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Formula Sprint 2
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course
Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 19:00:00
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August 11, 2004
After finishing 4th at the German GP for MMC Racing, Kieran Ryan will now drive for Phoenix F1 in Hungary. The Phoenix F1 press team were quick to interview Kieran before he started his preparations for the upcoming race weekend:-

Q - Kieran - welcome back to the Phoenix F1 team for the Hungarian GP. You had an excellent result in the last race in a highly competitive field. How do you rate your chances at the Hungaroring?

A - Last year was the most difficult weekend I had, the car, the track everything seemed to work against me, so for this year, I really hope to turn that around but with little data obtained from last year it shall be hard. I'd like to keep my points tally going up and up and Germany was a welcome return to some good points, and I'd like to keep that trend going for this grand prix too. I forsee a difficult weekend. The last time I stepped into a Phoenix (at USA) I found it hard to setup, but I hope that changes for Hungary.

Q - Your team-mate here is Antonio Irisarri, the first time you will have partnered the Columbian driver. What have your impressions been of Antonio in the 3 years you've seen him compete in the GPVWC / F1VWC?

A - Since my debut in 2002, few drivers have stayed from then till now and Antonio and myself are included. In those times, he has been pure fast and reliable so he'll be something of a challange and I hope I can be the same to him.

Q - In your limited appearances for the team in 2004, what have your impressions been of Phoenix F1 in general? And would the team interest you as a driver for the 2005 season?

A - The team is one of the most co-ordinated and efficent of any team I've driven for. They have ambition and drive through the team to succeed. Gudided by Andy Graydon, he has done a fantastic job pushing this team up to the top. The team and I share a common desire, to win our first GP! As for 2005, I had intended to get a deal sorted quite quickly. I've looked into some options but nothing concreate yet. Phoenix is on the list, at the top I'd say. I've liked the experience in the team and it's a fast combination, with power and reliability always on our sides, so if I get a good offer from Andy then I can address it as quickly as possible - and maybe we can iron out a deal?

On that ending line, the press team sought out team boss Andy Graydon for his comments on the teams driver situation for 2005.

He commented: "It's no secret that we have no contracted drivers for the 2005 season and beyond. I have made initial contact only a week or so ago regarding the current position of the teams current contracted drivers, with only one positive response regarding their requirements for 2005, and another 'don't know' - which is understandable. Have I been in contact with Kieran? Yes. Would I be interested in his services for 2005? Yes, I look at all options available to me. And to that degree I will try to obtain the best driver line-up for the team as a whole. I require commitment, speed, and hunger for success in a driver, and to that end I will be looking at all options available to me."

And when would that decision be made?

"When the time is right!"