Zonta slams BAR boss over 'mind games'

Zonta claims that Pollock said he would lose his drive at BAR, which pressurised the Brazilian into making more mistakes, therefore ensuring that BAR's number one driver Jacques Villeneuve would finish the season with more points.

Speaking in Autosport.com's exclusive 'My Season' reviews, Zonta said: "Craig started to play a lot with me, saying he would change drivers if I didn't get results. The first time was in Austria. Craig said to Geraldo, my manager, that I needed to show (good) performance. And that was the day I outqualified Jacques! I think when I was strong in my mind he started to play with my mind again, just to make it easier for Jacques to get good results.

"Craig and some others were completely for Jacques, and that made it very difficult for me to have the best performance. Craig is Jacques' manager and the boss of BAR. If his driver beats the other driver, at the end of the year he can get more money. And F1 is only money."

Despite his poor season, Zonta is not downbeat about his future. Although he opted for a testing role in 2001, when there were race seats at Prost and Sauber in the offing, he looks forward to racing again soon - perhaps with his current employers Jordan.

"I have a good chance to get my confidence again, and try to build up my performance," he added. "Jordan is giving a good chance for the future. They said I could maybe race in 2002. If one of the drivers leaves, then I'm the next driver. I'd like to be back racing in 2002."

To read the entire 'My season' interview click HERE.