Can Arrows get the jump on Jaguar in testing ?

By Huw Alban
April 27 2002

Jaguar's Niki Lauda has hinted that he is concerned about the possible performance of the new Arrows challenger when it takes to the track with one of his Cosworth engines in the back. Jaguar are taking part in the early tests and Lauda is grateful Arrows are not there.

There was a recent scare that the delay in the Arrows team taking to the track was down to a delay by Cosworth, but there have been several quotes published by spokepeople for the team claiming that this was always the plan. Latest reports suggest that Arrows will be receiving their supply of engines imminently, and meantime the team will continue to build the A23 chassis required for the season.

The new Cosworth V10 will be a development of the one used by Jaguar to finish the 2001 season, with an all-new unit being made available later in the season. Despite the possible threat of Arrows wiping the floor with Jaguar, Lauda is apparently very pleased that two teams are using his engines. "That is a good thing," he claimed at the launch of the Jaguar R3, "Because if Arrows beat us, it will show we are not doing a good enough job. It will also give us more engine data to work with."