Bar Boys Told To Sort It Out.

Bosses at British American Tobacco have refused to become embroiled in the dispute between Craig Pollock and Adrian Reynard, and told the pair to settle their differences quickly and quietly.


Pollock's position at the head of troubled British American Racing is believed to be under threat from Reynard, who has proposed to the sponsors that he be allowed to take control of the team for 2000. BAT, however, has refused to take sides in the argument, claiming that both men have important roles to play next season.


Whilst Reynard is understood to have been instrumental in attracting the might of Honda to the team for its second F1 campaign - to the extent that the relationship may be weakened by his departure - Pollock, too, could be a costly loss for the Brackley outfit. The Scot was instrumental in setting up the team last year, and played a key role in attracting former management client Jacques Villeneuve to drive in an ultimately fruitless first season. Villeneuve has already intimated that he would follow Pollock out of the team if the boss leaves.


Although rumours continue to suggest that Villeneuve is being lined up to replace Alex Zanardi at Williams next year, BAT is certain that all parties will still be on board in 2000. The dispute, it suggests, will only be resolved by a meeting between Reynard and Pollock.


"This is essentially a management issue," said BAT sponsorship man Tom Moser, "and one that needs to be resolved between BAR management at that. We don't want to get involved and, if Adrian is unhappy, I guess he'll have to go see his boss!"