Wednesday 16 April at 13:03 : Jacques Villeneuve could be the latest formula one refugee to switch to the premier German touring car series, DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft).

The 1997 world champion would follow in the footsteps of Ralf Schumacher, and before him Mika Hakkinen, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jean Alesi, as high profile former F1 drivers on the DTM grid.

According to reports in Germany, French-Canadian Villeneuve's DTM foray could begin as Schumacher's did -- with a Mercedes-Benz test.

The 37-year-old may have conducted early talks with Mercedes competition director Norbert Haug on his recent visit to the F1 paddock in Bahrain, where he raced in the Speedcar series.

Villeneuve said at the time that he was still hoping to revive his NASCAR career, which stalled recently due to sponsor shortages. He also plans to contest Le Mans later this year with Peugeot, as he did in 2007.

DTM series boss Hans-Werner told Bild newspaper: "He would certainly be a great addition to our series.

"If a well-known driver like Villeneuve is available, we should strive to get him," he added.

Haug said: "I could imagine him having a test drive."