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July 17, 2004
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With 9 races now completed of the F1VWC 2004 season, Toby Lock (in his official role as F1VWC Reporter) has documented his opinions on how the 11 teams have performed so far:
S.C.U.M - Holden
After the loss of 2003 champion Shiro Ryong, as a permanent driver at least, expectations were still high, even though a top-line driver was not present in the lineup. However, the return of Ryong for 4 early season races saw the team return to its once competitive self, and gave hope to those interested in the SCUM name.
Ryong still SCUM saviour
Holding steady in 5th place in the constructors' championship, the team will undoubtedly hope to progressively gain points as the season continues. As yet though, Ryong's tally of 23 points has only been added to by the single point obtained by Matt Hunt, another temporary stand in loaned from Mapes-VO.
MAPES-VO - Honda
As expected, Mapes-VO have been at the sharper end of proceedings throughout the season. Consistent Mikko Jakonen currently leads the Drivers Championship by 14 points over Aussie flyer Scott Whiteman, and the team is running away with the Constructors title, by almost 40 points.
Jakonen's Monaco victory a definite highlight!
Second driver and co-owner Matt Maple took control of the seat after Petri Loukasmaki suddenly left the team after the Monaco GP, but has settled quickly despite a DNF at Indianapolis, one of the very few chinks in the bulletproof armour protecting the Honda engines. Expect more podiums and potentially both titles come Interlargos in November.
EIRE - Jaguar
Willy Ponissi's Eire outfit have failed to disappoint with the lightning Scott Whiteman taking 5 victories from 9 races this season. Having only been beaten once in a straight battle, it would take a wise man to bet against Whiteman ruining the Mapes-VO party this season.
Early season reliability issues means Whiteman still 2nd in Driver Championship despite 5 wins
Like SCUM, Eire seem to be dependant on Whiteman as main points scorer, with team-mate Loram taking 5 points from the season so far. However, a recent driver change sees Daan Van Renswoude take over the #6 car, and his proven pace could make Eire a force to be reckoned with.
PHOENIX F1 - Renault
Phoenix are one of the more consistent teams on the grid, despite a new driver line-up for almost every race! After the disappointing appointment of Adam Fretter turned sour, team boss Andy Graydon has had trouble securing a permanent driver to fill the spot alongside Colombian Antonio Irisarri.
Irisarri consistent points scorer for Phoenix F1
With drivers like Kieran Ryan, Daniel Wilkinson and Joe Consiglio waiting in the wings to be called up to the race squad at short notice, the team should have no problems competing with FinOz for 3rd in the constructors title. Each of the Phoenix drivers is fully capable of taking podiums, and should the situation occur, race wins are not to be overlooked.
JTM - Ferrari (w)
JTM came into the 2004 season with great expectations. However, despite a good first race for Maple, the teams form dipped. Lock hadn't scored any points at all, but in the last 3 races (partnering Tortella & Nuti) things are starting to gel!
JTM hitting good form in last 3 races
Lock's form is a revelation. Race by race he is qualifying higher AND racing into the points. Nuti has come into the series and given the team its first double points finish of the 2004 season. Toby Lock has managed to gain exclusive access to JTM personnel (obviously as he drives for the team!) and his detailed report can be seen by clicking HERE.
MMC RACING - BMW
Newcomers MMC have had a mediocre season so far, compared to the lightning start in Melbourne. Sleight's pole left drivers scratching their heads as to the immediate pace of the new MMC contender. However, a string of DNF's and setup problems, they have barely troubled the top end of the grid for top points scoring positions.
MMC struggling with race form
Sleight currently outscores team owner and team mate Ryan McConkey by 20-4. On the right day, podiums are achievable for both drivers, but the double-DQ in qualifying at their home GP sums up their season so far: so near, and yet so far. The MMC garage is also the home of the most beautiful pit girls in the series!
MMRT - Mercedes
The MMRT launch saw one of the most unique carshapes on the 2004 grid. The innovative single-tier nose (reminiscent of the 1997 Tyrrell) would either take off, or flop. Although currently only gaining a single point from the first 10 races, new recruit Kieran Ryan is contracted to complete 6 races for the team during the remainder of the season, and is clearly competent at point-scoring.
Mihailovic sole points scorer so far at MMRT
Expect to see the MMRT nearer the top of the grid than in previous races, and maybe the distinctive design of their 2004 contender will be making its way onto design boards for the 2005 season.
SIMSOA - Cosworth (c)
Popular Lawrence Simpson's team has also struggled to gain a steady foothold in the competitive F1VWC standings, though a brief appearance from Rent-a-Driver Kieran Ryan scored the team its first podium in the series, and 11 of the 12 team points gained this season.
Simsoa fast in right circumstances
Javier Aparicio and David Brown have struggled a little in achieving points scoring opportunities, but the team are always upbeat, and look to be enjoying their racing, regardless of the outcome, a sign of true racers!
FinOZ - Ferrari (c)
The FinOz team have made a massive impression on the series right from the word GO! Steve Elencevski, reigning IGP3 Champion and team co-owner Kari Koski have made huge improvements to their car throughout the season's testing periods, and are expected in the top 8 with each race.
Elencevski "on fire" in underpowered FinOz
So far the only man to beat Whiteman in a straight fight (winning the European GP), Steve E is in a secure 3rd place in the championship standings, and is still definitely in the running for the title should things fall his way. The popular Koski has suffered recently with controlling race pace, though is perfectly capable of top-drawer performances.
WOODS RACING - Toyota
Woods Racing, owned by youngster Ollie Woods, should be delighted with their current performance. With 5 points on the board courtesy of Chris Goodley, and a "one-race-only" deal with sim-racing king Phil Williams for the British GP, a victory is definitely possible, if not expected!
Goodley's superb 4th at Monaco - only points so far
Vincent Keersmaekers was a slight let down after his promising qualifying performances, and legend Willy Ponissi filled the seat in the early season with Goodley alongside. Should Woods secure Williams for another race or two, expect the team to climb the constructors table rapidly!
PUMA F1 - Porsche
Good humoured Dave "Car-Killer" Cummings can't wait until he can get his new Puma F1 car out onto the grid. Like the MMRT in an innovative design, a good string of results could see it become the norm of 2005.
Wagner has shown flashes of brilliance!
Having not troubled the scorers as yet, the Puma team hope for their new contender to make a positive impact on proceedings and enter the top 10 constructors list by the end of the season.
S.C.U.M - Holden
After the loss of 2003 champion Shiro Ryong, as a permanent driver at least, expectations were still high, even though a top-line driver was not present in the lineup. However, the return of Ryong for 4 early season races saw the team return to its once competitive self, and gave hope to those interested in the SCUM name.
Ryong still SCUM saviour
Holding steady in 5th place in the constructors' championship, the team will undoubtedly hope to progressively gain points as the season continues. As yet though, Ryong's tally of 23 points has only been added to by the single point obtained by Matt Hunt, another temporary stand in loaned from Mapes-VO.
MAPES-VO - Honda
As expected, Mapes-VO have been at the sharper end of proceedings throughout the season. Consistent Mikko Jakonen currently leads the Drivers Championship by 14 points over Aussie flyer Scott Whiteman, and the team is running away with the Constructors title, by almost 40 points.
Jakonen's Monaco victory a definite highlight!
Second driver and co-owner Matt Maple took control of the seat after Petri Loukasmaki suddenly left the team after the Monaco GP, but has settled quickly despite a DNF at Indianapolis, one of the very few chinks in the bulletproof armour protecting the Honda engines. Expect more podiums and potentially both titles come Interlargos in November.
EIRE - Jaguar
Willy Ponissi's Eire outfit have failed to disappoint with the lightning Scott Whiteman taking 5 victories from 9 races this season. Having only been beaten once in a straight battle, it would take a wise man to bet against Whiteman ruining the Mapes-VO party this season.
Early season reliability issues means Whiteman still 2nd in Driver Championship despite 5 wins
Like SCUM, Eire seem to be dependant on Whiteman as main points scorer, with team-mate Loram taking 5 points from the season so far. However, a recent driver change sees Daan Van Renswoude take over the #6 car, and his proven pace could make Eire a force to be reckoned with.
PHOENIX F1 - Renault
Phoenix are one of the more consistent teams on the grid, despite a new driver line-up for almost every race! After the disappointing appointment of Adam Fretter turned sour, team boss Andy Graydon has had trouble securing a permanent driver to fill the spot alongside Colombian Antonio Irisarri.
Irisarri consistent points scorer for Phoenix F1
With drivers like Kieran Ryan, Daniel Wilkinson and Joe Consiglio waiting in the wings to be called up to the race squad at short notice, the team should have no problems competing with FinOz for 3rd in the constructors title. Each of the Phoenix drivers is fully capable of taking podiums, and should the situation occur, race wins are not to be overlooked.
JTM - Ferrari (w)
JTM came into the 2004 season with great expectations. However, despite a good first race for Maple, the teams form dipped. Lock hadn't scored any points at all, but in the last 3 races (partnering Tortella & Nuti) things are starting to gel!
JTM hitting good form in last 3 races
Lock's form is a revelation. Race by race he is qualifying higher AND racing into the points. Nuti has come into the series and given the team its first double points finish of the 2004 season. Toby Lock has managed to gain exclusive access to JTM personnel (obviously as he drives for the team!) and his detailed report can be seen by clicking HERE.
MMC RACING - BMW
Newcomers MMC have had a mediocre season so far, compared to the lightning start in Melbourne. Sleight's pole left drivers scratching their heads as to the immediate pace of the new MMC contender. However, a string of DNF's and setup problems, they have barely troubled the top end of the grid for top points scoring positions.
MMC struggling with race form
Sleight currently outscores team owner and team mate Ryan McConkey by 20-4. On the right day, podiums are achievable for both drivers, but the double-DQ in qualifying at their home GP sums up their season so far: so near, and yet so far. The MMC garage is also the home of the most beautiful pit girls in the series!
MMRT - Mercedes
The MMRT launch saw one of the most unique carshapes on the 2004 grid. The innovative single-tier nose (reminiscent of the 1997 Tyrrell) would either take off, or flop. Although currently only gaining a single point from the first 10 races, new recruit Kieran Ryan is contracted to complete 6 races for the team during the remainder of the season, and is clearly competent at point-scoring.
Mihailovic sole points scorer so far at MMRT
Expect to see the MMRT nearer the top of the grid than in previous races, and maybe the distinctive design of their 2004 contender will be making its way onto design boards for the 2005 season.
SIMSOA - Cosworth (c)
Popular Lawrence Simpson's team has also struggled to gain a steady foothold in the competitive F1VWC standings, though a brief appearance from Rent-a-Driver Kieran Ryan scored the team its first podium in the series, and 11 of the 12 team points gained this season.
Simsoa fast in right circumstances
Javier Aparicio and David Brown have struggled a little in achieving points scoring opportunities, but the team are always upbeat, and look to be enjoying their racing, regardless of the outcome, a sign of true racers!
FinOZ - Ferrari (c)
The FinOz team have made a massive impression on the series right from the word GO! Steve Elencevski, reigning IGP3 Champion and team co-owner Kari Koski have made huge improvements to their car throughout the season's testing periods, and are expected in the top 8 with each race.
Elencevski "on fire" in underpowered FinOz
So far the only man to beat Whiteman in a straight fight (winning the European GP), Steve E is in a secure 3rd place in the championship standings, and is still definitely in the running for the title should things fall his way. The popular Koski has suffered recently with controlling race pace, though is perfectly capable of top-drawer performances.
WOODS RACING - Toyota
Woods Racing, owned by youngster Ollie Woods, should be delighted with their current performance. With 5 points on the board courtesy of Chris Goodley, and a "one-race-only" deal with sim-racing king Phil Williams for the British GP, a victory is definitely possible, if not expected!
Goodley's superb 4th at Monaco - only points so far
Vincent Keersmaekers was a slight let down after his promising qualifying performances, and legend Willy Ponissi filled the seat in the early season with Goodley alongside. Should Woods secure Williams for another race or two, expect the team to climb the constructors table rapidly!
PUMA F1 - Porsche
Good humoured Dave "Car-Killer" Cummings can't wait until he can get his new Puma F1 car out onto the grid. Like the MMRT in an innovative design, a good string of results could see it become the norm of 2005.
Wagner has shown flashes of brilliance!
Having not troubled the scorers as yet, the Puma team hope for their new contender to make a positive impact on proceedings and enter the top 10 constructors list by the end of the season.
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