Grapevine: Pollock Linked with Arrows Buyout

Former British American Racing boss Craig Pollock appears to be back in the business of running a Formula One team, and, according to Racefax, the Scot could be announced as the new boss of the debt-ridden Arrows team within the next few days.

Pollock has reportedly put together backing from distiller Seagram's, with current Arrows' sponsor Red Bull essentially funding the purchase of the Leafield-based team. Scot Pollock, who was reportedly been at Arrows' headquarters today to survey his new domain - will thus be responsible for one of the few teams that have been sponsored by a liquor brand in the history of F1.

Given the relatively brief remaining shelf-life of tobacco sponsorship, this could prove significant for other teams, though some auto manufacturer-engine suppliers may resist being associated with liquor brands, for obvious reasons.

Rumours suggests that Pollock has already agreed a deal with his former team, BAR, to acquire the services of long-time friend Jacques Villeneuve, or that such a deal is in the works. That would suggest that Jenson Button's teammate next year will be Olivier Panis, rather than Villeneuve as expected.

Arrows boss Tom Walkinshaw is understood to be attempting to remain involved, but that Pollock is trying to prevent that. Reportedly, Pollock will move the team to the old Jaguar factory at Milton Keynes.

The deal would come just in time for Arrows, who failed to compete at the French Grand Prix last weekend. Presumably, Arrows' majority owner Morgan Grenfell, who had issued an injuction to prevent outside backing for the team, has been satisfied financially, allowing a legitimate participation in Germany this weekend.