MAGNY-COURS, France -- Financially-troubled Arrows packed up and headed for home after failing to qualify for Sunday's French Grand Prix under a cloud of suspicion.

"Unfortunately we were unable to qualify either car today," said team boss Tom Walkinshaw in a brief statement. "Our priority has to be to get this team back on its feet and in a position where we can build a positive future.

"It's sad but we'll go home and prepare for Hockenheim."

The team said negotiations over its future would continue next week before the July 28 German Grand Prix.

However International Automobile Federation (FIA) sources questioned how seriously Arrows had tried to qualify and said there would be an observers' investigation into what went on at Magny-Cours.

The team did not take part in Friday's free practice, ran only one installation lap per car in Saturday's practice and just three of its 12 laps in qualifying.

German driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen was also reported to have changed into casual clothes before the end of qualifying.

Arrows also failed to take part in Friday's free practice at the previous British Grand Prix, when engine suppliers Cosworth demanded payment, and its Formula One future is hanging in the balance.

Walkinshaw has said he has three parties interested in buying or investing in the team, but must secure the agreement of investors Morgan Grenfell.