Bernoldi to stay with Arrows in 2002.

OrangeArrows announced today [11th January] that Enrique Bernoldi will continue to drive for the team in the 2002 FIA Formula One World Championship.

"Enrique has proven himself to be very quick from the outset, particularly in qualifying where he has been our lead driver on 10 occasions," commented OrangeArrows Team Principal, Tom Walkinshaw.

"What has impressed us most recently is his growing confidence in setting up the car and his race performances. I feel the investment in taking a rookie last season will be well rewarded when we give him a competitive package in 2002."

Twenty-three-year-old Brazilian, Enrique Bernoldi, joined the OrangeArrows team at the beginning of 2001. In his rookie season he impressed the team with his speed and growing maturity. "My first year in F1 was pretty tough" commented Bernoldi, "but also very rewarding as I was able to make steady progress throughout the season. I am grateful to Tom for having confidence in me and am looking forward to giving it 100% and making 2002 a success."

The move could be bad news for Jos Verstappen, who partnered Bernoldi during his 2001 rookie season. The Dutchman already has a contract in place for 2002, but his seat is now understood to be under threat from Heinz-Harald Frentzen, should the German not find a berth at Prost for the coming season.

The OrangeArrows team will be back on track at the end of January when the new car - the A23 - is completed. The car will run in the UK before being transported to Spain for intensive testing in preparation for the new season.

The full OrangeArrows driver line-up for 2002 and an official launch date will be announced in the near future.