Arrows in action at Spa-Franchorchamps?

[The Other Chris]

the red bull guys are from austria by the way. and the way it looks it would be team red bull usa next year or something like that. this would be more convenient for red bull's rdd program because they could be able to race their own drivers on their own team.

[BootsOntheSide]

The problem is that there is no American driver who can be classed as ready for F1 yet, and it looks unlikely that one will emerge in just 1 year of F3000 / CART / Atlantic / F3.

From a pure racing position Alonso might be the best driver who's available and likely to jump at the chance, but they'd be wise to try to sign someone they can use for 2003. Salo for experience? McNish? Would Massa and Frentzen be able to switch straight away? Or a youngster like Wilson (if he'd fit), maybe Shecketer if Red Bull accept his decision to leave Cheever's IRL team?

[Asp]

Apparantly there is an American backer.....

From BBC Sport Online The man behind the deal that could save the future of the Arrows Formula One team is a wealthy American called Cal Smith, BBC Sport Online can exclusively reveal.
The billionaire, who is in his 80s, made his fortune in mining, a source said.
The news comes after former F1 team owner Craig Pollock admitted that he had lost out in his attempt to buy the team.
The Scot was the front-runner to take over the trouble Formula One team two weeks ago, but Arrows said on Wednesday they were now in discussions with "an American investor".
And on Thursday, Pollock revealed: "My interest in Arrows is officially finished. That's it."
BBC Sport Online understands that the US bid is a serious one - and would save Arrows if it comes off.

And there's more, about Frentzen:

Meanwhile, Heinz-Harald Frentzen appears set to make a surprise return to an Arrows cockpit this weekend.
Arrows have yet to announce which driver will be partnering Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi at the Belgian Grand Prix.
But Frentzen has been listed on the official entry list.
...
It is still not certain whether Arrows will compete - that might depend on whether contracts are signed with Smith and his company.

We'll see soon how true this is!

[Nissan]

I hope that the Arrows situation is resolved over the next couple of days, not for Tom Walkinshaw, not for the drivers, not for the investors or even the fans, but for the employees of Arrows F1.

Many of them have stayed loyal and worked without pay, I hope although living in cloud cuckoo land, that Arrows win this weekends race for them.

Too many good people within the motorsport arena have lost their jobs due to dodgey dealing of the F1 owners and management.

Enough said. !!!!!!!

[rdjones]

Why on earth would an 80 year old billionaire want to buy an F1 tean?

[Peter Mallett]

Everybody needs a hobbby.

[Sato san]

if you were a billionaire....why not ?

[steve nielsen]

HHF's manager has said that HHF WON't be driving for Arrows anymore.

[Sato san]

THE PLOT THICKENS...... cant wait for first practice tomorrow morning to see what happens !....

I'll be there ..SKY TV on ..cup of tea in hand....playing guess the crash helmet in the Arrows !

[Stephen Green]

HHF has been oficially entered as the No2 driver. That gives Arrows the opportunity to change their No2 entry agsin as you are only allowed to change the No1 once, but the No2 twice.

[DNQ]

Yeah, definantly not Craig Pollock - this if from F1Racing:

Former BAR team chief Craig Pollock has categorically denied he has had any hand in the purchase of the struggling Arrows Formula One team. Arrows announced earlier this week they had signed Heads of Terms agreement with an 'American investor', but stopped short of naming them.

Pollock was representing some California-based investors, but has denied he has anything to do with the purchase.

"Absolutely not, it is nothing to do with me," Pollock told Reuters. "My interest in Arrows is officially finished - that's it."

The Arrows deal with the mystery backer is due to be completed on Friday. Pollock said he was close to agreeing a deal - but, "obviously not close enough - I'd say just at the very last minute someone else came in."

Pollock could not say who the new investor might be.

[Valve Bounce]

Arrows no show in Friday Practice.

Valve