Arrows withdraw appeal

Arrows F1 Team: Official Statement
Inconsistent fuel sample

Arrows F1 Team has accepted the decision of the Stewards of the Meeting stating that the fuel taken from Car No 18 during qualifying was not the same as the approved fuel sample lodged with the FIA prior to the event.

The team has had time to fully assess the status of all its fuel at the circuit and found there is a minor contamination problem with the batch. The team has received overnight another batch of fuel which has been tested by the FIA and approved for use in the race.

Team Owner, Tom Walkinshaw said, "When we get back to base the team will carry out a full review with our fuel supplier. We are confident that the fuel manufacturing process is correct and that the contamination occurred in the transportation process".

In view of this the team has requested the Stewards to allow it to withdraw an intention to Appeal and to allow Car No 18 to start the 2000 Spanish Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

Orange Arrows driver, Pedro de la Rosa commented, "Obviously I am incredibly disappointed with the situation, particularly as it's my home Grand Prix and as I qualified with such a good grid position. I have great confidence in the team and feel my 9th position on the grid reflects the hard work from everyone on the team. Starting at the back of the grid is not something I want but appreciate that it is something I have to do, so I will just go out there today and do my best".