Arrows launches in Melbourne.

The OrangeArrows team today became the last to unveil its 2002 contender, when the wraps officially came off the A23 in Albert Park, Melbourne.

The team, now making a habit of launching just days before the opening grand prix of the season, introduced its controversial driving line-up of Enrique Bernoldi and Heinz-Harald Frentzen to the media, as well as unveiling a sponsorship portfolio now boasting greater support from the Red Bull drinks brand, as well as continued support from telecoms giant Orange.

As a result the now familiar orange-and-black livery remains, with the famous Red Bull logo taking greater prominence. Interestingly, the team has managed to retain several of its Dutch sponsors, despite the late departure of Jos Verstappen.

The A23 has already tested in the hands of both drivers, with Frentzen taking the wheel just days after being announced as Verstappen's replacement, and, after a difficult start, has managed to post some promising times with the same Cosworth engine that will power the Jaguar R3 this year.

Designed at Leafield by a team led by technical director Mike Coughlan, the A23 features few visible detail changes, as the team seeks to address the problems that affected last year's A22. The biggest difference, according to Coughlan, is the raised nose, which is higher than in 2001 as the team looked at improving the aerodynamic sensitivity of the entire package.

The car was among the last to run in anger courtesy of a long build time, but Coughlan admits that the decision to build an entirely new machine - rather than adapt the A22 for the 2002 season - was the right one. The added complication of switching engine suppliers once again also took its toll on the schedule, but the team remains confident that, with the known quantity of Bridgestone still on board, that it will be able to compete comfortably in the midfield.