Arrows bound for Hungary with only one driver

Hungary alone
By Huw Alban
August 12 2002

Today has seen some pretty wild and varied reports about Arrows’ financial situation, and the possibility that the team only have one race driver. All of these reports are unconfirmed and contradictory, but a source has confirmed that the team are on their way to Hungary with only one driver.

According to several news sources the discussions to secure the team’s future are still taking place, and there are still three potential investors. Confirmation came yesterday that ex-BAR boss Craig Pollock had made several offers for the team, but today ITV-F1 have reported that the latest offer has been turned down. Pollock indicated that the longer this went on the better, as the team’s value (in his opinion) is dropping week by week.

According to a cut-and-paste from a message board contributor here at AllAboutArrows, an official spokesperson is on record as confirming that the team have left for Hungary, but that there has been no decision yet as to who will partner Enrique Bernoldi. One potential candidate, Sébastien Bourdais, has already been quoted as saying that he will not be competing for the team this weekend.

“The trucks have left,” the spokesperson revealed. “There is no further news on the second driver but hopefully we will have something to say in the next few days.”

In a recent development, OTP Travel’s website apparently lists Jos Verstappen under the Arrows Cosworth team heading. Perhaps they know something that no-one else does?! (Thanks for the info Fox!)

There have also been unconfirmed reports that the team’s employees have not been paid, and that Heinz-Harald Frentzen left the team without payment. In addition, there has been no confirmation that the team will compete in Hungary, and no Hungarian Grand Prix preview from the team’s press office.

Despite all the bad signs, this site would like to encourage all visitors to support the team in these difficult times. More on the situation when we get it.