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Formula Sprint 2
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course
Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 19:00:00
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September 03, 2004
After Antonio Irisarri had put his Phoenix F1 into the top 3 for qualifying, and a hectic effort to get Wilkinson acclimatised to the conditions with no track time (due to Fawcett having to dash away from the track in an emergency) team boss Andy Graydon held his second Press Conference in 2 days. whilst Irisarri was attending the Qualifying Press Conference, Kieran Ryan sat next to Andy Graydon as he addressed the packed room.

His first comment was to confirm that Antonio Irisarri would not be driving for the team in his current capacity as a Race driver in 2005.

"It is actually with quite a bit of sadness that I've had to back out of negotiations with Antonio for 2005. He has been with us since 2003, never missing an event he was due to participate in, being a steady points scorer, gaining the team it's one and only Pole Position at a wet Magny Cours in 2003, and being an all round model F1VWC Race Driver.

His performances of late have not been helped by slight technical problems, but hopefully he has resolved them here in Belgium. I'm expecting a big race from him, especially if the conditions turn dry as the weather forecast currently predicts.

We had a chat about the situation, and he was OK with it, if a little shocked. However, I've promised him the teams full backing for the remaining races in 2004."

"And what about 2005", the Press asked.

Andy responded:-

"From Antonio's perspective, I put a contract in front of him that keeps him within the Phoenix F1 stable as a Test / Reserve Driver BUT with the promise that I would try and obtain a top Race seat for 2005. If such a position was forthcoming and appealed to Antonio, then we would loan him out for no fee. However, Antonio wants a full season in a competitive team - which is understandable. And I have already contacted several teams regarding his situation.

Antonio signed that contract straight away, which speaks volumes for his character and for his beliefs in the team and me the boss.

It's strange that you have to be hard minded to succeed, and having reached a point where for the first time as Team owner I've had to make a really hard decision it's been REALLY difficult. But things move on, and after two seasons I believe it is time for the team to move that next step and challenge Mapes-VO's dominance of the Constructor's Championship.

To that end, I would like to introduce you to Kieran Ryan's partner in the racing team for 2005!"

The room went quite as, from behind a curtain to the left of the the seating area, a well groomed man strode across the room.

The Press looked at each other in disbelief! The minority didn't actually reckognise him, but the majority of the old 'hacks' knew him straight away.

Graydon:-

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, I introduce to you Jason Endean - currently living in the USA but his home country being New Zealand, partner to Kieran Ryan for F1VWC season 2005!"

Spontaneous applause followed Endean to his seating position, as he shook hands with Graydon and Ryan and sat down, smiling at the reception afforded him.

Andy Graydon then invited the journalists present to ask there questions, something they had plenty of!

Jason, welcome back to the F1VWC. What made you choose Phoenix F1 for your return to competitive GP4 racing above any other team for 2005?

"Basically the management team. I had a desire to get back into F1 again and Andy was the first to offer me something. We had been in contact on and off for quite a while. Besides that, the team has the desire to succeed and challenge for the Championships. It is always good to associate and surround yourself with people who have the same goals as yourself. So for me it was a natural decision."

So you and Andy have been in contact regarding your availability for a race seat, but how does it feel to have actually completed that deal for season 2005?

"Andy and I have spoken many times about me getting into the car and driving for Phoenix F1 at various points throughout 2003 and 2004, always looking to the season ahead. But with other obligations it was not possible. I was invited to the Belgium GP as a guest of Phoenix F1 where Andy and I sat down and started discussing the possibility of me returning to F1 and driving for Phoenix. You could say he made me an offer that I could not refuse. It is a very exciting prospect to start driving an F1 car again and I am really looking forward to getting back into the mix with this form of racing."

What are your expectations for season 2005, both as a driver and for the team?

"Well, I am of an opinion that the team goals have priority over personal ones. So my main goal is to help Phoenix F1 achieve a Constructors Championship, and whatever my personal gains are by helping Phoenix F1 to achieve that are a bonus. Of course I would like to challenge for the Drivers Championship, but there are a lot of talented drivers out there at the moment and I have to keep things in perspective. As the season progresses they may change. "

What are your thoughts on your team-mate for 2005 ? Kieran Ryan?

"I only raced against Kieran for a few races back in 2002, but from what i saw he has great skill and desire to win. I am sure that we will work together well and use each other to get the maximum out of the car."

We haven't heard of you driving in other leagues, so how do you plan to improve your skills over the winter?

"First off I need to try and get as much seat time as I can to get familiar with the car. Then start retrieving all the data I can to get the maximum from the car. The rest should fall into place. Once I have driven the car for the first time, I should have a better idea of what areas need to be addressed and take it from there. But Andy assures me that next years car will be a further development of the 2004 contender, so we should have a good base point for comparison purposes to see how I'm doing from an early stage."

The Press then turned to Kieran Ryan for his comments on the addition of Endean as his team-mate for 2005.

Kieran, do you feel concerned that a driver of Jason's calibre has joined the team?

"When I signed for Phoenix I hoped that I would get a fast team-mate but I never would have thought it would be as accomplished a driver as Jason is. But still I'm glad to hear of the signing and I do look forward to working with him, I'm sure he can show me a lot and hopefully I can do the same for him. I don't intend to let him show me the way so I will give him a run for his money." Kieran winked at Endean who laughed at the Irishmans joke.

This announcement would appear to put a challenge firmly at the door of Mapes-VO; EIRE; FinOz and all the other F1VWC teams for 2005. Do you believe that the team could challenge for the Constructor's Championship?

"The Phoenix Renault package is now complete. The Renault engine, drivers and a good team around me for 2005 - so I think next year should be a challanging year - but one that we shall embrace and hopefully challange for the title too. Yes, we are looking very strong for 2005!"

Andy Graydon then brought proceedings to an end, confirming that he and Endean would be meeting up with Irisarri (to congratulate him on his first Qualifying podium of the season amongst other things) and Wilkinson to chat about the characteristics of the 2004 car.

"Work never ceases around here" muttered Graydon as he, Endean and Ryan disappeared behind the curtains towards the Pit complex.