Grapevine: Conflicting Reports over Verstappen's Lawsuit

Conflicting reports emerged on Thursday over whether Jos Verstappen has won his court case against former employers Arrows.

It was claimed on Dutch radio and digital television that Verstappen has won a payout of £2.3 million following his dismissal from Leafield-based Arrows on the eve of the 2002 season.

But the driver's manager Huub Rothengatter played down the reports and claimed that Verstappen's legal team are still involved in legal proceedings with Arrows.

"It is very complicated at the moment because it is a legal situation," Rothengatter said. "It is quite possible that we are getting close but at the moment we are just taking it step-by-step."

Verstappen was dismissed and replaced at Arrows by Heinz-Harald Frentzen despite signing an agreement for the 2002 season with boss Tom Walkinshaw. He is claiming damages after being unable to find another seat in Formula One because of the decision to hand Frentzen a drive so close to the new campaign.

Rothengatter added: "We are working flat out to get Jos into an F1 car. But the problem is that four weeks before the season he was replaced even though he had a deal.

"The other teams are honouring the contracts they have with their partners so it is not easy. The other drivers have all signed deals but we are still quite optimistic."