I can't believe what i heard on Speed-sunday about Arden joining F1. If they want to be competitive, (which we know they won't be anyway) then they'll have to design their car, and maybe engine/gearbox from scratch. If you don't believe me about that then look at Jordan, Minardi, Sauber and kind of even Jaguar. They all use an engine or gearbox or more (
mr. sauber ) from another supplier. And none of them are competitive.
The thing is, you can't really make a lot of money out of motorsport unless you have a road-car division as well, and are very very successful. Arden have none of these, and will find it difficult mustering sponsorship with enough cash attached seeing as every current F1 team is struggling with retaining/getting new sponsorship as it is.
I know i for one wouln't sponsor Arden if i was in charge of a multi-million dollar company (i'm only 16 so not yet anyway!!!) And who would want to? Too much risk attached.
rob