Villeneuve backs Massa - 18th August 18:44pm GMT

Jacques Villeneuve believes current Sauber team-mate Felipe Massa will prove his critics wrong at Ferrari next season.

Massa's move to the Italian giants for next year was widely expected because of the Brazilian's previous links with Ferrari, and his managerial deal with Nicolas Todt, son of Ferrari chief Jean.

Villeneuve has tipped the 24-year-old to cause a surprise as Michael Schumacher's team-mate, insisting he is a "fighter" who will not easily accept number-two status. "He doesn't seem to have the personality for a number two, so I don't think that's the reason they signed him," he said.

Both Schumacher's previous team-mates, Rubens Barrichello and Eddie Irvine, were obliged to back up the German's title challenges - a role Massa is also expected to fulfil. But Villeneuve believes Massa, who he once claimed could barely drive in a straight line, has the speed to keep Schumacher on his toes.

"He is a fighter. I would be surprised if he just goes there, sits down and accepts everything," he said.

"He's not one who will just accept being behind. He still has a lot of good years in front of him.

"He's still in a learning period; he is still progressing, and Ferrari can only be good for him. He has been a great team-mate; he is fast; he works hard, and we get along.

"He is very good; he has matured a lot compared to a couple of years ago when he was very young. He is still young but now he has maturity so that is good."