By Huw Alban
August 13 2002

So it’s official - Arrows will not be competing at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, confirming that there was some substance in the recent rumours. The official announcement came this afternoon, throwing into question the future of the team and it’s personnel. The statement read: “The team remains in detailed discussions with potential investors.

“In the light of this, Arrows has been advised to do nothing that could interfere with these discussions and that the Orange Arrows team should not compete in the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.

“Arrows hopes to be in a position to make a further statement within the near future.”

When faced with a similar dilemma at the British Grand Prix in July, the press went wild over a possible fine from the FIA for not competing, as laid out in the secretive Concorde Agreement. There was also a possibility then that the team could be thrown out of the championship altogether. This site hopes that the team management have liased with the FIA in order to avoid the latter, and if possible the former. Being removed from the championship would further devalue the team and would undoubtedly contribute to their demise.

There is a small ray of sunshine, in that most of the official news sites are talking about the future of the team and predicting that Enrique Bernoldi will have a team-mate – indicating to this site that there is a general feeling that the team will continue despite the current difficulties.

This site’s thoughts are with the team members and employees tonight. It’s easy to forget the human side of any sport, and despite the fans being disappointed with the news (gutted in my case), the livelihood of these people is at stake. This site and all it’s loyal visitors hope that the team comes through the current crisis... perhaps for Spa?