APRIL 4, 2001

Arrows in fine u-turn

THE Arrows team have seemingly accepted that Jos Verstappen was to blame for the crash with Juan Pablo Montoya's Williams in the Brazilian Grand Prix after they withdrew their appeal against his $15,000 fine.

Verstappen was fined by the stewards of the Brazil race after crashing into race leader Montoya on lap 39. Both drivers went out of the race and Arrows have decided not to pursue their announced appeal.

"Prior to the collision with Montoya, Jos was travelling at reduced speed and braking a great deal earlier than on his previous lap," said the statement.

"This explains why Jos, an experienced driver, was surprised by the incident."

During testing at Magny Cours, Verstappen visited the Williams garage to speak to the man he crashed into.

"I did apologize to Montoya as none of us want these things to happen," said Verstappen. "I hope we can both put it behind us now and get on with racing."