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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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September 10, 2004
Yes, a hectic weekend indeed. The confirmation of the teams 2005 driver line-up; liasing with Irisarri's agents and several Team Bosses to ensure he gets a competitive seat in 2005; arranging for a late replacement driver for the expected Fawcett in the shape of Daniel Wilkinson. And then a cosy chat with Ted Cragg regarding the current status of the soon to be released biography on the Chief Admin of the F1VWC!

And then Antonio Irisarri and Daniel Wilkinson did the business come race day.

Irisarri finished a highly creditable 6th, just over 8 seconds away from taking 4th place from Drivers Championship leader Jakonen. Plus an improvement on his race time from the 2003 Gold Cup Race. Clearly Antonio is fired up to finish the season strongly.

And Wilkinson, despite jumping into the car with no free practice under his belt, came through to finish 3rd and on a 3 stop strategy. Unusual in itself as Daniel usually does longer stints with less stops.

With 9 ponts gained for the team, Phoenix F1 create a larger gap to 5th place in the Constructors standings, whilst closing in on EIRE to the tune of 1 point. Both Irisarri and Wilkinson now stand on 23 points and are equal 7th in the Drivers standings. With both driving in the last 3 races of the season, they will no doubt be working hard to achieve that first victory for the Team.

However, Italy comes closer by the day, and Irisarri will be partnered by Joe Consiglio in his third and final race of 2004. Of course, Joe won here in 2003, and it is no secret that team boss Andy Graydon is trying to fire his drivers up to ensure a strong performance around the Monza circuit.

"Yes, we want that elusive first victory this season if possible. And Monza is the first real opportunity due to Joe's known speed around here. But the opposition is very strong, especially when a Driver title is being fought over by 3 top class drivers! Antonio drove here in 2003 for us with a car way down on horsepower, so it will be interesting to see how he fares with a more powerful Renault behind him."

The Phoenix F1 team trucks had already left the factory for Italy, and there is a real buzz of excitement as the team approach an event that could be the culmination of Graydon's aims as both driver and team owner - outright victory!