Jordan Shows Support for Arrows Boss

Formula One team boss Eddie Jordan has backed Tom Walkinshaw's Arrows team to make it onto the grid for this weekend's British Grand Prix despite crippling debts with engine suppliers Cosworth.

Walkinshaw missed his scheduled slot in the Thursday afternoon FIA press conference at Silverstone as he stayed away to take care of financial matters that are threatening the existence of his team.

The Arrows cars, believed to be complete with engines, arrived at the circuit at 6.45pm GMT. However, the black box electronics units needed to fire the machines up are understood to have currently been withheld.

The team were in the High Court on Thursday and their lawyer said that "only a miracle" could save the team from bankruptcy, but fellow team boss Eddie Jordan believes that his rival can provide such a solution.

"I have known Tom for a long time, I have raced against him in Formula Three and whatever, and I would say on that basis that Tom is a miracle maker," said Jordan. "I will promise you he will be here, hell or high water, tomorrow. I can guarantee it to you. I know the guy and he is a great fighter."

Walkinshaw's company owes Cosworth $4.7 million dollars for their engines and will not be able to take part in this weekend's race if he cannot come up with the money before the qualifying session.

The news that Arrows are in difficulty is nothing new, but Jordan denied that he had heard anything, adding: "I would imagine that this is probably new to Tom but I am not sure whether he just kept it quiet."