Ferrari

Danka
Arrows Yamaha - 1998

Drivers
M Salo
P Diniz

Tyres

Arrows - facts, figures, drivers

(c)REUTERS

Location: LONDON

Following are facts and figures about the Arrows team ahead of the 1998 Formula One season:

Formula One record:

Starts - 305

Poles - 1

Wins - 0

1997 season - eighth with nine points

History -

1978 - Formula One debut at Brazilian Grand Prix.

1988 - Finished fourth in constructors' championship.

1996 - Tom Walkinshaw takes over control of team.

1997 - John Barnard appointed technical director.

Prospects for the 1998 season -

Arrows A19 powered by Hart V10, Bridgestone tyres.

Owner Walkinshaw will hope for an improvement on last year's poor showing when unreliability caused bust-up with former champion Damon Hill. But podium finishes are again likely to be the exception rather than the rule. Money saved by Hill's departure spent on completely new car with Barnard-designed chassis and own-brand engine, though little testing has been carried out. Plenty of talent behind the wheel in the form of Brazilian Pedro Diniz and especially Finland's Mika Salo. But neither has a grand prix win to his name yet and few would bet on them breaking their duck this year.

Drivers:

Mika Salo - Aged 31, Finnish. Races 52, poles 0, wins 0. The former Tyrell driver remains an as yet unfulfilled talent, known for his skill at nursing cars. Earned only two points last year for Tyrell, but dragged the car to the finish eight times out of 17. Made his Formula One debut in 1994, taking his Lotus to a remarkable 10th place. Drove for Tyrrell in 1995 and 1996.

Pedro Diniz - Aged 27, Brazilian. Races 50, wins 0, poles 0. Performed well as Damon Hill's understudy last year, occasionally outqualifying the former world champion. Lacks consistency on the track, with a tendency to make unforced errors. Pays his own way in part, so his low wage bill makes him an attractive option for the lower budget teams. Made his debut with Forti team in 1995 and drove for Ligier in 1996.

News

18 March 1998