Arrows moves to curb speculation

Both drives have been at the centre of rumours in the past few weeks, despite the team announcing mid-season that Dutchman Jos Verstappen would be staying on for 2002. But his place has been put into doubt by the availability of Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who has discussed joining Arrows with team boss Tom Walkinshaw. There have even been some claims this week that Frentzen has signed to race for the team next year.

But an Arrows spokesperson said: "Heinz-Harald Frentzen has been here to see Tom, but that is as far as it has gone. Jos Verstappen was confirmed a long time ago and while Enrique Bernoldi was on a year long contract, Tom always said that he would review that. There's not really anything more to say."

Bernoldi has strong links with energy drink and Arrows sponsor Red Bull. In his first season with the team in 2001, he proved capable of outpacing Verstappen in qualifying, particularly over the second half of the season. His performances, coupled with the team's strengthening relationship with Red Bull, make him a favourite to hold on to his seat for a second year.

The outcome of the driver line-up rumours may not become clear until the future of Prost Grand Prix is assured. Frentzen may stay with the French team he joined at this year's Hungarian GP, if he doesn't sign for Arrows. Minardi is also chasing the German.