Jeddah Corniche Circuit

SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX

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October 27, 2003
All responses now in - Pole man Antonio Irisarri, 2nd placed Shiro Ryong and 3rd placed Paul Sleight gave their views on qualifying with fuel on board!

The traditional end of season 'Gold Cup' race is an invitation events for a maximum of 22 drivers, all driving equal machinery in the form of official 2001 F1 machinery. This gives a chance for those drivers who compete in the F1VWC in underpowered cars to really show their speed, as well as throwing some new faces into the equation.

This race was run with qualifying on race fuel, therefore tactics could play a part in the mixed up grid! BUT - no-one knows what fuel load other drivers have until after the race deadline! INTERESTING!!!

Pole - Antonio Irisarri (Williams-BMW)

Q - Your second pole position in 2003, but this one in the dry. Was it a surprise to you?

A - Yes, I expect more closer times but strategy is most important, Sunday tell all if I'm wrong or not.

Q - Of course, you will not tell us your race strategy and the fuel you are running. But do you think you are in a strong position for the race itself?

A - The car behave good I'm concerned if at any moment I can change the strategy and my car behave that good, will see after first pit stop what we do depends on tyre wear and plank wear.

Q - I believe your team boss Andy Graydon was extremely happy to see you take pole. Having driven the somewhat underpowered Phoenix F1 in the F1VWC, now you are on a level playing field you have shown your true pace. How does it feel knowing that you have the speed?

A - I think so but this type of qualifying the only pay is Sunday not to be fast on qualifying just won I'm concerned about the cc cars are too slow so maybe my strategy blew for that.

2nd Position - Shiro Ryong (Ferrari-Ferrari)

Q - F1VWC 2003 Drivers Champion. And here driving Ferrari number 1! We know how strong you are in the race situation, but will you be able to challenge here with the limitations of your keyboard driving style?

A - How appropriate isn't it, the number 1 car! And I chose this way before the season ended... Anyway, the good thing about this race is that it's non-championship, so I don't really have to worry about where I finish, although a podium would be nice to have. As for my driving style, it's known to present some problems on this track, particularly the very rapid increase in understeer as the tyres get old. So winning here won't be easy for me.

Q - How do you find the Spa-Francorchamp circuit. It is known as a drivers circuit, so you must be pleased with 2nd on the grid?

A - This is definitely one of the more difficult circuits to get a good lap as well as a good compromise in setup for so qualifying 2nd is very good, much better than I expected, but fuel loads do play a bit part around here as well.

Q - Of course, fuel strategies are unknown at this stage. There are a lot of cars very close together just below the top 6 with some big named drivers in there. Do you think your strategy will compare to theirs?

A - I sure hope my strategy will compare! With this type of qualifying, you can sort of guess the strategy other people are using based on their past race performances, but I won't be making any predictions here!

3rd Position - Paul Sleight (Benetton-Renault)

Q - 3rd on the grid Paul - well done. Early in the GPVWC/F1VWC season we saw you appear for Molotov F1 with no apparent speed, but on your return with MMC you showed great speed in an underpowered car. What has made the difference in 5 months?

A - Well when i started with Molotov id only driven a few practise sessions in the car and I struggled, but you could say the same thing with my team-mate then and now Ryan McConkey, I was only ever a few tenths off him. In 5 months I tested hard and raced in a lesser league and improved.

Q - Do you have nay concerns in the race - strategy? The track? The opposition?

A - I believe my strategy to be the correct one for the place I would like to be at the end of the race, The track has plenty of corners where a lapse in focus can end up in retirement. I know there are some very fast drivers behind me, but I fear no one as I have as much right to be here as they do.

Q - What are your plans for 2004 - this qualifying position in a strong field with equal cars must raise your profile?

A - Many people have asked me what my plans are for next season, as no deal with a team has been officially signed. I know what offers I have and I'm almost decided but we shall see what has changed after this race.