Speaking at the launch of his team's first ever Grand Prix car, BMW Motorsport director, Mario Theissen said that both Jacques Villeneuve and Nick Heidfeld will be given equal treatment by the team this season and that there is no definitive number one.

"Both will get equal treatment, equal chances," said the German. "We have two number one drivers."

After a difficult start to his 2005 campaign, there were fears that former World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve, might be dropped by Sauber after just a couple of races, a situation not helped by claims in the British media that (BAR test driver) Anthony Davidson was being lined up to replace him.

However, as the season progressed, and the Canadian asserted himself within the Swiss team, particularly on the issue of set-up, the results improved.

Nonetheless, the 1997 Champion's claim that he would retain his seat for 2006 - despite the team being bought by BMW - were greeted with scepticism by both the media and many F1 insiders.

However, on December 1, when BMW took control of the Hinwil-based outfit, the Canadian was confirmed as Heidfeld's teammate.

Having only just begun its 2006 campaign, it probably shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that some sections of the media already want to know if Villeneuve will be retained for 2007.

"We will see," said Theissen. "So far we look at 2006 and we need the best results we can get. For that reason both drivers get equal chances and we expect results from both and then we will talk about the future."