Webber In Line For Arrows Role.

Australian grand prix hopeful Mark Webber looks set to land the Arrows test role, after all, despite fears that the team may opt for a better financed alternative.


The Leafield outfit's deal with Orange last week eased its financial worries, however, and Webber is expected to host a press conference tomorrow [Tuesday] to announce that the job is his. The Australian has already tested extensively with the team over the winter, and has the backing of Arrows Junior Team boss Paul Stoddart, who runs Webber in F3000 on behalf of the senior operation. It is thought that negotiating a release from his Mercedes sportscar contract may also have delayed Webber's announcement.


If, indeed, Webber is installed as Arrows' tester, it will be a blow to Dutchman Tom Coronel, who was thought the most likely alternative, especially given the team's influx of Dutch-based sponsors last week. Coronel will now be free to pursue a CAT drive with Della Penna Motorsports, for whom he tested impressively last month.


Arrows, meanwhile, is due to unveil its definitive livery in Melbourne on Thursday.