The future is bright for Arrows

The team went into the Australian Grand Prix full of promise after smashing the lap record during a pre-season test in Barcelona and then landing a massive £70million sponsorship deal with Orange.

And although Arrows drivers Jos Verstappen and Pedro de la Rosa were out well before half-way, Walkinshaw had seen enough to put him in a buoyant mood.

"When I look at how many cars retired we could well have been in the points," he said.

"The cars ran well in the early laps, both drivers overtook other cars and we are confident that we have a good package."

De la Rosa was the first to go on lap seven, spinning spectacularly into a tyre wall in an accident that caught out Eddie irvine behind him.

Verstappen suffered front suspension failure later that lap and retired to the pits.

However, Verstappen was equally confident about the rest of the season.

"During my time on the track it was obvious our cars were very good at top speed and it was great that I was able to overtake people," he said.

"I am pleased with the car and it's looking good for this season."