By Huw Alban
July 30 2002

Unconfirmed reports have emerged about a row between Arrows’ team management and it’s drivers at Hockenheim. Heinz-Harald Frentzen apparently only confirmed he would drive on Thursday, and Enrique Bernoldi was seeking assurances right up until Sunday. This story broke yesterday, although there had been rumblings about Frentzen’s participation in the German Grand Prix just days before the race. Currently there is no official comment on these reports and, since the story is not being carried by the major F1 sites, it does cast doubt as to the accuracy of the facts.

The bulk of the report centres around the team’s actions at Magny-Cours, where the drivers were both told to drive one slow qualifying lap in order to avoid an FIA fine for not competing. After the French weekend both the drivers demanded assurances from team boss Tom Walkinshaw that Arrows would compete normally at the German Grand Prix.

Enrique Bernoldi is said to have been the most agitated of the two, as his sponsorship deal pays for his seat within the team. He was apparently worried that his personal sponsors would become alarmed and drop the talented Brazilian. So much so that his management were in discussions with the team up until the Sunday of the German Grand Prix, seeking assurances that Enrique would be able to complete the season with Arrows.