FEBRUARY 25, 2001

Arrows new-boy is raring to go in Melbourne

ENRIQUE BERNOLDI, the new Arrows driver, has expressed his eagerness to get onto the track for the Australian Grand Prix, where he hopes to start his Formula One career in style.

The 22-year-old Brazilian signed for the Arrows team in January and cannot wait to get started in Melbourne. But he is under no illusions about the task that lies ahead.

"This is a brand new experience for me in many ways," said Bernoldi. "Although I am now quite at home in a Formula One car I have some new circuits to learn."

"I've never even been to Australia, let alone raced at Albert Park! I have been studying the data we have on the circuit so I have an idea of the track but the practice sessions on Friday will be very important for me."

"I'm ready for the challenge though. I've put in a lot of miles in the winter testing. I'm fitter than I've ever been and I'm raring to go."