JANUARY 11, 2002

Bernoldi confirmed at Arrows

ENRIQUE BERNOLDI will drive for Arrows in 2002 the team announced Friday.

Team boss Tom Walkinshaw said, "Enrique has proven himself to be very quick from the outset, particularly in qualifying where he has been our lead driver on 10 occasions. What has impressed us most recently is his growing confidence in setting up the car and his race performances."

"My first year in F1 was pretty tough." said the 23-year-old Bernoldi "But also very rewarding as I was able to make steady progress throughout the season. I am grateful to Tom for having confidence in me and am looking forward to giving it 100% and making 2002 a success."

It is still unclear who will be Bernoldi's teammate, Dutchman Jos Verstappen or German Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Alain Prost is still counting on Frentzen to be his lead driver if the team survives its current financial crisis, but if Prost does not survive, it is expected that Frentzen will join Bernoldi at Arrows and Verstappen will head to Minardi.