Dennis: Arrows Should be Helped, Not Punished

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said on Friday that the crash-strapped Arrows team should be helped by the FIA in their bid for survival and not be punished for missing the Hungarian Grand Prix if they are financially stable.

"I think the important thing for Arrows to maintain its value is it stays out of liquidation," said Dennis during a press conference in Hungary. "If that is the case, then I think it's a question of the teams and the governing body - but more the governing body.

"I think they would look to support the teams, taking a pragmatic view on some of the other regulatory aspects that determine whether a team has to pay a fine or not. There are automatic mechanisms but there is the power within the FIA - and certainly with the teams to waive those.

"I think in this instance, I would feel most teams would be supportive of anything that would keep another Grand Prix team involved."

Tom Walkinshaw, Arrows's boss, decided his team should sit out the 13th round of the season on the advice of his lawyers while he continues talks with possible buyers. The FIA revealed earlier this week that there could be serious repercussions over the team's failure to race.

With Arrows missing, only 20 cars competed in the opening practice session in Hungary and falling grid numbers are a growing concern for Formula One.

The Prost Grand Prix team were declared bankrupt at the beginning of the year and Australian Paul Stoddart's Minardi outfit are yet to secure a full budget to compete next season.