FIA wants explanation from Arrows

The FIA has called on the Arrows Formula One team to give an explanation of its actions this weekend in Belgium where the team has again failed to take part in a Grand Prix. For the third time this season the Arrows cars have not taken part in a race: with only a paltry show in qualifying at the French GP and missing Hungary, the team announced yesterday it would not be racing this weekend at Spa.

The FIA's director of communications, Richard Woods, said an explanation was required from the team before the governing body decides on what action to take: "We've asked Arrows for a detailed explanation about their state of health and following certain decisions over the past few weeks. We will then decide which position to adopt. It could go from a simple fine to being banned from the circuit. But before any decision is taken we must consider the large number of people who are employed with the team."

Arrows have so far managed to avoid any penalty from their race absences but the situation is trying the FIA's patience. Usually at least a fine would be imposed for missing even one GP but the team have yet to incur a punishment. Principal Tom Walkinshaw is leaning on the excuse that he is acting on legal advice to not race his cars and claiming 'force majeure', that the situation is beyond his control.

An announcement was expected yesterday concerning the new investor in Arrows but by the end of the day nothing had been declared. The only statement from the team was that it would not race this weekend so as not to jeopardize the ongoing financial transactions.