McLaren boss backs Arrows' plight

The financial implications for Arrows of not satisfying the Concorde Agreement's requirement for it to attempt to qualify for the Magny-Cours event were obviously of far greater significance than anything the team might have achieved in France. But certain figures in the paddock suggested that Arrows could face FIA sanction for bringing the sport into disrepute.

"What the Arrows team did was the minimum amount to actually qualify as having competed in the event," said Dennis. "That's quite important because everyone in the pit lane knows that they are in negotiations to sell the team and that there is a significant penalty laid down in the Concorde Agreement for missing an event.

"What they achieved during the event was the avoidance of that penalty and therefore help in selling the team. The important thing is that the team survives and if that is the case I think we can come to terms with the downside," he added.

Another view was that the Arrows actions were acceptable as a one-off but would do the sport a disservice if they were to continue. Dennis, however, continued: "I have some knowledge of what's going on and I am optimistic that it won't be repeated."