Sunday May 7th, 2000

Pedro De La Rosa was demoted to the back of the Spanish Grand Prix grid on Sunday after the Arrows team recognised he had used contaminated fuel in Saturday's qualifying.

De La Rosa had been ninth fastest, the highest ever starting position for the Spanish driver.

He was originally demoted on Saturday night but then reinstated after Arrows lodged an appeal.

However, Arrows said on Sunday they had accepted the International Automobile Federation (FIA) test findings.

"The team has requested the stewards to allow it to withdraw an intention to appeal and allow the car to start the Spanish Grand Prix from the back of the grid," Arrows team owner Tom Walkinshaw said.

Arrows said they had got new fuel overnight, which had been cleared by the FIA.

"When we get back to base we will carry out a full review with our fuel supplier. We are confident that the fuel manufacturing process is correct and that the contamination occured in the transportation process," said Walkinshaw.

De La Rosa, hoping for his first point of the season before his home audience, showed his unhappiness.

"Obviously I am incredibly disappointed with the situation, particularly as it's my home Grand Prix," he said.

"I feel my ninth position on the grid reflects the hard work from everyone on the team. Starting at the back is not something I want but appreciate that it is something I have to do."