Arrows Denies Lotus Position.

The Arrows team has denied that it will be joining forces with David Hunt's Lotus operation next season, as was widely reported in the British weekend press.


Several Sunday newspapers revealed that the beleaguered Leafield team - which is up for sale following the resignation of co-owner Prince Malik Ado Ibrahim - is expected to form a partnership with the reformed Team Lotus, but the claims have been denied by both parties.


Arrows' spokeswoman Christine Gorham said that the team had 'no idea where the story had come from' and insisted that long-standing team leader Tom Walkinshaw was 'happy with progress being made towards the 2000 campaign', despite admitting that his share of Arrows would be for sale if the right bidder came forward.


Lotus boss David Hunt, meanwhile, has remained silent, despite being linked to a possible F1 return. The original Lotus operation left the grand prix scene in 1994, after ailing for several years before that, but the name was bought by Hunt - brother of 1976 world champion James - with the intention of returning it to glory.


Lotus' last involvement with Formula One saw it 'partner' the fledgling Pacific outfit in an abortive two-year grand prix sojourn, but it has recently been linked to Arab investors in an attempt to return in its own right. A tie-up with Arrows would now enable it to bypass the required $30million entry bond stipulated by the FIA for new teams, and give it access to a Supertec engine deal.