JUNE 17, 2001

Pollock unconcerned by Canadian off-track clash

BRITISH AMERICAN RACING boss Craig Pollock is hoping to forget about last weekend's confrontation between Jacques Villeneuve and Juan Pablo Montoya after describing the incident as "a bit of a mix-up".

BRITISH AMERICAN RACING boss Craig Pollock is hoping to forget about last weekend's confrontation between Jacques Villeneuve and Juan Pablo Montoya after describing the incident as "a bit of a mix-up".

The pair were reported to have clashed after the Friday practice session when a war of words escalated into a physical confrontation.

Montoya's team boss Frank Williams issued a warning to the Colombian driver, but ever-calm British American Racing boss Pollock refused to send Villeneuve similar threats.

"It's something that should be avoided," said Pollock. "But in my mind both team principles have addressed it with the drivers.

"What actually happened was what was reported in the press and as far as I am concerned there was a little bit of a mix up.

"Montoya confronted Jacques before the drivers' briefing and Jacques grabbed hold of Montoya after he said something he shouldn't have said. But now, as far as we're concerned it's finished."

The threat of a ban still hangs over both drivers' heads, however, and any similar incidents, on track or off, could see them punished with a temporary expulsion.