BAR boss says 2002 is make or break

Despite Villeneuve giving BAR its maiden podium finish this year with a third place in Spain, followed by a repeat performance in Germany, the team has under-performed, according to Pollock. Villeneuve, who was world champion in 1997, has not managed to stay on terms with Formula 1's big guns this year.

The Canadian and team mate Olivier Panis have consistently qualified their BAR003s towards the bottom of the top 10 so far this season. And while Villeneuve has renewed his deal with the team, in which he owns a share, Pollock knows that he is unlikely to stay beyond the end of next year if the results don't improve.

"Definitely next year we have to perform," Pollock exclusively told Autosport.com. "Jacques has shown that given the right equipment he is good enough to win the world championship. But we haven't proved to him that we can give him the right equipment, and we need to do that."

BAR is currently equal fifth in the constructors' championship with Honda stable mates Jordan on 16 points. The Japanese manufacturer is supplying both teams with engines in 2002, and both will be looking to get the upper hand for the remainder of this season and also next year. That is because Honda may only supply one team with engines in 2003 and neither team will want to risk losing its deal.

Pollock freely admits that his team's performance has not been up to scratch this year, but he is confident that the three-year-old squad has what it takes to get to the top.

"We have under-performed to our expectations this year and it does not make you happy," said Pollock. "We believe that we can get to the top, but we need to step up if we are going to match the likes of Williams and McLaren. The other teams should not be underestimated."