December 17, 2010
Published on tags: Superleague
The first of a series of brief question-and-answer sessions with some of the GPVWC's most interesting characters, "5 Minutes with..." brings us up close and personal with the talent and dedication behind the drivers and managers of the Superleague. The first instalment of this series is with veteran racer and multiple race-winner Kieran Ryan.

What did you make of your 2010 season? You seemed to return to form?

2010 was a mixed season for me. Last year? car [the 2009 Platform] was a handful to say the least and being able to drive the Woods was a welcome change. This year brought the best of both worlds, from victory in Bahrain to despair in Belgium [crashing when fighting Jason Muscat for the win]. I learned a lot about the car throughout the season. When we actually started pre-season testing we were struggling at best; we were about 2.5 sec off the raw pace in Jerez, down in 9th and 10th. What I loved about the team was its ability to dig deep and by midway through the season I believe we had the best package.

2010 brought you mixed results as you say, what were some of the highlights and lows of the year and why?

Winning in Bahrain was unexpected. It was my first podium of the year and what a way to achieve it. I got all my podiums of the year in the second half of the season - I was more competitive. Portugal was actually my favourite race of the year. It was such a gamble. I never thought tires would decide my race, but I had to change strategy halfway through to accommodate the problems. I remember having to pull off two audacious overtaking manoeuvres on both Joe [Consiglio] and Nick [Rowland]- the latter my favourite move all year.

Belgium was most disappointing. The car was perfect in qualifying and a beast in race - coupled with my wheel coming off every 2 laps .I made a silly move for P2 on Jason and ended up taking poor Joe out. I eventually pushed too hard on lap 29 and took myself out. Singapore was fun yet disappointing as I could keep Joe behind, but shame the way it turned out.

What has kept you here so long since 2002?

I have the passion for racing. I have the history of this league and that itself drives me to race. I?e achieved everything in this league, wins, fastest laps, poles but no Drivers Championship. It took Joe years to win his, I think I can retire happy if I can get one. I enjoy my racing above all. Having Mark Wicks as my team mate is such a help. We push each other on so much, and we learn from one another.

You partnered some interesting team mates over the years, tell us about that?

Yeah, back in 2002 I partnered an unknown Mikko Jakonen, who later went onto winning the Drivers Championship that year after Hernj-Roaldo (who were the favourites) bowed out half way through. He was a fighter and a great friend, always first to help with setups. I partnered Steve [Elencevski] for 2 years, the professional at strategy and setup design. He was hard to beat, so much so I had to leave for Simsoa to do just that. Jason Endean and Scott Whiteman also deserve a mention; Jason who won the championship here in 2000.

Expectations for 2011?

If I? on the grid next year, I hope to start off where we finished last year, and be in position to challenge the Nordsjoens and beat Mark of course. Australia would mark my 125th GP start here.

Finally, can you describe the following drivers using a few words?

Joe Consiglio - most deserving champion

Mark Wicks - strategic

Janne Tanskanen - a gentleman

Sam Millar - the new talent

Jason Muscat - a future champion

Chris Williamson - underestimated