October 12, 2004
For round 16 of the F1VWC, MMC will have an interesting driver line up. Manager and driver Ryan McConkey opted to take a race off and give Laaff another shot in the MMC002B. Paul Sleight returns to the drivers seat after taking a break during the French GP.

Ryan commented on his decison, "I decided to take a race off just to take a break. Suzuka is one of my favorite circuits and I did fairly well there last year, but I'm fine with taking this race off. I'll race at Suzuka again in the future I'm sure. I have my full confidence in Sleight and Laaff in getting a good result at Suzuka. Our goal is to regain 5th in the constructors, which is within reach. I feel we can do it. I will be back in the car for Brazil and hopefully I will be well prepared for getting a strong result there."

Fernando gave his thoughts, "Ryan told me he wanted to take a break so if he needs a break it`s my task to replace him, so it`s written in the contract, right? Then I can say thanks for the further chance, and thanks to Ryan for his trust, I won`t disappoint him and the team."

Sleight was unavailable for comment, but he has been reportedly happy to be back in the car racing and is looking forward to the race on Sunday.