Jacques Villeneuve's former manager Craig Pollock is returning to F1 as head of a new engine company.
Former BAR boss aiming to break back into F1 engine supplying
Jacques Villeneuve's former manager and BAR team principal Craig Pollock is returning to Formula One as head of a new engine company hoping to take on the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes.
Pollock will be back in F1 as head of PURE (Propulsion Universelle et Recuperation d'Energie) aiming to take advantage of rule changes coming in 2013 on the types of engines used in the sport.
The current 2.4-litre V8s will switch to greener, more efficient 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo units in 2013, and Pollock thinks his new company can tap into FIA president Jean Todt's plans for an environmentally-friendly F1.
Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Cosworth are the only four engine suppliers being used by the 12 teams in Formula One at present, but Ferrari in particular have not been pleased with the engine changes.
Despite having no orders and taking on such motoring giants, Pollock says he can make an impact in his F1 return.
Suppliers
"There are only four suppliers to date for 12 teams, and there is no guarantee there is going to be four suppliers in 2013," Pollock said.
"We purposely have not contacted any of the teams. We first had to get the company up and running after the engine rules changed in December last year.
"We've since put the company together and we now have all the (technology) partners in place prior to doing anything else. Our design and development is already way down the road and we are now ready to approach the teams.
"We're going to come in with a very cost-effective, high quality engine, and we believe there are many teams out there who will be looking for a change of supplier going forward.
"With every team, apart from the manufacturer teams, there is potential."
Funding
Pollock admits the initial start-up funds are coming out of his own pocket, but insists he has financial backers waiting, while French engineering company Mecachrome are among the key technological players.
Pollock has Christian Contzen, the architect of Renault's success as an engine supplier in the 1990s, advising him and insists he is not taking too much of a gamble.
"We certainly don't see it that way. We have the very clear backing of the FIA and also Bernie (Ecclestone) is very supportive," Pollock added.
Todt has certainly given PURE his blessing and said: "The rule changes for 2013 have been developed to provide lower cost, greener and more fuel efficient technologies for Formula One.
"We wish PURE every success in developing powertrains compliant with the new FIA regulations."
