Arrows Fail to Show Up for Scrutineering

The Arrows team did not present their cars by Thursday's preliminary scrutineering deadline for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, meaning they will miss their third race in a row and fourth out of the last five.

The team have yet to issue a formal statement explaining their absence from Monza.

Although their cars did appear on a list of those eligible to take part issued on Thursday evening, an FIA spokesman said this was an administrative oversight that would be corrected.

The team made no serious attempt to qualify in France in July, raced in Germany but then missed Hungary. They turned up at the last Belgian race but left after sitting out Friday's free practice.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said it had no hard evidence that Arrows's absence was due to insolvency and it would wait until the situation was clearer before considering any action.

A number of creditors are seeking payment from Arrows, including engine supplier Cosworth, and a deal to sell the team is being negotiated.

The team have argued that they are prevented from racing due to force majeure, or unavoidable circumstances, because lawyers have told them not to do anything that might jeopardise their sale.

The FIA statement said: "The FIA has noted the continuing failure of Arrows to participate in recent Formula One events. If this failure were due to insolvency, Arrows would lose its rights under the Concorde Agreement. However, at present the FIA has no hard evidence that Arrows' absence is due to insolvency rather than to some other cause.

"In the circumstances, the FIA intends to wait until various negotiations and proceedings relating to Arrows have been concluded before considering any formal action."

The absence of Arrows means Sunday's race, the final European round of the season, will have a maximum of 20 cars. Arrows have taken two points this season and are last of the 11 teams in the Championship.