October 07, 2004
Headquarters of EiRE in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Rumours develop more and more as silly season has already begun a couple of weeks ago. A contract for the second EiRE should almost be signed, but which driver this is, is still unknown. There are also rumours about a new test driver, a fast driver from Germany. He is currently racing in GPC and will possibly be racing a couple of races for EiRE next year. The only rumour about the first seat at the moment is that Matt Maple would be driving the EiRE in 2005, but this is all just rumours for now.

As rumours about the 2005 season go on, we had a talk with William Ponissi from EiRE Jaguar about his goals for the next season:

Welcome Mr.Ponissi, I hope you are doing fine. How are things with EiRE?

"Well we're really working hard towards next season at the moment. Many things are in the pipeline!"

You say many things are in the pipeline, what do you have planned for the 2005 season? what can we expect in 2005 from EiRE?

"Well, we're planning to have a competitive car, and of course we are sure that the E04 will get rid of the problems affecting our 2004 contender. I'm talking about reliability and wheel issues."

The issues that excluded Whiteman from the championship you mean?

"Yeah, we won't allow these chances to be thrown away again. We really want the crowns next season."

Crowns - you mean both the drivers and constructors championships

"Yeah"

So, that?s the goal again next season?

"Of course. We aim for nothing less than the best, as we know we can achieve it."

Are you happy with the team this year?

"Well, five wins is a great result of course, but I can't be happy when I think of all the times we've been unlucky, especially Scott (Wwhiteman). I think that with a bit more luck we might already be talking about Whiteman as world champion."

You were indeed unlucky several times, first an unreliable EiRE Jaguar E03 and than problems with Whiteman?s steering device. So, you are satisfied with all the team members?

"All the team members gave maximum effort, and I have to thank them for all their work."

What about this year's drivers? Will any of them stay with EiRE in 2005? Because we hear rumours about Whiteman and Loram retiring from F1VWC, Buchan says, he has another team next year and so on.

"Well the drivers are a complicated issue when the championship is not over. Ross (Loram) may stay in the team, same as Peter (Grooff) who will keep on working for us. And we're moving on the market, don't worry."

Which drivers have caught your eye this season?

"Well, everyone can see the charts and see which drivers got many points with underpowered cars."

Can you tell us already which drivers we can expect on the grid in an EiRE next year?

"Two fast, motivated and committed drivers. I know you're eager for names but you won't hear any (laughing)."

Will there be any big changes in the organisation of the team next year?

"We aim at structuring the team a bit more, with the addition of a proper independent GPC section and a better organization of the F1VWC department. Many of the names of the current team will remain the same, and there will be some additions as regards the managing staff, we're just looking among the best - as at EIRE we aim to perfection."

Anything else you would like to tell us?

"I would just like to say that the other teams should see us as a force to be reckoned with."

As we see, no real decisions yet. We first of all have to wait for this year?s championship to come to an end before any moves will be made. More news soon.