NOVEMBER 15, 2001

Frentzen and Arrows

The German media is reporting that Heinz-Harald Frentzen is close to agreeing a deal to race for Arrows in 2002. Frentzen has visited the Leafield factory.

THE German media is reporting that Heinz-Harald Frentzen is close to agreeing a deal to race for Arrows in 2002. Frentzen has visited the Leafield factory. As Jos Verstappen is already confirmed for next year (although that really means nothing in modern F1) it looks likely that Enrique Bernoldi will be replaced, despite his affiliations with team sponsor Red Bull.

Alain Prost is keen to keep Frentzen but at the moment cannot offer him a deal as he is still trying to sort out the financial situation of the team. Minardi is also keen to sign him up but there are question marks about how good the Asiatech engines will be and the Arrows-Cosworth package - even if it is a customer engine - looks to be a good solid bet. There are, however, complications in the negotiations with Arrows as Frentzen is claiming money for a Jordan contract in 2002 and so there will need to be changes in Frentzen's writ against the Silverstone team if he finds employment with another team.