Arrows continues to delay driver announcement

Orange Arrows will run the new A23 on Monday 4th February at an undisclosed location. Driver Enrique Bernoldi will test the car before heading to Valencia, Spain for more intensive work -- if Arrows stick to previous form, the test may take place at the Santa Pod drag strip in Bedfordshire, UK.

Meanwhile, the speculation goes on about whom will partner Bernoldi this season. Jos Verstappen signed for the team for 2002 back last year, but when Heinz Harald Frentzen became available, principal Tom Walkinshaw was keen to have the German on board. Consequent wrangles have seen the second Arrows race seat as yet unfilled -- Verstappen's manager is adamant that the Dutchman will remain with the team. Recently it was suggested that Frentzen had backed down from any deal as he was being expected to buy Verstappen out of his contract in order to join Arrows.

With both parties allegedly tired of the situation and ready to walk away from the whole thing, Arrows could be stuck in a predicament of their own making.

However, Walkinshaw has been in discussions with Flavio Briatore about the services of Renault test driver Fernando Alonso. Briatore has already said that given the right offer he would be willing to lend Alonso to another team to gain experience. The young Spaniard impressed many with his on track performance at Minardi last year and Briatore is keen to have him in a race seat if possible.