car," said the French-Canadian. "Now these cars need men, not kids."

Alex Griffin