Richards Replaces Pollock at BAR

David Richards is the new boss of British American Racing (BAR) after the shock resignation of team principal Craig Pollock, the Formula One team said on Tuesday.

The team introduced Richards as their team principal designate at the launch of their car for the 2002 campaign, where they also announced a new three-year deal with engine suppliers Honda. Richards, 49, is best known for his long involvement in the World Rally Championship. He was also chief executive of the Benetton Formula One team from 1997 to 1998 before quitting after falling out with the team's owners.

"I said I'd only return if all the ingredients were in place, I see that here today," Richards said. "With today's announcements BAR can move forward with a secure future based on strong partnerships. For my part I will be carefully assessing the situation over the next month before making any necessary changes."

Pollock, who had run the team for four years since its inception, stood down on Monday saying he wanted to pursue other opportunities.

"We would like to thank Craig Pollock for all his support and effort over the past two years. We also wish David Richards every success in his new position," said Honda's head of racing technology development Toru Ogawa. "For 2002 we introduce a brand new engine and on the chassis side we are strengthening our commitment with our new long-term agreement with BAR," said Ogawa.

It remains to be seen whether Pollock's departure will affect the position of BAR driver Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 World Champion. That Villeneuve has stuck with such an uncompetitive team for the last three years has been put down to his close relationship with Pollock, who was the Canadian's school teacher and then manager.

BAR scored 17 points last season to finish sixth in the Constructors' Championship. Richards was a successful rally co-driver, partnering Ari Vatanen to the 1981 world title, and after retirement started up his own team, Prodrive.

Prodrive has been behind the success of the Subaru rally team for the last decade, winning drivers' world titles with Colin McRae in 1995 and Richard Burns this year. The team also won the 1995, 1996 and 1997 manufacturers' championships.

Richards sold 49 percent of Prodrive to venture capitalists in 1999 for a reported $50 million and used some of the money to buy the rights to market the World Rally Championship from Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Long Relationship

The Welshman has had a long relationship with British American Tobacco (BAT), who run the BAR team. BAT's 555 brand sponsored the Subaru team for six years from 1993.

"When I look around the stage here today, I see a lot of familiar faces," he said on Tuesday.

BAR began racing in Formula One in 1999 after being persuaded by Pollock to take over the Tyrrell team in 1997. But their first season was hugely disappointing as they finished behind Minardi in 11th place in the manufacturers' standings with no points.

An engine deal with Honda was secured for the 2000 season and there was a great improvement as they gathered 20 points to finish fifth. But last season was a great disappointment.