Craig Pollock

Craig Pollock (born February 20, 1956 in Falkirk, Scotland), is a businessman and manager of the Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve.

Related Topics:
February 20 - 1956 - Falkirk - Scotland - Formula One - Jacques Villeneuve

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Pollock worked as a teacher in the late 1970s eventually becoming director of sport at the College Beausoleil in Villars, Switzerland. Here he met a young Jacques Villeneuve who had been sent to the school following the death of his Formula One driver father Gilles. Their shared passion for skiing allowed them to become friends before Pollock moved on to set up his own business.

Related Topics:
Teacher - 1970s - College Beausoleil - Villars - Switzerland - Jacques Villeneuve - Gilles - Skiing

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After leaving school Villeneuve pursued a career as a racing driver, following in his fathers footsteps, and eventually moved to Japan. The two men were brought back together by a chance meeting at the Suzuka circuit, and Pollock agreed to become Villeneuve's manager.

Related Topics:
Racing driver - Japan - Suzuka

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In 1993 Villeneuve raced in American Formula Atlantic before breaking into Indycars in 1994. After winning a race in his rookie season Villeneuve took the CART championship and prestigious Indy 500 win in 1995. The following year Villeneuve relocated to Europe, joining Williams Grand Prix and bringing Pollock into Formula One.

Related Topics:
1993 - American - Formula Atlantic - Indycars - 1994 - CART - Indy 500 - 1995 - Europe - Williams Grand Prix - Formula One

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Riding on the back of Villeneuve's 1997 Formula One title Pollock skillfully persuaded British American Tobacco to bankroll his ambition of becoming a team manager. In 1998 Pollock purchased Tyrrell, renaming it British American Racing (BAR), and signed his close friend and driver to be team leader. Immediately a controversial figure, Pollock made numerous claims about how successful his team would be. His high hopes proved to be unfounded however with a disastrous debut in 1999.

Related Topics:
1997 - British American Tobacco - 1998 - Tyrrell - British American Racing - 1999

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Results continued to be poor and by 2001 British American Tobacco had lost patience. Pollock was replaced as team principal by David Richards, although he remained a shareholder until the partial Honda buyout in 2004.

Related Topics:
2001 - British American Tobacco - David Richards - Shareholder - Honda - 2004

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Craig Pollock continues to manage Jacques Villeneuve and is involved in the Indy Racing League.

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