“We are awfully close to it,” admitted Dan Gurney yesterday. “I would like it to be a US Formula One team with US drivers. I think by the middle of October we will know. It would be American ownership and it would be more than one person. It is going to require certain dominos to start falling quickly. The time is perfect for it to happen.

“We have a commitment, not a contract, from Ford Cosworth and we could have a signed contract in a couple of weeks time,” Gurney continued. “If we have our way we will see you here next September. It would be enormous.”

This statement has immediately started speculation that the new team will include the purchase of the Arrows team. Several independent sources last week started running stories that the team would be competing at Suzuka, Japan in two weeks time, possibly because of the completion of a rescue deal.

Grandprix.com disagrees with this speculation. They believe that Arrows will be releasing a statement on Monday, stating that all is not well. This goes completely against what this site’s sources are saying. It is believed from reliable contacts that there are a number of avenues open to Arrows and that they are being constantly worked on, despite the outward appearance that nothing is happening at Leafield.

Lastly, as expected, Orange are to announce next week that they are pulling out of team sponsorship and concentrating on trackside opportunities. Looks like we are going to lose that stunning orange and black livery for 2003 :o(

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