Arrows Still to Pay for Engines, Claims Lauda

The Arrows team are yet to pay for their Cosworth engines if they are to race at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, Niki Lauda said today.

The Austrian, Jaguar's team boss and head of Ford's performance division which oversees engine suppliers Cosworth, said at Spa that Arrows have to pay nearly $2.5 million in order to get the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) for the engines.

"We have retained the electronic control units without which the cars cannot be started," Lauda told The Guardian newspaper. "I am happy the team is here; if it had not arrived there would have been less possibility of Cosworth getting its money. But the bill has to be paid before the cars run."

However, at the same time, a Ford spokesmen said there is no obstacle from their side for Arrows to race this weekend, adding more confusion to the whole situation. The team's only confirmed driver Enrique Bernoldi said today that they will miss Friday's first free practice session.

Arrows, who skipped the Hungarian Grand Prix two weeks ago, are aiming to complete a buyout deal with American investors today, hoping that will allow them to take part in the race.