Arab investors rumoured for Arrows

The Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper has reported that a company called German Grand Prix Racing, owned by Asset Trust Partners, has taken a majority shareholding in the team. It is said that unidentified investors from the United Arab Emirates are behind the project.

ATP boss Oliver Behring has claimed that his company has already bought 51 percent of Arrows, although a team spokesperson refused to confirm or deny this.

There has been speculation that Arrows could be barred from next year's championship, even if its future is secured by a new owner, for missing six of the last seven races of this season.

But with the demise of Prost Grand Prix earlier this year and the loss of major sponsors like Deutsche Post, which pulled its backing from the Jordan team yesterday, F1 cannot afford to turn cars away from its thinning grids.

Entries for next year's championship must be lodged with motorsport governing body the FIA this Friday.