November 14, 2004
JTM co-owner Toby Lock told a gathering of the world's press earlier on Saturday 13th November, that JTM, should they be entered in the F1VWC 2005 season, would promote 2004 test driver Emanuel Gaczella to full race driver, joining 2004 driver Nazario Nuti at the helm.

"We're very proud to announce that Emanuel has agreed to drive the JTM in 2005, alongside Naz. This line-up is fantastic for the team, after a disappointing time this last year."

"This team is weird! But it's a good thing; I like things to be weird!" said Emanuel. Emanuel is one of very few feared and well renowned drivers on the sim-racing circuit, and after playing a bit-part in several leagues, wishes to concentrate his efforts on the F1VWC series in 2005. "I've been looking at the series for a long time, since I sighed for JTM last year, and I love the competitive level that the guys drive at. I hope that I can challenge for the title, but it's going to be hard work! I'm glad to be working with the team, Toby is a tough guy, but he's got the guys here at the factory here buzzing and I'm really looking forward to working with them! I haven't seen much of Juan yet though, I hope he plays a bigger role than he did this year."

Nazario was unavailable for comment at the time of release.

2005 is likely to be the first time JTM will be without full Ferrari works engines, as poor performance in '04 could mean that Ferrari drop the team, in favour of a more competitive outfit. "Well FinOz are likely to get the works deal," said Lock, "they were awesome last season. Maybe loyalty could get us customer engines, but maybe Juan has got an ace up his sleeve?"

This announcement came as owner Juan Tortella finally got back into touch with the team.

"He just called one day, asking if I'd made any plans for 2005! A bit cheeky I thought, but at least now we know where we stand" said a smiling Lock.

It's been a trying few months for the JTM co-owner, but it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel. "Well, all fingers have been crossed here in Buenos Aires. We just hope that the guys in charge let us in series one (F1VWC). Should we not, it'll be a bit of a struggle to keep hold of Manu and Naz. I think, as I've not been officially told, that there are out-clauses should we not be in series one. I tell you though, when I told the crew about Juan calling me and confirming out 2005 entry, the eruption of cheers and tears was awesome. There was a great party to celebrate I can tell you, better than anything those Mapes-VO boys can come up with!!"