No-one doubts that Villeneuve is a quick, ballsy driver, with a higher bravery quotient than most. But the fact that he has been matched - and often beaten - by team-mate Olivier Panis this year proves that he is no Schumacher beater.

Villeneuve's biggest asset is his bravery. All F1 drivers thrive on adrenalin and risk, but he more than any others seems to be prepared to push himself and his car that bit closer to the line between danger and disaster.

The little Canadian positively thrives on living on what he calls "the edge", whether it be behind the wheel of his F1 car or on skis, his other great passion.

His friend, fellow F1 driver Mika Salo, even has a harrowing tale of Villeneuve unexpectedly pulling on the handbrake of his road car as the Finn tried to negotiate a narrow mountain road.

Villeneuve is F1's maverick. He enjoys swimming against the tide with his dress sense and hair colour, as well as his attitude in the paddock and his willingness to give a straight answer to a straight question. And he cares not if it makes uncomfortable listening for his team - and, as BAR continue to fail, it increasingly does.

He is a straightforward man, but he is not averse to playing political games within his team to ensure he puts himself in the very best possible situation.

Once he does that, though, he gives his absolute all in the cockpit. He might not have the finesse and ultimate talent of Schumacher, but Villeneuve tries every bit as hard.

Many would argue that his ability is wasted at BAR, a team set up around him, when he could be winning races in a Ferrari or a McLaren.

But, for Villeneuve, proving people wrong is in many ways the whole point of life.