They wanted to fire him - They said he was useless

source: f1.racing-live.com / GMM / CAPSIS International

Ralf Schumacher has thrown cold water on speculation that 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve is likely to end his Formula One 'sabbatical' next season.

The BMW-Williams ace, Ralf, recalls when bosses 'hated' the French- Canadian.

"Certainly Jacques was good," said the German. "But I would just be surprised if he came back to Williams."

Schumacher, 28, said when Jacques won his title for Grove in 1997, Sir Frank Williams and tech-boss Patrick Head often 'blamed' Villeneuve 'for everything.

"They wanted to fire him. They said he was useless."

"But if he comes back, fine. If I'm still here, he'll have a nice team-mate."

Rumour has it that Jacques Villeneuve will test a FW26 at Silverstone in June.