Arrows thrown out of Formula One

Arrows have been denied entry to the 2003 Formula One world championship. The sport's world governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), excluded the Leafield-based team from its official entry list which was announced yesterday.

Arrows have been struggling with financial problems and missed six of the last seven races last season. They did pay the £220,000 entry fee but this did not guarantee them entry into the championship.

The Arrows team principal, Tom Walkinshaw, has been trying to sell the team and last month said he was in talks with a German company. Even if the team survive, they will now have to pay a £31m bond to the FIA to enter the championships.

Many Arrows staff members have deserted the team recently because of the financial uncertainty. Arrows face winding-up orders in the courts from several creditors – including their former driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen and engine suppliers Cosworth. The team are in voluntary administration, with the request set to be heard in the High Court on 9 December.

Yesterday's news means it seems likely that there will be only 10 teams on the grid for next season. The drivers' list for 2003 has also been released by the FIA, with only Minardi still to confirm who will be in their colours.

FORMULA ONE TEAMS FOR 2003: Ferrari: M Schumacher (Ger), R Barrichello (Bra). Williams: J P Montoya (Col), R Schumacher (Ger). McLaren: D Coulthard (GB), K Raikkonen (Fin). Renault: J Trulli (It), F Alonso (Sp). Sauber: N Heidfeld (Ger), H-H Frentzen (Ger). Jordan: G Fisichella (It), To be confirmed. Jaguar: M Webber (Aus), A Pizzonia (Bra). BAR: J Villeneuve (Can), J Button (GB). Minardi: TBC, 19 TBC. Toyota: O Panis (Fr), CD Matta (Bra).