GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Pollock planning F1 return as engine supplier

Pollock planning F1 return as engine supplier

Former BAR team boss Craig Pollock is hoping to return to Formula One competition in 2013 as head of a new engine manufacturer. Pollock’s PURE Corporation plans to supply engines under heavily revised regulations that will see the current 2.4-litre V8s replaced by greener 1.6-litre four-cylinder units.

“The vision for PURE (Propulsion Universelle et Recuperation d'Energie) is to be a leader in the development of the next generation powertrain technology which must respond to the demands for a cleaner environment,” said Pollock, who expects to share more of his plans with F1 team bosses at the forthcoming Spanish Grand Prix.

“The 2013 Formula One powertrain regulation changes offer PURE an immediate platform to field test and validate future technologies for implementation in other industries. We have assembled an expert team, the finest technology partners and have received positive encouragement from the FIA.”

The PURE engines will be put together by experienced F1 engine builders Mecachrome, while development is being carried out by related companies TEOS Powertrain Engineering, IFP Energies Nouvelles and D2T, all of whom are partners in the project.

Former Renault F1 executive Christian Contzen has been recruited as an adviser, while engine design is being led by Jean-Pierre Boudy, who played a key role in the development of Renault’s successful four-cylinder turbo F1 engines in the 1970s and ‘80s.

“The rule changes for 2013 have been developed to provide lower cost, greener and more fuel efficient technologies for Formula One,” FIA President Jean Todt was quoted as saying by PURE. “We wish PURE every success in developing powertrains compliant with the new regulations.”

Scotsman Pollock led BAR from 1999 to 2002, having formed the team in 1998 after purchasing Tyrrell. 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, whom Pollock managed throughout his F1 career, was lead driver. After little success, the team was ultimately taken over by engine suppliers Honda, before latterly becoming Brawn GP and then Mercedes GP.

Formula One racing currently has four engine suppliers - Cosworth, Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault.

Credit: Formula One Administration Ltd (www.formula1.com)