Webber problem could lead to Arrows F3000 split.

The non-appearance of Mark Webber at a scheduled test last week may lead to deeper problems within the Arrows-European Formula F3000 operation.

According to sources at Leafield, the dispute between the two parties is thought to have arisen after Webber refused to agree to a long-term testing contract with Arrows, feeling that this would compromise his chances of landing a race seat elsewhere in 2001. Without a signature on what was described as a 'standard test contract', the Australian was unable to drive the A21 at Silverstone last Thursday, and his place was taken by regular driver Pedro de la Rosa.

Now the rift between Arrows and Webber's mentor, Paul Stoddart, appears to have gone further, with the F3000 team boss intimating that his Ledbury-based operation may no longer be directly involved with its F1 counterpart, despite sharing many common sponsors.

''I will be meeting Tom Walkinshaw later this week to discuss the situation,'' the Australian told Motoring News, ''and I can't say too much until after that but, if things aren't resolved, then we will have to go our separate ways.''

Webber's drive with European is thought to be unaffected by the current wrangling, and the Silverstone race winner is understood to be in negotiation with a couple of F1 teams regarding a seat for next season.