Pollock Dismisses Talk of Villeneuve's Replacement

By Jamie Makin
March 23 2005

Jacques Villeneuve's personal manager, Craig Pollock, has spoken out against the rumours that SAUBER is already looking to replace the former World Champ after a lackluster start to the season.

Some sources have claimed a performance clause in Villeneuve's contract would allow team boss Peter Sauber to dump him if he did not meet team's expectations. But Pollock told Autosport that he "would never have accepted that". He also dismissed the notion of SAUBER securing the services of BAR Honda's Anthony Davidson as "pure speculation".

Pollock seemed more focused on what Villeneuve needs to do to succeed. "Jacques isn't comfortable with the setup," Pollock explained to Autosport, "so both driver and team have to find out how to get back to one hundred per cent."

It seems clear that rumours of Villeneuve's departure from the team are premature and that both sides are working hard to find a solution. Yesterday's news that the team is considering a third car for Friday practice, which would aid in car setup, is a good indication of SAUBER's will to improve and succeed.

---