By Huw Alban
April 28 2002

The Netherlands offices for major OrangeArrows sponsor Red Bull have given a surprised reaction to Thursday's announcement that Jos Verstappen would not be driving for the team in 2002. In addition, even though they are a major sponsor, Red Bull had no influence over the decision. Site contributor and Jos Verstappen fan Wilfried, has been in contact with the Red Bull offices in the Netherlands to ask for their reaction to Thursdays news that Verstappen's contract had been dissolved.

He has kindly forwarded the reply he received to this site, and according to it's contents the reply is in the form of an official press statement of Red Bull (Netherland's) reaction to the driver announcement.

Spokeswoman for Red Bull, Nancy Souverein, declared, "We Red Bull Netherlands where yesterday unpleasantly surprised with the message that Jos Verstappen is no longer part of the Arrows Team. We regret the fact Jos lost his seat. We also wanted to see Jos driving this car for the 2002 season."

The press release goes on to say that Red Bull, despite being a major sponsor of OrangeArrows does not have any influence of the choice of drivers and that the decision was taken by Tom Walkinshaw.

In the light of the strong nature of the words used in this statement, this site is attempting to clarify that this is indeed Red Bull's view from The Netherlands offices.