The 37-year-old French-Canadian, who lost his BMW Sauber seat in 2006 and headed to North America to begin an abortive NASCAR career, has been signed up to contest the last two rounds of the Dubai based Speedcar stock car series.

The penultimate round takes place as a formula one support event at Sakhir next weekend, before the series - featuring identical 620 hp cars - wraps up in Dubai a week later.

"Speedcar will give me more road racing experience with this kind of car which will be useful in future NASCAR road courses events, and it's also a great excuse to meet race fans," Villeneuve is quoted as saying in a statement.

He joins fellow ex-F1 stars in the series, including Jean Alesi, Johnny Herbert, Stefan Johansson, JJ Lehto and Gianni Morbidelli.

Discuss this topic on NewsOnF1 Forums

Latest Formula 1 News Headlines
18 Apr: Ericsson hits back at 'unprofessional' Grosjean Comments
18 Apr: Marchionne not ruling out Sauber buyout by Alfa Romeo Comments
18 Apr: 'No reason' Magnussen won't stay at Renault Comments
18 Apr: Renault could stop 2016 car development soon Comments
18 Apr: Ferrari not backing Vettel's Kvyat rebuke Comments
18 Apr: Alonso still 'has the passion' for F1 - Perez Comments
18 Apr: Hamilton 'not focused' on title - Tambay Comments
17 Apr: Kvyat bites back at furious Vettel Comments
17 Apr: Red Bull 'windshield' set for Sochi test Comments
17 Apr: Red Bull 'the best car' in 2016 - Marko Comments
17 Apr: F1 'respect' better than more titles - Alonso Comments
17 Apr: Nasr to get new chassis in Russia - report Comments
17 Apr: Teams showing 'interest' for 2017 - Vandoorne Comments
17 Apr: 'Nothing against' new Rosberg contract - Wolff Comments
17 Apr: Button, Alonso critical of F1 officials Comments
17 Apr: Rosberg 'walking away' with title - Hamilton Comments
16 Apr: Pirelli now close to FIA contract - Hembery Comments
16 Apr: Todt should let F1 war go to court - Mosley Comments
16 Apr: McLaren wants to keep Alonso beyond 2017 Comments
16 Apr: Rosberg heading for new Mercedes deal - report Comments

The latest Formula 1 News