Future looks bright for Arden

Despite the World Motor Sport Council failing to reach a constructive conclusion regarding the future involvement of new teams in Formula 1, Christian Horner, boss of FIA International F3000 front-running team Arden International, believes it is only a matter of when, not if, his squad gets the nod to enter Grand Prix racing.

Though F1's team bosses outwardly agree on matters of the moment, they invariably have time on their side to weigh up the numerous pros and cons of any planned revisions to the complicated F1 rulebook. Subsequently, the small print is digested and then problems arise, with each team owner intent on considering the implications for his team. With no clear indication presenting itself from the meeting in Monte Carlo last month as to when Arden could enter Formula 1, Horner is aware that such obstacles are inevitable.

"It was always going to be a windy road and taking into consideration the major issues the sport has to deal with, I am not surprised they have not had the opportunity to deal with the whole entry side and our involvement." Horner said. "It doesn't in anyway deter my plans given that there is uncertainty regarding some of the current teams in F1. I am confident the changes will come at some point as it is more a matter of when, not if they come into effect.

The much publicised changes to F1 -- as instigated by out-going FIA president Max Mosley, were well received by fans of the sport who have longed for change. Aware that the future looks bright, Horner was nonetheless disappointed no clear direction was forthcoming.

"It is frustrating not having a clear directive which is what we're obviously looking for," the Arden boss commented. "It would have been nice to have had some sort of result via the WMSC meeting but I knew it was going to be an extremely long shot to achieve that at this particular meeting."

Though Formula 1's twelve team bosses habitually lengthen their discussions for planned change for as long as possible, Horner accepts that proposals concerning outfits like Arden have taken a back seat with regard to reducing lap times.

"They (the F1 bosses) obviously have chief consensus on achieving immediate change in terms of slowing the cars," declares Horner. "However, I am confident, once the technical side has been dealt with, discussions will arise including the sporting side of F1, and indeed the sports future as a whole. I am not able to influence the teams' decisions or accelerate the time taken to discuss matters. I am reliant on the governing body as to where the future of Arden lies."