By Huw Alban
July 19 2002

This site is sad to report that the team did not make it out onto the track for the free practice sessions today at Magny-Cours. According to sources, Arrows are still locked in discussions with major shareholder Morgan Grenfell, although it is unclear why this is stopping the team from competing. Sources at the circuit today confirmed that the Arrows garage was open and a hive of activity. News sources also confirmed that team boss Tom Walkinshaw was due at the track just before the opening practice hour, and must attend an FIA press conference this afternoon after missing one at Silverstone two weeks ago.

Press officer Lyndsey Morle was quoted by several sources as saying, “The situation now is dependant on one of our shareholders with whom we are still in talks. We don’t know yet what will happen this weekend.”

The drivers were left milling around the paddock this morning, and Enrique Bernoldi has given an unhappy quote about the situation. “There are no problems regarding engines or any technical department. There is a problem between some shareholders where they are not agreed in some matter,” the Brazilian confirmed. “Unfortunately so far this weekend we don’t know if we are racing this weekend or not.”

“I had my best race in Silverstone coming up the grid, up to sixth, and then my driveshaft broke,” explained the Brazilian. “It’s sad to see the team making progress, and I’m making progress, but we’re stuck here not able to go on track.”

Prior to the start of the second session sources revealed that Heinz Harald Frentzen had confirmed to the press that Morgan Grenfell is still in negotiations with the team, and as long as talks are going on the team will not take to the track, although the cars and engines are ready.

More when we get it.