Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Formula One series down to 10 teams

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002 | 9:35 a.m.

Brian Hilderbrand covers motor sports for the Las Vegas Sun. His motor sports notebook appears Friday. He can be reached at bh@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4089.

The financially troubled Arrows Formula One team was left off the 2003 F1 entry list for the 2003 season, leaving the international racing series with 10 teams.

Arrows, which missed six of the last seven races this season, applied to compete next year but was denied by the series' governing body "for reasons which have been communicated to the Arrows team," FIA said in a statement.

Under F1 rules, Arrows still could enter next season as a new team but would be required to pay a reported $48 million entry fee.

Arrows has told FIA that it will fight to be reinstated in next year's championship.

"Arrows is very surprised at being omitted from the list of entrants for the 2003 FIA Formula One world championship published yesterday," Arrows Grand Prix International said in a statement. "Arrows confirms that it has served notice to the FIA of its intention to appeal to the appropriate body for a hearing to resolve this issue.

"Arrows remains committed to securing the future of the team."

Eight of the 10 teams on Monday announced their full driver lineups for 2003. Jordan Ford listed only one driver, Giancarlo Fisichella, and Minardi Cosworth did not list either driver.

The 2003 F1 team and driver lineup, as announced by FIA: Ferrari (Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello); BMW Williams (Juan Pablo Montoya, Ralf Schumacher); McLaren (David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen); Renault (Jarno Trulli, Fernando Alonso); Sauber (Nick Heidfeld, Heinz-Harald Frentzen); Jordan (Giancarlo Fisichella); Jaguar (Mark Webber, Antonio Pizzonia); BAR (Jacques Villeneuve, Jenson Button); Minardi (no drivers announced); and Toyota (Olivier Panis, Cristiano da Matta).

The Lansing, Mich.-based company has been with Gentilozzi for the last five seasons, during which Gentilozzi won three Trans-Am championships.

The team has not yet named its driver for 2003 but Gentilozzi said an announcement would be made soon.

Priestley continues a rigorous rehabilitation routine but otherwise has recovered from the injuries, according to a statement from Kelley Racing, his team in the Infiniti Pro Series.