Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has accused former world champion Jacques Villeneuve of being a spent force.
Villeneuve has endured a difficult few weeks on the track
"If he was quick he would be good for the sport but he's lost his motivation. He is no good for himself or anybody else anymore," Ecclestone said.
But Villeneuve's business manager Craig Pollock responded: "I am actually very surprised that Bernie would say that.
"Losing his motivation is definitely
totally incorrect. He has not lost his motivation."
Ecclestone's broadside follows Villeneuve's attack on his own Sauber team - who he claims have failed to listen to him and use his driver expertise.
"When they hired me, it was to use my experience but they don't want to use it," said the 1997 champion, who has won just five points this season.
"In this team, the driver has no influence. The only thing that matters is aerodynamics.
"Nobody ever asks my advice and when I try to put forward ideas, they don't want to use it."
Villeneuve also admitted that he would welcome a rumoured takeover of the team by BMW.
"It would be a very good thing. It would bring in more money and a different attitude," he said.
The Canadian was accused of being "too slow" by team boss Peter Sauber in an interview earlier this week.
But Villeneuve was unhappy at Sauber's controversial remarks.
"If the team had not said 'we are disappointed, Jacques is not quick' I would have said nothing," he said.
"But they say things like that and they don't want to let me work," he said. "What am I supposed to do? It's not fair."
However, Villeneuve is hoping for better fortunes this weekend in his home Grand Prix.
"Montreal is a special race for me. It is my home race so it feels special to come here, but also there are many great aspects to this event," he said.
"The track is located in a very nice area and the crowd is fantastic. The drivers are closer to the fans than at most tracks and it creates such a great atmosphere."
Follow the Canadian Grand Prix live on the BBC Sport website. Qualifying is at 1800 BST on Saturday, with the race at the same time on Sunday.