Walkinshaw aims for the podium

Jos Verstappen and Pedro de la Rosa were both stunningly quick in the new Arrows-Supertec A20 during winter testing, but luck has not been with them in the first two grands prix of the season.

Although the cars have been as fast as anything else in the upper midfield, misfortune has prevented Arrows from breaking into the top six as yet.

'I think Arrows are on the way up and I'm sure we'll be in the points and on podiums before long,' Walkinshaw predicted.

Verstappen flew through the field during last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, coming from 14th on the grid to run third until neck cramp forced him to drop back to an eventual seventh place.

'If we can repeat that performance at Imola and Silverstone we'll be right there,' Walkinshaw continued. 'It's the first time that we've had a clean run at it without having to compromise on anything and I think it's showing well.'

Arrows made its grand prix debut in 1978 but the team has yet to win a race. Walkinshaw took over in 1996 and brought reigning champion Damon Hill to the squad the following year. The highlight of his stay was a near-victory in Hungary, but since then a lack of cash and over-complex designs have hampered the team.