Arrows Takes Pedro Option.

Arrows has taken up its option on talented Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa for 2000, and signed a new deal with sponsor Repsol.


The petroleum company joined forces with Arrows for the 1999 campaign, adorning the black cars with its traditional, eye-catching orange colour scheme. Although the season was not a success for the Leafield concern, the company - now known as Repsol YPF after the acquisition of Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales - has seen enough potential in next season's Supertec-powered package to recommit for a second year.


"Last season proved to be a learning curve for us all," commented Jorge Segrelles, Repsol YPF's director of external relations, "but we have every confidence in Arrows to be competitive during next season. We are happy to renew our association with the team for another year, and have great faith in Pedro's ability to do well."


For de la Rosa, who took several seasons to break into the F1 fold, the option of re-signing with the team which gave him his break was not a hard one to take. The Spaniard scored a point on his GP debut in Melbourne in March, but struggled towards the tail of the field thereafter, but he, too, believes the team is on the up.


"I am very pleased that Repsol YPF has decided to continue to support Arrows for another season," he said, "The team is working hard to put the finishing touches to the A21 with its Supertec engine, which I am sure will prove to be a competitive force next year."


Team boss Tom Walkinshaw had made no secret of his intent to retain the services of de la Rosa for 2000, and admitted his delight at the Repsol deal which allowed him to back his hunch.


"I have been very impressed with Pedro's maturity and professionalism during his first year with the team," he remarked, "and I am confident that we will be able to provide him with a car and engine for next season that will help him achieve competitive results. Naturally, we are also delighted that Repsol YPF has decided to renew their association with us for another year."


While de la Rosa's seat has now been confirmed, much speculation surrounds the identity of his partner. Dutch pairing Jos Verstappen and Tom Coronel remain firmly in the frame, with the latter scheduled to run with the team at Barcelona this week. Verstappen remains the favourite for a race place, however.