LONDON, Dec 13: German driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen looks likely to join the Arrows Formula One team after further talks about a contract for 2002.

“We have had some more discussions but nothing has been finalised,” Frentzen’s manager Monte Field told Reuters on Thursday. “We talked about what it takes to put a deal together.”

An Arrows spokeswoman said the British-based team had made no decision on its drivers for 2002 and there was no comment on Frentzen, a winner of three grands prix.

The Sun newspaper reported on Thursday that Arrows had offered Frentzen a contract.

It said that Frentzen was expected to sign before Christmas, with Dutchman Jos Verstappen giving way to allow the German to partner Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi.

Bernoldi, a newcomer in 2001, is backed by Arrows’ sponsor Red Bull.

Frentzen, 34, ended last season with Prost after being dismissed by Jordan in August. The French team are in receivership, saddled with debts of around $30 million and evaluating offers.

The German visited the Arrows factory last month, with Field saying afterwards that no decisions had been made and that he did not think the team were looking to replace anyone.

Frentzen said subsequently that he would be happy to stay with Prost, who want to keep the German but have been unable to guarantee their own future.

Formula One sources said Arrows, who will have Jaguar’s Cosworth engines next season, were now clear favourites to sign Frentzen, who has also been linked to Minardi.

Arrows, Prost and Minardi are the only teams yet to confirm their full driver line-ups for 2002.

Minardi have also expressed an interest in Verstappen teaming up with their confirmed Malaysian driver Alex Yoong.—Reuters