October 23, 2004
Normally it's quiet in the paddock on Sundays at around 10 PM. Teams packed their stuff and are heading home again. Not here in Suzuka. The party just kept going and going. A hattrick for Mapes-VO as they win the constructors championship for the 3rd consecutive year. With Mikko Jakonen on the podium right behind Steve Elencevski who got 2nd and Fernando Laaff who scored MMC maiden victory here and Zlatko Bratonja on a 5th position, the gap to FinOz grew to 28 points while only 18 points are left in the championship.

Because Jakonen didn't finish in front of Steve the drivers championship remains undecided. Jakonen only needs 3 points in case Elencevski wins, so a 6th position would be enough to claim the title. Before the party, when everybody was still able to give some decent comments we spoke with both drivers, both managers and technical director Bas van Sambeek.

Mikko Jakonen:

"That was a hard and a difficult race. The car was very good and I basically was ready to challenge Steve but then I got fuelling problems again on 2 stops, the TC control on my wheel acted up and there was a problem with the brake pedal as well. I just hope we have enough spare parts budgeted to last the season. Laaff was really flying, I lost one pitstop to him. But anyway the main thing is that I stayed on the podium. And with Zlatko's excellent showing we secured our 3rd consecutive constructors champ, that just blows my mind. I think that result really tells it all, our team knows what to do to get results, how to focus on important things and not lose concentration before the results are achieved. We've had some problems with personnel changes and other issues but we still got the championship, and I'm very proud to have been part of getting that once again. Now the last race. I won Brazil last year, and Steve needs to gain 8 points on me. If something really unexpected doesn't happen, I think I should be ok. But I won't even think about the championship before I cross the finish line at Interlagos. It came down to the last race once again, but now at least the situation is way more positive for me than last year. I hope not to disappoint the team, my fans and myself. I would've liked to secure the title in Japan, that way I could've concentrated on getting at least one pole this season.. now I guess I can't afford to sacrifice the strategy for that."

Zlatko Bratonja:

"I am really pleased how things worked out for us at Suzuka. We had a good weekend altogether. I think I've finally found the feel for the car so everything went far better for me than it did at France. We prepared the car really good for both the wet and dry conditions. I had problems in the first sector whole weekend, just couldn't turn the car right through those S turns, but I think I managed to compensate pretty good in the other two.

As for the race itself, I have to praise my pitcrew, they did a fantastic job. On the other hand my second and third tire set was pretty bad, I had to struggle to keep my pace. But in the end I have only myself to blame and perhaps 2-3 more laps, for not catching Daniel in fourth position.

What's important we secured the Constructors title, and I'm really happy I had the opportunity to be a part of it.

For the last race at Interlagos, our only preoccupation is the Drivers Championship. We will do everything to provide Mikko with a nice and smooth race, since he really doesn't have to push hard. As we all know, he only needs sixth place to secure it, and that should not be a problem.

After that we can peacefully start preparations for the next season, and the pressure will be on others to catch us in 2005."

Manager Matt Maple:

"It's great to win the title again, the team worked very hard and we put ion a lot of effort to make it this way, hopefully we can make it 4/4 in 2005 and maintain our position as the Ferrari of F1VWC. Our drivers have been great, Petri and Zlatko were great also and we must thank most of all Mikko, however it is always a team effort for Mapes-VO and we look forward to another title in Brazil!"

Manager Peter van Oostende:

"This is really great. After all driver changes we were still able to secure the championship with just 1 race to go. This race went very well. Too bad Mikko couldn't pass Steve, this means there will still be a lot of pressure in the last round of the season. Mikko is sure to take the title if he finishes in 6th position, so we will do everything the try and achieve that goal.

But I must also congratulate Ryan and Fernando, MMC's first victory in the championship. The BMW was just too powerful this race for us. I'm sure they will be having some beers at the party tonight as well.

Well, the music already started so it's party time!"

Technical Director Bas van Sambeek:

"I'm so happy I can hardly say something, something which makes sense, I'm totally overwhelmed with joy. The victory tastes extra sweet because I know how hard the struggle for points and improvement was. Let's hope Mikko can win the double for us next week! If you'll excuse me, I have a party to attend now."