Arden confirmed as 2002 F3000 Team Champions.

Following the FIA's decision yesterday to quash Coloni Motorsports appeal made against both Arden cars in Monza, the Banbury based team have been confirmed as 2002 F3000 Team Champions.

The Italian Coloni team protested not only the Arden cars of race winner Bjorn Wirdheim and third placed Tomas Enge but also the Petrobras Junior team car of second placed Antonio Pizzonia.

Whilst both Arden cars were found to conform with the technical regulations, the Petrobras car was excluded from the results providing the Arden team with their second 1/2 finish of the season.

This confirmation is welcome news after Tomas Enge attended a hearing in front of the FIA World Council on Tuesday and was disqualified from round 10 of the Championship following a positive dope test, thus losing his Drivers Championship title.

Since forming in 1997, the Arden Team have enjoyed their most successful season to date recording five wins, four second places and one third place.

Team boss Christian Horner commented: "Obviously the result of Tomas' FIA hearing on Tuesday was enormously disappointing for both Tomas and the team, however, I am delighted with the confirmation of the Teams Championship which is the result of a great deal of hard work."

"Tomas in particular has been outstanding this season and has clearly demonstrated that he was consistently the quickest and most complete driver this year. The FIA have been extremely fair and have allowed Tomas' career to continue as he certainly deserves the opportunity to get back into Formula 1."

"Finally, I would like to thank all our sponsors, commercial partners and suppliers for their tremendous support this season."