Jacques Villeneuve has admitted he is "flattered" by his talks with Lotus about the 2010 season, but insists no deal with the new Malaysian team has been done. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Villeneuve 'Flattered' By Lotus Link: Jacques Villeneuve has admitted he is "flattered" by his talks with Lotus about the 2010 season, but insists no deal with the new Malaysian team has been done. The 1997 world champion, as well as BMW-Sauber tester Christian Klien, met with Lotus' Mike Gascoyne in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. Lotus is close to agreeing a deal with Jarno Trulli for next season, and Gascoyne has been quoted as saying he wants to appoint another experienced driver to occupy the second seat. "It's very flattering to know that he said publicly that we have spoken," Villeneuve, who has been out of F1 since losing his BMW drive in mid-2006, told France's Rue Frontenac. "The discussions are still only preliminary," the 38-year-old French Canadian added, "and we're not yet at the stage to talk about the details of a possible association." Gascoyne has said Lotus wants to name its 2010 lineup by the end of November.

Ferrari Near 'Guarantee' Of Success – Alonso: Racing with Ferrari is close to a "guarantee" of success in formula one, according to the famous Italian team's new driver Fernando Alonso. After winning back to back titles in 2005 and 2006, and squabbling with McLaren in 2007, the Spaniard has struggled for pace during the past two seasons with Renault. "I can be optimistic now," the 28-year-old told Cadena SER radio. "With Ferrari you can be calm because you know they will give the maximum. "Ferrari is a brand made to compete; sometimes they win the title, sometimes not, but there are no disastrous periods. I think Ferrari is the safest option for any driver," Alonso added.