Friday May 5th, 2000
By Phil Minshull
Arrows team owner Tom Walkinshaw said on Friday he was hoping to retain the use of Supertec engines next year.
Following Renault's purchase of the Benetton team, the French Formula One outfit are expected to have exclusive rights to Supertec engines from next season.
"But if Supertec decides to have a second team next year we have first option on that supply. I hope to have a decision on that in the next few weeks," Walkinshaw said.
Arrows are developing their own V10 engine but, with the prospect of a relationship with Supertec continuing, work has been kept to a minimum.
"It's just ticking along at a very low-key level, as a prudent precaution. Until we know exactly where we can expect to be going we need to have it as a back stop.
But I am hopeful about having a deal with Supertec again next year," said Walkinshaw.
Arrows have yet to score a point this season but Walkinshaw was confident they would get off the mark soon.
"It's now up to the complete team to get its act together and fulfil the potential that is there. We have let one or two opportunities slip through our fingers.
"Everyone has slipped off the pace or slipped up. We have one or two technical upsets and problems with the drivers."
Part of the problem has been Jos Vestappen's fitness for the combative world of Formula One. But Walkinshow took his share of reponsibility for the Dutch driver suffering physically -- with serious neck and upper-body fatigue -- during this season's first three races.
"The car was late and we hadn't given the drivers enough running to get race fit, so Jos's fitness problem in Brazil was as much our fault as it was his," Walkinshaw said.
"We both know we threw away the possibility of a fourth place there. I have to say that since then Jos has worked really hard on getting himself fit."
"He's been down to the (Gloucester) rugby club where the guys are real animals when it comes to fitness.
"He has worked really hard and impressed the whole team with his dedication to getting himself sorted out."