Arbitration: Williams keeps a watching eye

Although Spyker has begun the arbitration process, Williams - one of the leading critics in the customer cars row - has remained quiet.

Today, a spokesperson for the British team confirmed that it has not yet begun its own action: "We are not involved at this time," a spokesperson told Reuters.

Speaking at the launch of FW29, both Frank Williams and Patrick Head were adamant that customer cars contravene the Concorde Agreement and that any team using them in 2007 should not qualify for points (or prize money) in the Constructors' Championship.

Although moves have been made behind the scenes to calm the row, Spyker, in particular, remains adamant, hence last week's admission that the arbitration process has begun.

It is thought that the Dutch team is questioning the legality not only of the Toro Rosso and Super Aguri cars, but also the 2007 Red Bull and the 2006 Toro Rosso.

Charlie's pours out $20000 in employment dispute

A woman who said her boss regarded her pregnancy as an obstacle to her advancement has missed out on her personal grievance claim for discrimination and distress.

But the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has awarded Nicky McFarlane $20,000 in wage arrears and compensation for losing the use of her company car.

Mrs McFarlane, national sales manager for Charlie's juices, took a personal grievance case for unjustifiable disadvantage to the authority after she and the company were unable to resolve problems between her and Stefan Lepionka at mediation.

She was appointed to her position in July 2004. She said that in January 2006 Mr Lepionka told her her position might no longer exist and she might have a regional sales manager role.

"She says that when she protested about not being consulted, Mr Lepionka said if she did not like it she should not have got pregnant," ERA member Leon Robinson said in his adjudication.