Frentzen

LONDON -- German Heinz-Harald Frentzen will drive for Arrows alongside Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi for the 2002 season, the Leafield-based team has confirmed.

The 34-year-old Frentzen was left without a ride for this season after the troubled Prost team was declared bankrupt on Jan. 28, and Arrows team principal Tom Walkinshaw said he was happy with his choice of driver.

"We're very pleased that Heinz-Harald is joining the team," Walkinshaw said. "He is a recognized top-line driver and has proved his mettle by winning three Grands Prix during his career.

"We are at an important stage in the development of Arrows and feel that Heinz-Harald has the necessary experience to help us move forward."

Frentzen began his Formula One career at Sauber in 1994 before moving to Williams, where he secured his first Grand Prix win at the San Marino Grand Prix three years later.

He left Williams at the end of 1998 and joined Jordan before linking up with Prost last season.

"I'm very much looking forward to racing for Arrows," Frentzen said, after signing the one-year deal. "The team has a fantastic facility and a lot of very talented and dedicated people.

"All the ingredients are there to take a major step forward and I'm convinced we will be successful."

Verstappen blow
The signing of Frentzen is a bitter blow for Dutchman Jos Verstappen, who was given a contract for the 2002 season midway through last year.

Verstappen, who pre-empted Arrows' announcement by predicting Frentzen's appointment on his own official website Wednesday, has now been released from his contract and has parted company with the team.

Frentzen will begin his testing duties by driving the new 2002-spec Cosworth-powered Arrows A23 in Valencia, Spain on Wednesday.

Frentzen has now filled the final slot on the 22-strong grid for the new season.