Create account | Log in as member
http://www.gpvwc.com/media/layout/login_arrow.png
Formula Sprint 2
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course
Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 19:00:00
More
April 10, 2004
Team Boss of Phoenix F1, Andy Graydon, spoke to the F1VWC Press after an Austrian GP Qualifying session which saw Irisarri in 9th and Fretter in 16th! How did that make him feel?

"I'm sure that fuel levels have played a part in the look of the grid for this race. There are 70 plus laps to complete, so the first pitstops should really let us know who is running conservatively or aggressively - or just plain light!"

With FinOz struggling on the reliability front in Malaysia, did he see breakdowns as causing problems in the race and perhaps helping the Phoenix cars move up the grid?

"With one of the best reliability records on the grid, we should hopefully benefit from others problems. FinOz clearly have a reliability issue, as was shown last race. Their march up the BHP ladder has been to the detriment of potential reliability. And there are other teams out there too who could be close to the brink over a race distance. So yes, all things being equal we should be at an advantage. But again, our race strategy is very strong - we don't really need others downfalls to get into the points."

And what of the season start for the team - it's not been ideal!

"Yes, the F1VWC this year is very strong indeed. However Antonio has over one and a half seasons worth of experience in the GPVWC/F1VWC, and I have every faith in his abilities. He had problems in Malaysia with his set-up in the damp conditions just not allowing him to push, and that is saying something, as Antonio is 'mighty' in the wet. He lost over 15 seconds very early on - moving down to 18th - but once it dried out he was flying. He would have beaten Loukasmaki had it not been for the set-up issues. So Antonio will come good I'm sure."

"Fretter - his Malaysia performance was just what the doctor ordered. Both cars in the points at the end, and his first race finish too. I'm expecting more from Adam has he becomes familiar with the team and the car. He's taken a bit of a slating from others in the pit-lane, but he's not driving for them - he's driving for Phoenix F1. And we are very happy with him at the moment."

So, who has been the surprise package, driver and team for you so far this season?

"Package - probably FinOz. I knew they would be quick, but not this quick! However, that reliability issue will hound them until they sort it out. One breakdown, and it could be very costly. With the points system we run, reliability is key if you want to challenge for the Championship - and I'm sure Elencevski and Koski will be telling the technicians to work out the cars issues ASAP."

"Driver - probably Loram and Wagner. There's only been two races, so its difficult to tell. But in Malaysia these two in particular stood out."

"Team - I'm going to say MMC Racing, but on the negative side! In pre-season testing they were flying. Come the race season, and McConkey in particular has just lost his pace. I don't know if its race pace, or perhaps problems with the car on heavy fuel loads (remember, pre-season testing saw few cars running fuel for their fast times). Sleight showed excellent pace in Australia, but he dropped off big time in Malaysia - which probably means its's car related rather than specific driver problems."

Andy then hinted that he's working on an autobiographical account of his racing career.

"I've been digging out the photo album, and the records of my results as a racing driver. Nothing much to shout about, but when I raced full time between 2001 and 2002 I was on track with the cream of the driving community. Consider it the Mansell / Piquet / Prost / Senna period of the Sim Racing world! So I don't think I did too badly. It should make interesting reading, plus I've managed to dig out an old copy of the F1 Racing magazine (from my BSR team days in 2001) which I'm going to include. It's a really interesting piece of archive history, and am sure it will be a pleasure to read for the F1VWC community."

Rumour is the autobiography will be 2 months away, as Andy is concentrating on updating the F1VWC site with 2003 results and a whole host of Statisitics to die for!!

"Yes, I'll be busy - that's for sure. But it'll all be worthwhile once it's completed. And with 22 cars on the grid, I can only be motivated!!!"