Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve won’t be appearing in the FIA World Rallycross Championships at Lydden in May.

The 42-year-old Canadian has rejected a trip to Kent in favour of another tilt at the Indy 500 which takes place the same weekend.

However, it is understood negotiations are continuing in an attempt to land another equally big name to replace the 1997 champion in the Alatec Racing team, ahead of an announcement shortly.

Meanwhile, American TV presenter Tanner Foust is the latest to join the Lydden driver roster at the Spring Bank Holiday meeting.

The 40-year-old star of the American version of Top Gear and movie stuntman has become a regular competitor on the European circuit, winning twice at Lydden in 2012 and 2013.

Foust plans a limited four-round programme starting in Kent, before moving on to Finland, Canada and Turkey.

He said: “It’s been amazing to be a part of rallycross as it has grown over the past few years and I can’t wait to get back out there and race in 2014. May 24 can’t come soon enough!”