Arrows denied entry to F1 Championship

The Arrows Formula One team have been denied entry to the 2003 world championship.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) issued its official entry list today without the Leafield-based team.

Arrows have been struggling with cash problems and missed six of the last seven races last season.

They did pay the £220,000 (€344,000) entry fee but this did not guarantee them entry into the championship.

Arrows boss Tom Walkinshaw has been trying to sell the team and last month said he was in talks with a Germany-based company.

Even if the team survives now they will have to pay a £31m (€48.5m) bond to the FIA to enter the championships.

Arrows have lost many members of staff in recent months because of the financial uncertainty surrounding the team, which also faces winding-up orders in the courts from several creditors including former driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen and engine suppliers Cosworth.

Today‘s news means it seems likely that there will be only 10 teams on the grid for next season.