Pollock forms F1 engine company

Craig Pollock, former boss of the BAR F1 team, has announced plans to make a return to the sport as the head of a new engine manufacturer.

Pollock, who is also a former manager of Jacques Villeneuve, has formed Propulsion Universelle et R?cup?ration d'Energie - or PURE - to work on development of an engine designed to the new regulations that will come into force for the 2013 season.

Pollock has yet to speak to any of the competing teams but is planning to meet with potential customers at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona to gauge the level of interest in the project.

PURE has gone into partnership with TEOS, Mecachrome, D2T and IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) to help with the design and production of its engines.

"The vision for PURE is to be a leader in the development of the next generation powertrain technology which must respond to the demands for a cleaner environment," he said. "The 2013 Formula One powertrain regulation changes offer PURE an immediate platform to field test and validate future technologies for implementation in other industries. We have assembled an expert team, the finest technology partners and have received positive encouragement from the FIA."

FIA president Jean Todt welcomes the moved, which will see PURE join Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Cosworth as engine options for competing teams.

"We welcome PURE to Formula One," he 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."