OrangeArrows choose not to test in March

By Huw Alban
April 29 2002

According to a number of news sources the OrangeArrows team look unlikely to test throughout March to develop the new Cosworth powered A23 chassis. A number of teams are due to attend the next major test at Barcelona after the Malaysian Grand Prix, but it looks like Arrows are waiting until April.

Testing during the three season opening fly-away races is sporadic at best, and with the A23 being launch so late the team have not had a great deal of time to develop and learn about their new car. The 2002 season started badly for the team with both cars stranded on the dummy grid due to a software problem, something thay they will be keen to avoid next weekend at Sepang.

News sources believe that Arrows will resume their test and development programme in April, once Formula 1 returns to Europe to prepare for the San Marino Grand Prix on the 14th. Unfortunately there has been no comment (yet) from the team about why they are choosing not to test in March.