Frentzen named, Pollock not in on buy-out

Frentzen severed his ties with Arrows after the German GP and has not been spotted in the Spa paddock today (Thursday). Each team must nominate two drivers, even if only one competes.

However, Arrows chief designer Sergio Rinland told Autosport.com in Belgium that the cars have been scrutineered and the cockpit of one of the A23s has been changed back to fit Frentzen after it was initially thought that Renault tester Fernando Alonso would join Bernoldi at Spa.

As for the future ownership of the team, the latest word is that an American who has made his money in steel-related industry has signed a heads of agreement with Tom Walkinshaw and Morgan Grenfell, with a deal expected in the near future.

Craig Pollock, who in Hungary two weeks ago was confident that a group of American investors represented by him were on the verge of concluding a deal to buy the team, has confirmed that he is not involved in or with the current negotiations.

"All I can tell you is that we were anticipating a contract arriving in the post," Pollock said. "Then we were told that there were two contracts being issued because there was another interested party. Our contract never arrived... This paddock never ceases to amaze me and all I can do is wish Tom all the best and concentrate on other things."

It would appear that Niki Lauda and Cosworth are satisfied with the situation regarding payment for engines and that motive power will not present a problem for Arrows in Belgium this weekend.