MOTOR SPORT: Tom Walkinshaw yesterday played what may be his final hand in the fraught game of poker surrounding the future of the Arrows Formula One team when he ordered his cars to turn back on their way to Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix. If the team miss the race in Budapest their future in the sport may be jeopardised.

Walkinshaw is still arguing with shareholders Morgan Grenfell over whether he can accept fresh investment from the Red Bull sports drinks company, a move against which Morgan Grenfell obtained a court injunction.

Walkinshaw is also facing a bid to purchase the team from Craig Pollock, founder of the rival British American Racing team.

Pollock said last week he was "80 per cent certain" of concluding the purchase of the Arrows team but he believes that the longer the negotiations can continue, the cheaper Arrows will be.

However, Walkinshaw's latest strategy looks like a win-or-bust effort to break the negotiating deadlock and bounce Pollock into a decision - or risk the team finally going out of business.

The FIA has not commented, but there are signs that the sport's governing body is running out of patience with Arrows and the team could lose their entry in the championship if it is proved they have missed a specific race because of commercial insolvency.

British driver Anthony Davidson will replace Malaysia's Alex Yoong in the Minardi team for the race at the Hungaroring and the Belgian Grand Prix a fortnight later. Yoong has failed to qualify for three races and will spend the next few weeks in a test programme aimed at improving his performances in qualifying.

Another Briton, Justin Wilson, was favourite to land the seat, but the 6ft 3in driver proved too tall to meet cockpit safety requirements.

Guardian Service