Revolution in the air at BAR

An eight-man management buy-out team headed by Adrian Reynard, but also including Reynard's commercial partner Rick Gorne, BAR designer Malcolm Oastler, Champ Car team boss Barry Green and former team manager Robert Synge, will attempt to secure a majority share in the Brackley-based squad, effectively ousting team boss Craig Pollock.

The magazine came into possession of a letter from the lawyers representing Reynard and his partners which confirms they will 'render certain financial advisory services to the Management Team in connection with the possible acquisition of British American Racing.'

Reynard and Pollock, - two of the driving forces behind BAR, along with title sponsor British American Tobacco - have been at odds with each other over a number of issues since the team was launched into Grand Prix racing at the start of the 1999 season.

Pollock's position and role within the team has come under further scrutiny in recent weeks, following growing speculation that Barry Green - one of the eight people named on the letter - would be drafted in by BAT to take on the day-to-day running of the team.

When quizzed by F1 Racing over the letter, Reynard refused to deny that its content was inaccurate, saying: "It's too early for me to comment. Nice one."

Pollock is said to have expressed surprise at the contents of the letter, but reiterated his intention to continue at the helm of BAR.

"I had an inkling that something like this was going on," he said, "but not to this extent. I am surprised to see some of those names on the list. This is against the terms of our joint venture."

A management buy-out would need the consent of all three shareholders in the team, but events may be further muddied by stories of Honda, BAR's engine-supplier, looking at buying the operation.