Arrows Formula 1 entry rejected

The decision could sound the death knell for the team, which failed to compete in six of the last seven grands prix of this year. Without an F1 entry, the hopes of boss Tom Walkinshaw to finalise a deal to sell the team could be dashed.

Arrows claimed to have met last month's deadline for entries to the 2003 championship, which included a £200,000 registration fee. The FIA confirmed receipt of the entry this morning (Monday), but added that the decision had been taken to turn it down. The reasons have not been made public.

German company Asset Trust and Partners has been negotiating a buy-out with Walkinshaw. The team has tried to put itself into administration to stave off creditors while talks continue. It had been claimed that Dubai businessman Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum had agreed to pay £31 million to take a 60 percent stake in the team.

But without an entry, Arrows' worth to any buyer will be greatly reduced. The outfit would be classed as a new team were it to lodge an entry in the future, meaning that its owners would have to fork out the $48 million demanded by the FIA to join F1.

The rejection of Arrows leaves just 10 teams entered for 2003, reducing the grid to 20 cars.

Michael Schumacher Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro FERRARI
Rubens Barrichello Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro FERRARI
Juan Pablo Montoya BMW WilliamsF1 Team WILLIAMS BMW
Ralf Schumacher BMW WilliamsF1 Team WILLIAMS BMW
David Coulthard West McLaren Mercedes MCLAREN MERCEDES
Kimi Raikkonen West McLaren Mercedes MCLAREN MERCEDES
Jarno Trulli Mild Seven Renault F1 Team RENAULT
Fernando Alonso Mild Seven Renault F1 Team RENAULT
Nick Heidfeld Sauber Petronas SAUBER PETRONAS
Heinz-Harald Frentzen Sauber Petronas SAUBER PETRONAS
Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan Ford JORDAN FORD
TBA Jordan Ford JORDAN FORD
Mark Webber Jaguar Racing JAGUAR COSWORTH
Antonio Pizzonia Jaguar Racing JAGUAR COSWORTH
Jacques Villeneuve Lucky Strike BAR Honda BAR HONDA
Jenson Button Lucky Strike BAR Honda BAR HONDA
TBA TBA Minardi TBA MINARDI COSWORTH
TBA TBA Minardi TBA MINARDI COSWORTH
Olivier Panis Panasonic Toyota Racing TOYOTA
Cristiano da Matta Panasonic Toyota Racing TOYOTA