Despite the difficulties, Arrows pass scrutineers

To compete?
By subh
July 5 2002

Despite the latest financial difficulties for the Orange Arrows team, concerning payments for the Cosworth engines, they have at least made it through scrutineering at Silverstone after a stay of execution, so to speak.

Developments yesterday meant that Arrows’ participation in the British Grand Prix was put in jeopardy. When the team were prevented from securing extra investment, apparently by selling out control, they lost out on a way to pay for their Cosworth engines at this race. As a result, it seemed that the team were in danger of having some of their assets seized, as well as not making it to Thursday scrutineering.

However, after recalling the cars to the factory, Arrows were granted a scrutineering postponement, and this duly took place this morning (Friday). The sport’s governing body, the FIA, has now said that the team passed this preliminary inspection. The official statement reads as follows:

“The car numbers 20, 21 and the T-car of the Orange Arrows team underwent preliminary scrutineering this morning. These cars were found to be in conformity with the safety requirements of the 2002 FIA Formula One™ technical regulations.”

Formula1.com also reports that team boss Tom Walkinshaw was also called to appear before the FIA at Silverstone, to face the Stewards of the Meeting, at 10:15 this morning.

Asked about Arrows’ situation as he left the meeting, Walkinshaw said: “I don’t know. I will have to tell you a little bit later. We are not doing any interviews until we have clarity on one or two things. Then I will talk.”

A spokeswoman for the team could not confirm whether Arrows would qualify on Saturday or contest Sunday’s tenth round of the world championship.

This site is still hopeful, although the signs are not especially positive.