September 30, 2003
Pole sitter Kieran Ryan, 2nd placed Mikko Jakonen and 3rd placed Matt Maple were present.

Pole - Kieran Ryan (EIRE)

Q - Congratulations on your first ever pole position. How does it feel knowing that you are the quickest driver around a track?

A - Thank you. Pole position is always hard to get and it seems weird being up here, I've never done this before, 4th has been my best to date, so pole out of nowhere is quite special, and came at a very important time too. Being fastest is what I was gunning for this weekend, I said to myself I need to be ahead of both Mapes' this weekend to ensure that I can help Daniel; and I did that. I was speaking to Willy and he said why not try for pole, I said don't push your luck.

In the beginning the car didn't run well, I was in the mid 1m 10's and nothing was really working out, then I got a different setup and along with some advice and inspiration I managed to perfect the setup and my lines, and I went a lot faster. That's why you didn't see me post any fast times at the start of the session, I was too slow!

Today was important, I needed to be on pole, because Daniel is 7th and needed my help. We didn't need Mikko being on pole and getting away at the start, and thankfully everything worked out!

Q - Come race day you would, I presume, be under team orders to at least finish ahead of Shiro Ryong in order to help your team-mate - Daniel Wilkinson - in his Drivers Championship challenge. We know that Shiro is quick in race trim - how will you be preparing for the race to ensure you can beat him?

A - Its sort of a given in each race to finish ahead of Mikko and Shiro, I don't need team orders to tell me that!

But seriously, I can do a lot from pole, the car will be strong come race day, strong enough the beat Shiro for sure. His 8th place was only achieved because of some crafty slip-streaming which I watched from the EIRE garage, but I don't think the Holden engine is strong enough to match the Ford, so we should stay ahead. I am not worried though, Daniel may be down in 7th but we've seen him finish 2nd from 6th in the last race, so anything's possible, plus he made an error on his fastest lap and could have gone faster.

Mentally the race will be hard, strategy will be all crucial, but a 4 stopper won't be successful I feel, the pit lane is too long, and the cars are going full throttle down the straight, it will be no advantage for Shiro to try it, so in that respect, I've nothing to be worried about. If I can't help Daniel, then all I have to do is win!

The ideal situation is for me to finish 2nd and for him to win, it's why I am here, to help Daniel win this thing once and for all, the race should be VERY interesting!

2nd Position - Mikko Jakonen (Mapes-VO)

Q - Yet again you are in the top three for a Grand Prix qualifying session. Immediately this gains time over your rivals in the Drivers Championship. I think you must know that this weekend you need a win, or at least to be several points ahead of Shiro Ryong at the end of the race. How will you be preparing for the race?

A - Shiro is comfortably behind me in the start, and I'll just have to drive really fast and hope that the situation will stay that way. All I can do now is to try to make sure the car is in good race trim and do the best I can. At this point I need some luck as well. Starting from the front row is an excellent opportunity to do some good though.

Q - Statistics for the season so far indicate that, out of the top three drivers, you have led the least number of laps. However, in the races you win you seem to come out on top at just the right moment. For this race, in your quest to win at Indy, will you be pushing all out from the start or merely pacing yourself?

A - It's simple.. I'll have to take the lead in the start and hold on to it. I'll have to go 100% from start to finish, there's no way around it.

3rd Position - Matt Maple (JTM)

Q - In the top 3 for a qualifying session for the second time in two races. Being joint Mapes-VO team owner, what will your race tactics be? To help Mikko as much as possible - or to go all out for a win?

A - Well we don't do cheat tactics, my financial assets are within Mapes-VO but i drive for JTM and therefore I race for Juan and myself. We will go for the highest place possible on the day, whether it is 1st, 3rd or 10th etc.... I'm looking forward to it though!

Q - In yourself and Toby Lock, the JTM team have a very strong driver line-up. Your team boss Juan Tortella must be very pleased with the form you have shown this season. Is a 2004 deal in place already?

A - Well, no there is no deal in place but there are also no real offers with substance from elsewhere, this topic is something you should ask Juan not me, I will drive wherever I feel I will have the most competitive overall package, Juan is a great manager, Toby is a great team-mate and the Ferrari engine is pretty good also, so we will see.