Grapevine: Verstappen Not Ruling Out Arrows Return

Jos Verstappen could make a surprise return to the Arrows team as a replacement for German Heinz-Harald Frentzen, his manager Huub Rothengatter said on Tuesday.

Verstappen was dropped by Arrows at the start of the year despite having signed a firm contract for 2002, and Frentzen took his place after his Prost Grand Prix team went into liquidation.

The Dutch driver, who is currently in legal proceedings with his former team, was linked to Sauber as test driver at the start of the year, but could now be seeking a deal to get back in the car.

"We heard about Frentzen," said Rothengatter. "There are discussions. The lawyers are looking into what possibilities there are. We still have legal proceedings against Arrows but when things are sorted to our satisfaction, then why not? Things can be repaired, perhaps."

Rothengatter would not rule out an immediate return for Verstappen in time for next weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, but that looks unlikely because there are only ten days before the opening practice session in Budapest.

Verstappen is currently suing for loss of earnings because his Arrows contract was annulled so close to the start of the season that he was unable to find another team.

But Rothengatter, who displayed a more positive opinion about Arrows than he has for much of the year, believes things are moving in the right direction for a solution to be found.

"We have been having some discussions with the team since February, when we were surprised to find out Jos was not driving," said Rothengatter. "The lawyers are still speaking to each other.

"There is so much going on at Arrows behind the scenes and there is a lot of trouble to be solved that is nothing to do with Jos. All sorts of actions are going on to get the things organised."