1986, when Jacques was 15 years old, he got the ok from his mother Joanne, to register at Jim Russel´s racing school. Also he got a lot of help and support by his uncle Jacques Sr. He is the brother of the unforgettable Gilles Villeneuve who tragically died in an accident during the training session in Zolder.

The school of Jim Russel had a good reputation and was one of the best for a long time in which also trained his father Gilles and uncle Jacques. So it was no question that real soon Jacques would drive his first classes like for example formula 1600 cc. During his first laps he proved an tremendous potential for professional driver.

1987, the next station was the racing school formula 2000 in Shannonville, Ontario, Canada. He particpated in three races at the school championships.

1988, at the italian Alfa Touring championships he participated in three races.

1989 - 1991 he participated the formula 3 championships in Italy. Jacques made the podium four times with two second and two third places.

1992, he participated then at the japanes formula 3 championships. There he became second with one second and five third places. In this season he made a very important decision by asking his Ex-teacher at Beau-Soleil, Swiss to be his manager. The influence of Craig was very decisive for Jacques´career.

1992 - 1993 he participated in Formula Atlantic. He first big participation was the Le Grand Prix de Trois-Riviers Quebec in Canada. The main sponsor Player´s Canada Limited invited him to participate in an fantastic organized formula Atlantic race. It was the first time that both Jacques´ uncle and nephew drove in the same race. Jacques Sr. had been loved by his fans for driving always on the limit and made the race exciting even he had not the best equipment. Also JV showed this courage soon and impressed with a great third place. His uncle defenses by a technical failure during he was in lead.

1994 JV debuted in the Indy Car series. Once again together with Forsythe-Green Team. Immidiatly at the first race in Surfers Paradise he could place his Reynard-Ford in 8 th position. During the race the reality of Indy Car showed its face. He had been crashed into the wall by Ex-formula 1 driver Stefan Johannsen. At the next race in Phoenix he qualified second but became a vicitim in a major crash in the race. Some said it was the fault of Jacques because of the less experience but others said he was the wrong time at the wrong place. In Indianapolis he got then the title Rookie of the year when he made second place in the race and qualifying with the fourth best time. In his 14 th. race he got his first victory in Elkhard City.

1995 he became champion of the PPG Indy Car World Series and also set a few records. He is the first
driver who became Indy 500 winner in spite of a 2 round penalty. Also he is the first canadian winning this series and with 24 years also the youngest. In the meantime he also tested the formula 1 Williams Renault F17 in Silverstone. Very soon there came the announcement that he signed a 2 years contract with the famous team.

1996 he debuted impressive in Formula 1. One could notice the thousand of testing kilometers and the hard training. Already in the first race he made an impressive pole and also shocked the competitors in the race. Just an oil pump avoided his first victory. Just very close he lost the first championship on Damon Hill.

1997 Formula 1 champion after an exciting season with ups and downs.

1999. Left williams to join new team British American Racing

2000. Remains with BAR after a disappointing year with the team