Arrows in Doubt for Belgian Grand Prix

Arrows could miss Sunday's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix in what would be the troubled team's second successive no-show of the season.

"We don't know if we are going," a spokeswoman said on Tuesday, two days before the deadline for teams to present their cars for scrutinising at Spa-Francorchamps.

The Arrows trucks and car transporters remained at the factory in central England and a decision was expected later on Tuesday on whether to compete in the 14th round of the Championship.

Failure to turn up would again leave Formula One with just 20 cars and 10 teams on the starting grid.

Arrows did not turn up for the last Hungarian Grand Prix, turning their trucks around after they had got as far as Germany, on legal advice so as not to interfere with discussions with potential investors.

The team argued then that they had been prevented from competing due to Force Majeure, circumstances beyond their control.

Arrows have been negotiating with former British American Racing (BAR) principal Craig Pollock, who has backing from American investors. They are currently last in the standings with two points and have only one named driver, Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi, after Germany's Heinz-Harald Frentzen departed.

The team could face heavy penalties for missing races under the sport's secretive Concorde Agreement as well as the prospect of losing their rights to compete in the Championship if they become insolvent.

Difficult Season

Arrows have struggled all season, requiring a last minute injection of team principal Tom Walkinshaw's own cash to stay on the road at the British Grand Prix in July. The team have had severe financial problems since a London High Court injunction prevented the team from selling key assets and taking on new investors.

In France they made no real attempt to qualify after sitting out free practice. Jaguar team boss Niki Lauda, who oversees the Ford-owned Cosworth engine company, told reporters in Hungary that Arrows had not paid up for engines for that race.

He also threatened action to ensure payment.

"We have to fight for the money because it is an existing contract and you cannot ask for a supply and not pay," said the Austrian former World Champion.