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January 11, 2010
Published on tags: Superleague
Woods Racing manager Ollie Woods called a press conference today in order to announce his 2010 Superleague lineup. Rumours had been flying around the paddock for months about who would drive for the team after their amazing success in 2009 but today was the day those rumours were put to bed.

"Obviously 2009 was a mammoth season for us," began Woods, "and we had no idea at the start of it that we would end up second in both championships. That achievement was amazing and we knew it would put us in a great position with sponsor and driver negotiations. We'll sort out sponsors soon, but we're really pleased to announce the drivers who will drive the WR-10 to glory this year.

The first driver needs no introduction really. He's been an important part of the GPVWC, and Woods Racing, for as long as I can remember and will race in his 100th Grand Prix for Woods in Melbourne. He is lightning quick, perfectly reliable and really consistent. In other words, we can't ask for more.

The second driver is also a GPVWC stalwart, having been around since 2002. He's really quick and will challenge just as much as our first driver will this year. I've wanted him on board for years and I'm really happy to finally have signed him.

"Ladies and gentlemen - our 2010 race driver partnership will be Mark Wicks and Kieran Ryan."

Mark and Kieran walked out and sat down next to Ollie. All three smiled and posed for the cameras before Mark and Kieran spoke. Mark said:

"After a hugely successful 2009 at Woods Racing, staying put was the best option, even as my dedication and leap up the field put me on a few managers shopping lists, but this team is where my heart is. I've been here since 2005 and the opening race of 2010 in Melbourne will be a very special day, as it will be my 100th Grand Prix as a Woods driver in all F1 competitions.

Last year I felt I really kicked myself up a gear and finally became a 'name' in the league, one who can be a challenger and score podiums, which until last year had been a rarity in my career.

Second place for myself will be a hard task to equal in 2010, with some very talented drivers out there, but now with a quick commited driver in Kieran Ryan signed as my teammate for 2010 - a signing I'm very happy about as we've been racing each other since 2002 but never worked together despite having a very healthy rivalry - we shouldn't look to achieve less then last year. We're both good enough and will push each other incredibly hard so a strong challenge for the Constructors title is a distinct possibility, because as a pairing I think we'll be one of the strongest line-ups out there."

Kieran had this to say:

"I wanted to build on my 2009 season as much as I could so signing to Woods was a natural progression. While I had offers from other teams I felt Woods would be a natural step up for me.

2009 was my most challenging year and though I gave it everything I had, I actually had my worst season for a long time.

I'm delighted to join Ollie and Mark Wicks as his team mate. He showed durability and experience and true leadership in the face of trying times last year and secured second in the champ'ship. I'm sure I can push him even harder next year and together we can do some real damage.

It feels like a lifetime ago I started in this very league in 2002. I'm entering my 9th season of racing and I'm still as eager and hungry as ever!''

Ollie finished: "I'm confident that these two can keep us at the level we were at last year. Of course it will be difficult with an influx of quick drivers and knowledgeable managers but I want to prove that 2009 wasn't a one-off. We're still looking for test drivers so anyone interested should get in touch!"