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January 22, 2013
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Elvington, on the outskirts of York in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England.
Freezing temperatures. The airstrip is covered in snow, so there's no seeing the Phoenix Racing PF1-05 in action as it makes it's debut appearance in front of the Press today at the cars launch, the teams official unveiling on it's return to the GPVWC!
Snowbound would be an understatement, and the room is hardly what you would call 'full' of the Motorsport Press. There's also a worry that the team may struggle to get it's cars to Valencia on time for the first pre-season test. Several flights have been cancelled around the UK, but luckily the team have confirmed it has been able to call on the services of one of it's ex-racers (and Pilot), Jan Kelder, who has managed to arrange a promise of a KTM Cargo flight with conditions likely to improve in the next 24 hours.
And so we see the Corporate Function Room with the shape of an F1 car hidden under a large silk sheet. But before the Press can see the teams new car, there's also the major formality of announcing it's Driver line-up for 2013. There's excitement in the air as team owner Andy Graydon, fresh from a 26 hour non-stop flight from Australia, walks centre stage and welcomes those who have been able to attend.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure and immense pride to be able to welcome you to the Phoenix F1 factory today. As you well know, it's been nearly 5 years since the team last ran in anger from these very premises. When the opportunity arose to become a part of the GPVWC again, I looked into the possibility of a team entry in the short timescale available. And decided that the time was right to rejoin the F1/Superleague fraternity."
With a beaming smile, the 48 year old team owner continued:-
"We've had many a success under the 'Phoenix Racing' guise elsewhere, and indeed I have been able to resurrect a personal racing career I thought long gone since my last full time season at the GPVWC back in 2002. Phoenix F1 became a part of that history from 2003 through to 2005, also making an appearance in 2008 when the series had a major rebranding and the team fell under the F1VWC banner. So it's exciting, to say the least, that we've returned to our spiritual home!
Although we are a new team in many respects, we aim to pull a few surprises in 2013. Sure, we'll be on the back-foot initially, but we have been able to pull together a very talented Team of Designers, Engineers, and Commercial staff in a short period of time. They come from all parts of the world, but have one thing in common.......a desire to succeed!"
And with that three people approached and shook hands with Graydon, who announced them in turn as Chief Designer Shinji Nomo (from Japan); Chief Mechanic Robin Hupp (from Australia); and Commercial Manager Oliver Smith (from Scotland).
"We have also been very fortunate to obtain, on a customer basis for 2013, the Krevder engine. Mark Wicks has impressed me greatly with his foresight into the development process and his expectations from his teams new powerplant. We are sure it will prove to be a successful combination in tandem with our Phoenix PF1-05 chassis."
Applause from the audience as the new powerplant was wheeled into view by two men who were clearly familiar to the eager Journalists and Photographers. The very familiar face of Kieran Ryan and the not so familiar one of Boyd Bryson joined Andy Graydon the flashes of the photographers lit up the room as if a firework display had just been lit!
"I'm extremely pleased to announce that KIERAN RYAN and BOYD BRYSON will be our main Race drivers for the 2013 season, and that I myself will be the Reserve/Test Driver for the upcoming season".
Applause again from the expectant audience. At this point the Press were invited to ask questions of the Race Drivers, and they were more than eager to answer!
PRESS - 'Driving for Phoenix F1. What were your initial thoughts when this opportunity first came about?'
KIERAN RYAN - "When I heard Phoenix were successful in negotiating their entry for the 2013 Superleague season I was delighted to begin and then complete negotiations with Andy. It's actually my second full season for Phoenix (having previously driven for them in 2005) and we know how to work well together. I had my most successful season with Phoenix, and I'm looking forward to new challenges in 2013.
We have a lot of work to do for pre-season 2013. It's been some years since I began with a fresh new team so learning the car, the new personnel, it is going to take time but I'm going to relish this challenge. Working with Andy and Boyd again will bring welcome continuity. Boyd is an up and coming talent, and moving from Supercup to Superleague was a natural decision and I was delighted to hear he was joining me for 2013."
BOYD BRYSON - "I was thrilled to hear that Phoenix F1 were considering a return to GPVWC. More for the team than anything else. The opportunity to compete for Phoenix F1 is an opportunity to compete in the Superleague for a historic team. I was saddened to leave Woods, who gave me an opportunity and my start in the SuperCup, but a SuperLeague drive for Phoenix F1 was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
The pre-season testing build up and development has been enlightening. It's both exciting and daunting, and it's where we will really see how the car and engine stacks up. Not to mention our drivers of course. Leaving the balmy shores of Durban, South Africa, to head out to wintry Europe will take some adjustment. In this regard team boss Graydon is in the same boat, so we can share experiences when it gets chilly!!!"
PRESS - 'Kieran Ryan, the most experienced driver in the GPVWC! After more than 10 years' worth of GPVWC experience, including a previous stint with Phoenix F1, what knowledge and benefit do you believe you will bring to the team?'
KIERAN RYAN - "I've worked with many teams over the years and I feel at least in part I have a good eye for development and where we should go. As a new team we have to be realistic with our targets and I think points is going to be the main target for this year, while improving before the seasons end and aiming for some top 6 finishes would be a dream. We need to get the finishes early on and learn all we can.
Things have changed so much over the 10 years I've been here and I'm just happy I can still say I love to drive these cars and to be given this opportunity. I will miss working at Woods and want to wish Ollie and the rest of the team all the best in 2013. 3 years there was a great achievement and I was happy to help them win their last race."
PRESS - 'Boyd Bryson. Connections with Phoenix Racing over at Race2Play since 2008, and now here pairing up again under the Phoenix F1 banner. How does it feel making your debut in Superleague for a team run by someone you know quite well?'
BOYD BRYSON - "It's usually intimidating to compete for a new team with members you might not know very well, but there is a certain level of comfort and satisfaction to be had in competing for a team run by a familiar face. I believe it will make a difference to how we approach the season, and I know from previously racing with Phoenix that team boss Andy Graydon is nothing if not level-headed, cool and calm under pressure. It will certainly have a positive impact and shape the team for 2013."
PRESS - 'Any new team entry in a Series tends to start on the back foot. At the GPVWC even more so, very much starting at the bottom end of the Team "pecking order"?. What are your personal expectations for 2013, and what do the team need to provide you with as the season progresses?'
KIERAN RYAN - "We need to complete as many laps in pre-season as possible. The work starts now! We have to carefully choose the right personnel the help grow the team and given us direction. From there myself, Boyd & Andy will compete in pre-season tests and learn as much about the car and develop the R&D points to improve our chances throughtout the season.
We must learn all we can because once March starts time will not be on our side, and it becomes harder there to improve as races will pass by quicker and suddenly we'll be 5 or 6 races into the season and if we haven't gotten a solid structure in place by then, it will hinder us for the rest of the season.
Once we have the tools for development and communication is open we can progress well throughout the season and hopefully not to finish out the season on the back foot."
BOYD BRYSON - "Well, we'll be aiming for points finishes at the very least. Minimizing mistakes and solid rational drives. As the season progresses and we accustom ourselves to the car, it's engine and the team, my personal aim will be top 10 finishes, and the improvement and learning that goes with that.
Weather will play a part, so I hope to come to grips with the car when the going gets slippery. My personal requirements are humble, good coffee, team rapport, and a car that will get to the end."
PRESS - 'A full season of online simulated Formula 1 racing at 18 venues over an 8 month period. That sounds, and is, quite gruelling and daunting! But one that brings nothing but pride that you've managed to complete such a campaign. How will you prepare for the season ahead, for both the good and the bad times, those moments where you don't want to race but you have to dig deep? How do you mentally prepare for such a long season?'
KIERAN RYAN - "Well 2013 will be I think my 11th season in the league so I recognized early on preparation is only the starting point for success, but it forms the foundation of your season. If you fail to prepare you lack knowledge, if you lack knowledge you start off poorly and I have found you end up chasing your tail for the rest of the season.
The important thing is not to get complacent. I've seen drivers in pre-season years before (and not so much now) set all the fastest laps and rant and rave about their prospects - only never to do race simulations, never to check various tyre compounds, and you find they spin off, have crashes and leave half way through a season; you need to work smarter not harder at this game to succeed. Nowadays, the competition is so high you can't afford not to turn up the pre-season tests, and not to complete maximum laps; which has all added to making success that much harder to attain.
I've experienced lots of highs and lots of lows, I had to dig deep in 2012 to find some resolve to continue racing, but I did because I love what I do plain and simple. I needed to prove to myself first I could get better. The first 5 races last year I only finished once, but by the time the season ended I only contributed only 1 more DNF to that tally. I learned a lot from last year and I have a lot of work to do in 2013 but constant reviews before, during and after a season in the SL helps steady targets, builds confidence and drives passion. From there you can succeed in your own goals.
I have no illusions in thinking we'll fight for podiums. It would be nice, but as a new team we have to achieve finishes early on, points, and then to progress to the top 6 would be a dream. At the end of the season I want to look back with a smile, with no regrets and say we did all we could, we improved throughout the year, made limited errors and learned a lot more as a team. Only then can we improve for 2014."
BOYD BRYSON - "As racers we have short selective memories. We have to forget about the bad and focus on what's ahead. Of course it helps if that focus can be translated into improvements and results. And that is always our obligation and aim, to learn from what has gone, and to apply it to what must come.
The passion for racing (even at my advanced age) is undiminished, so enthusiasm also plays a part with my motivation. Last year was a mixed bag, some fairly good results, and several mediocre. Mistakes were made, my inexperience in open-wheelers really came through. But with a season's experience and some learning behind me I'm looking forward to the new season with Phoenix F1."
And so it was team boss Graydon who brought the attention of the Press to another important pressing matter - the launch of new Phoenix F1 car for the 2013 GPVWC season.
"As we are currently finalising our Sponsorship packages for the coming season, the team will hit Valencia in a few days time with our Test Livery. At this moment in time I can confirm that Adrenaline Corp and it's subsidiaries (Gorilla Customs and The Sim Factory) have confirmed livery deals for the 2013 season, very exciting news for the team!"
As all three drivers surrounded the car, they removed the cover in unison and again the Press photographers lit up the room...
flash, flash....
flash, flash flash flash.....
Freezing temperatures. The airstrip is covered in snow, so there's no seeing the Phoenix Racing PF1-05 in action as it makes it's debut appearance in front of the Press today at the cars launch, the teams official unveiling on it's return to the GPVWC!
Snowbound would be an understatement, and the room is hardly what you would call 'full' of the Motorsport Press. There's also a worry that the team may struggle to get it's cars to Valencia on time for the first pre-season test. Several flights have been cancelled around the UK, but luckily the team have confirmed it has been able to call on the services of one of it's ex-racers (and Pilot), Jan Kelder, who has managed to arrange a promise of a KTM Cargo flight with conditions likely to improve in the next 24 hours.
And so we see the Corporate Function Room with the shape of an F1 car hidden under a large silk sheet. But before the Press can see the teams new car, there's also the major formality of announcing it's Driver line-up for 2013. There's excitement in the air as team owner Andy Graydon, fresh from a 26 hour non-stop flight from Australia, walks centre stage and welcomes those who have been able to attend.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure and immense pride to be able to welcome you to the Phoenix F1 factory today. As you well know, it's been nearly 5 years since the team last ran in anger from these very premises. When the opportunity arose to become a part of the GPVWC again, I looked into the possibility of a team entry in the short timescale available. And decided that the time was right to rejoin the F1/Superleague fraternity."
With a beaming smile, the 48 year old team owner continued:-
"We've had many a success under the 'Phoenix Racing' guise elsewhere, and indeed I have been able to resurrect a personal racing career I thought long gone since my last full time season at the GPVWC back in 2002. Phoenix F1 became a part of that history from 2003 through to 2005, also making an appearance in 2008 when the series had a major rebranding and the team fell under the F1VWC banner. So it's exciting, to say the least, that we've returned to our spiritual home!
Although we are a new team in many respects, we aim to pull a few surprises in 2013. Sure, we'll be on the back-foot initially, but we have been able to pull together a very talented Team of Designers, Engineers, and Commercial staff in a short period of time. They come from all parts of the world, but have one thing in common.......a desire to succeed!"
And with that three people approached and shook hands with Graydon, who announced them in turn as Chief Designer Shinji Nomo (from Japan); Chief Mechanic Robin Hupp (from Australia); and Commercial Manager Oliver Smith (from Scotland).
"We have also been very fortunate to obtain, on a customer basis for 2013, the Krevder engine. Mark Wicks has impressed me greatly with his foresight into the development process and his expectations from his teams new powerplant. We are sure it will prove to be a successful combination in tandem with our Phoenix PF1-05 chassis."
Applause from the audience as the new powerplant was wheeled into view by two men who were clearly familiar to the eager Journalists and Photographers. The very familiar face of Kieran Ryan and the not so familiar one of Boyd Bryson joined Andy Graydon the flashes of the photographers lit up the room as if a firework display had just been lit!
"I'm extremely pleased to announce that KIERAN RYAN and BOYD BRYSON will be our main Race drivers for the 2013 season, and that I myself will be the Reserve/Test Driver for the upcoming season".
Applause again from the expectant audience. At this point the Press were invited to ask questions of the Race Drivers, and they were more than eager to answer!
PRESS - 'Driving for Phoenix F1. What were your initial thoughts when this opportunity first came about?'
KIERAN RYAN - "When I heard Phoenix were successful in negotiating their entry for the 2013 Superleague season I was delighted to begin and then complete negotiations with Andy. It's actually my second full season for Phoenix (having previously driven for them in 2005) and we know how to work well together. I had my most successful season with Phoenix, and I'm looking forward to new challenges in 2013.
We have a lot of work to do for pre-season 2013. It's been some years since I began with a fresh new team so learning the car, the new personnel, it is going to take time but I'm going to relish this challenge. Working with Andy and Boyd again will bring welcome continuity. Boyd is an up and coming talent, and moving from Supercup to Superleague was a natural decision and I was delighted to hear he was joining me for 2013."
BOYD BRYSON - "I was thrilled to hear that Phoenix F1 were considering a return to GPVWC. More for the team than anything else. The opportunity to compete for Phoenix F1 is an opportunity to compete in the Superleague for a historic team. I was saddened to leave Woods, who gave me an opportunity and my start in the SuperCup, but a SuperLeague drive for Phoenix F1 was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
The pre-season testing build up and development has been enlightening. It's both exciting and daunting, and it's where we will really see how the car and engine stacks up. Not to mention our drivers of course. Leaving the balmy shores of Durban, South Africa, to head out to wintry Europe will take some adjustment. In this regard team boss Graydon is in the same boat, so we can share experiences when it gets chilly!!!"
PRESS - 'Kieran Ryan, the most experienced driver in the GPVWC! After more than 10 years' worth of GPVWC experience, including a previous stint with Phoenix F1, what knowledge and benefit do you believe you will bring to the team?'
KIERAN RYAN - "I've worked with many teams over the years and I feel at least in part I have a good eye for development and where we should go. As a new team we have to be realistic with our targets and I think points is going to be the main target for this year, while improving before the seasons end and aiming for some top 6 finishes would be a dream. We need to get the finishes early on and learn all we can.
Things have changed so much over the 10 years I've been here and I'm just happy I can still say I love to drive these cars and to be given this opportunity. I will miss working at Woods and want to wish Ollie and the rest of the team all the best in 2013. 3 years there was a great achievement and I was happy to help them win their last race."
PRESS - 'Boyd Bryson. Connections with Phoenix Racing over at Race2Play since 2008, and now here pairing up again under the Phoenix F1 banner. How does it feel making your debut in Superleague for a team run by someone you know quite well?'
BOYD BRYSON - "It's usually intimidating to compete for a new team with members you might not know very well, but there is a certain level of comfort and satisfaction to be had in competing for a team run by a familiar face. I believe it will make a difference to how we approach the season, and I know from previously racing with Phoenix that team boss Andy Graydon is nothing if not level-headed, cool and calm under pressure. It will certainly have a positive impact and shape the team for 2013."
PRESS - 'Any new team entry in a Series tends to start on the back foot. At the GPVWC even more so, very much starting at the bottom end of the Team "pecking order"?. What are your personal expectations for 2013, and what do the team need to provide you with as the season progresses?'
KIERAN RYAN - "We need to complete as many laps in pre-season as possible. The work starts now! We have to carefully choose the right personnel the help grow the team and given us direction. From there myself, Boyd & Andy will compete in pre-season tests and learn as much about the car and develop the R&D points to improve our chances throughtout the season.
We must learn all we can because once March starts time will not be on our side, and it becomes harder there to improve as races will pass by quicker and suddenly we'll be 5 or 6 races into the season and if we haven't gotten a solid structure in place by then, it will hinder us for the rest of the season.
Once we have the tools for development and communication is open we can progress well throughout the season and hopefully not to finish out the season on the back foot."
BOYD BRYSON - "Well, we'll be aiming for points finishes at the very least. Minimizing mistakes and solid rational drives. As the season progresses and we accustom ourselves to the car, it's engine and the team, my personal aim will be top 10 finishes, and the improvement and learning that goes with that.
Weather will play a part, so I hope to come to grips with the car when the going gets slippery. My personal requirements are humble, good coffee, team rapport, and a car that will get to the end."
PRESS - 'A full season of online simulated Formula 1 racing at 18 venues over an 8 month period. That sounds, and is, quite gruelling and daunting! But one that brings nothing but pride that you've managed to complete such a campaign. How will you prepare for the season ahead, for both the good and the bad times, those moments where you don't want to race but you have to dig deep? How do you mentally prepare for such a long season?'
KIERAN RYAN - "Well 2013 will be I think my 11th season in the league so I recognized early on preparation is only the starting point for success, but it forms the foundation of your season. If you fail to prepare you lack knowledge, if you lack knowledge you start off poorly and I have found you end up chasing your tail for the rest of the season.
The important thing is not to get complacent. I've seen drivers in pre-season years before (and not so much now) set all the fastest laps and rant and rave about their prospects - only never to do race simulations, never to check various tyre compounds, and you find they spin off, have crashes and leave half way through a season; you need to work smarter not harder at this game to succeed. Nowadays, the competition is so high you can't afford not to turn up the pre-season tests, and not to complete maximum laps; which has all added to making success that much harder to attain.
I've experienced lots of highs and lots of lows, I had to dig deep in 2012 to find some resolve to continue racing, but I did because I love what I do plain and simple. I needed to prove to myself first I could get better. The first 5 races last year I only finished once, but by the time the season ended I only contributed only 1 more DNF to that tally. I learned a lot from last year and I have a lot of work to do in 2013 but constant reviews before, during and after a season in the SL helps steady targets, builds confidence and drives passion. From there you can succeed in your own goals.
I have no illusions in thinking we'll fight for podiums. It would be nice, but as a new team we have to achieve finishes early on, points, and then to progress to the top 6 would be a dream. At the end of the season I want to look back with a smile, with no regrets and say we did all we could, we improved throughout the year, made limited errors and learned a lot more as a team. Only then can we improve for 2014."
BOYD BRYSON - "As racers we have short selective memories. We have to forget about the bad and focus on what's ahead. Of course it helps if that focus can be translated into improvements and results. And that is always our obligation and aim, to learn from what has gone, and to apply it to what must come.
The passion for racing (even at my advanced age) is undiminished, so enthusiasm also plays a part with my motivation. Last year was a mixed bag, some fairly good results, and several mediocre. Mistakes were made, my inexperience in open-wheelers really came through. But with a season's experience and some learning behind me I'm looking forward to the new season with Phoenix F1."
And so it was team boss Graydon who brought the attention of the Press to another important pressing matter - the launch of new Phoenix F1 car for the 2013 GPVWC season.
"As we are currently finalising our Sponsorship packages for the coming season, the team will hit Valencia in a few days time with our Test Livery. At this moment in time I can confirm that Adrenaline Corp and it's subsidiaries (Gorilla Customs and The Sim Factory) have confirmed livery deals for the 2013 season, very exciting news for the team!"
As all three drivers surrounded the car, they removed the cover in unison and again the Press photographers lit up the room...
flash, flash....
flash, flash flash flash.....
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