DECEMBER 1, 2000

Arrows test is a wash-out

ARROWS first testing session ahead of the 2001 season turned into a wash-out at a rain-hit Silverstone circuit on Friday.

The Leafield-based team were testing with 2000 Minardi driver Gaston Mazzacane behind the wheel, but after a downpour at the Northamptonshire track the team completed just a handful of laps and decided to pack up before lunch.

Mazzacane, who is yet to decide his future as Minardi struggle to confirm and engine and sponsorship deal for next season, tested Arrows' new AMT engine, but no competitive lap time was set in the session.

Arrows were joined at Silverstone by Benetton, who were represented by test-driver Mark Webber, Jordan, with tester Ricardo Zonta, and Jaguar's Luciano Burti and tester Tomas Scheckter.

The other three teams decided to persevere with testing in the afternoon as the weather dried slightly.