Pollock to return as Villeneuve manager?

Speculation at British American Racing's pre-season launch naturally centred on the future plans of departed founder Craig Pollock - and the effect his exit would have on the team.

Pollock quit his dual role as CEO and team principal less than 24 hours before the Brackley-based team unveiled the new Honda-powered 004, claiming that he was to pursue other interests outside of Formula One. He was replaced by Prodrive boss David Richards at this morning's ceremony.

Pollock's departure, however, raised doubts over the future participation of Jacques Villeneuve in BAR's plans. The Canadian was persuaded to join the team in its first year, after Pollock established the operation with Adrian Reynard, but has been rumoured to be leaving almost every season since. With his former manager now announcing that he was to quit his involvement, many expected Villeneuve to follow suit.

New boss Richards moved quickly to quell the speculation, however, claiming that he had spoken to Villeneuve and asked him to be patient with the team.

"Jacques is a key element of BAR - he has been here since the beginning," Richards told journalists at the launch, "It is natural that he should react to Craig's departure, especially as they are such close friends, but I talked to Jacques this morning, and explained what we are trying to do. If we can deliver, I hope he will stay with us in the future."

More surprisingly, however, Richards also intimated that Pollock would return to his former role as Villeneuve's manager, having been forced to go his own way when acting as the Canadian's team boss. Since that time, Villeneuve has been negotiating his own deals, perhaps to the detriment of his on-track ability, and he will welcome the return of a guiding hand.

The Canadian's personal website (www.jv-world.com) hinted at a reconciliation between Villeneuve and Pollock, with the driver claiming at the launch that Pollock's departure had taken him by surprise.

"There wasn't much time for a reaction actually, it was all done very quickly," he said, "It's probably better this way, not too much time to think and get happy or angry. It's been tough for three years, it's been very tough and there have been changes before. Every change is unsettling for the team and this one is the most difficult for me - only time will tell if it's for better or worse."