October 19, 2004
After recent events, involving a loggerhead battle between former friends Matt Maple and Toby Lock, it seems increased sponsor pressure has forced the powers that be to recall their original JTM line-up for the final event in Brazil.

"Like hell am I going to share a garage with that ****" quoted Maple, who intends to fight the contract recall. Arguments have stemmed from a personal altercation, and the war of words has escalated to both men organising a knuckle fight at the F1VWC Awards Ceremony at Donington in November. "He betrayed me, he WAS my best mate, clearly that wasn't two-way like I thought, he sold me out and we'll sort it next month"

Lock, after recently announcing he was bored of racing, seemed baffled by the decision.

"I'm not happy with the decision. I thought I was the team manager here, but clearly I'm just a damn puppet in this organisation. But to put me with him, after all that's happened, it's only doing more bad than good. Maybe we won't wait til Donington, He'd better hope he's ahead of me, I'll easily have him off the track, no skin off mine."

West spokesman Ian Slattery explained the decision to the world's media earlier today, outside West Headquarters:

"We believe that the working relationship between the two will be enough to overcome the problems they are having on a personal level. Although the decision could work against us, both are professionals and we don't believe that either will take the risk of ruining the others chances of success in Brazil."

Both drivers are believed to have requested legal action from the CRB, but with both having signed binding year long deals in early January, there looks to be little way out for either driver.

Self proclaimed Max Mosley clone Andy Graydon, hearing the press release and in his role as F1VWC Chief Admin, was quick to point out that there would be no squabbles between the pair, either at Interlagos or at the Donington Park get together:-

"Welcome to the real World! They're adults now, and what's happened has happened. Time to forget and move on. Any trouble at either venue and - well, they'll have me to deal with (OK, maybe not much of a disincentive!) and potentially lengthy bans. We run a racing league here, not a free for all down the local pub on a Saturday night."