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San Marino Grand Prix
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March 29, 2012
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Following back to back victories for Midnight Motorsport in Melbourne and Shanghai, we caught up with the team's latest behind the scenes signing Jamez Shepherd to ask him about his new role and his expectations for the rest of the 2012 season.
Q: Data Analyst. Is this an all new position Midnight have created for the SuperLeague?
Jamez Shepherd: I don't think so. I'm sure there are many teams conducting very similar procedures, however from a multi-role standpoint. We already have a Technical Director to assist in team operations and management, Data Analyst was the next logical step.
Q: Midnight are clearly the team to beat at the moment, two wins from two, poles, fastest laps, top of the standings. What can your new position in the team offer to improve on that?
Jamez Shepherd: We are being realistic in our title ambitions and understand that raw speed and driver talent alone won't get you there. My job is to take some weight off the driver's shoulders and let them concentrate on driving the car. In the build up to a grand prix I'll be working with Lukas and Nick to build solid race setups and liaise with Dave to help develop the most suitable upgrades for the coming rounds. We have a strong family network at Midnight and everyone trusts each others opinion. This gives all of our drivers the confidence to know they're given the best possible package for the weekend and concentrate on getting lots of track time in the simulators.
Q: How did a position like this present itself as a necessary next step for the team?
Jamez Shepherd: I don't think it was as much necessary as it was desired. Nick (Rowland) and I have known each other for a few years. Before the start of the season he mentioned his team to me. He asked if I'd like to come test the car and give my thoughts. I looked over the telemetry and showed them where there was room to improve, then he waved a contract under my nose - I'd have been a chump not to sign it!
Q: So you've been in this role since the start of the season?
Jamez Shepherd: Not exactly. It took some negotiating to come to an agreement on the finer points; steak dinners, fine wine, that sort of thing!
Q: What are your expectations from the team in the coming rounds? Can we expect to see the team continue its dominant form?
Jamez Shepherd: Without a doubt, our main goal is to win both the drivers and constructors championships - this is only natural. My first goal with the team is to ensure we repeat our performance from China in Abu Dhabi. There is still the unknown of what our rivals are doing, so we can only make judgements based on the previous round.
Q: Finally, who do you see as the biggest threat to Midnight in the coming rounds?
Jamez Shepherd: Red Archer and Nordsjoen are the teams we're keeping an eye on at the moment. Red Archer showed some strong pace in China, and Nordsjoen will bounce back strongly from their slump in performance last week. However, your biggest threat is often yourself. We can't let complacency creep in. It has been a great start to the season and there's still a long way to go - but we're ready for it.
Q: Data Analyst. Is this an all new position Midnight have created for the SuperLeague?
Jamez Shepherd: I don't think so. I'm sure there are many teams conducting very similar procedures, however from a multi-role standpoint. We already have a Technical Director to assist in team operations and management, Data Analyst was the next logical step.
Q: Midnight are clearly the team to beat at the moment, two wins from two, poles, fastest laps, top of the standings. What can your new position in the team offer to improve on that?
Jamez Shepherd: We are being realistic in our title ambitions and understand that raw speed and driver talent alone won't get you there. My job is to take some weight off the driver's shoulders and let them concentrate on driving the car. In the build up to a grand prix I'll be working with Lukas and Nick to build solid race setups and liaise with Dave to help develop the most suitable upgrades for the coming rounds. We have a strong family network at Midnight and everyone trusts each others opinion. This gives all of our drivers the confidence to know they're given the best possible package for the weekend and concentrate on getting lots of track time in the simulators.
Q: How did a position like this present itself as a necessary next step for the team?
Jamez Shepherd: I don't think it was as much necessary as it was desired. Nick (Rowland) and I have known each other for a few years. Before the start of the season he mentioned his team to me. He asked if I'd like to come test the car and give my thoughts. I looked over the telemetry and showed them where there was room to improve, then he waved a contract under my nose - I'd have been a chump not to sign it!
Q: So you've been in this role since the start of the season?
Jamez Shepherd: Not exactly. It took some negotiating to come to an agreement on the finer points; steak dinners, fine wine, that sort of thing!
Q: What are your expectations from the team in the coming rounds? Can we expect to see the team continue its dominant form?
Jamez Shepherd: Without a doubt, our main goal is to win both the drivers and constructors championships - this is only natural. My first goal with the team is to ensure we repeat our performance from China in Abu Dhabi. There is still the unknown of what our rivals are doing, so we can only make judgements based on the previous round.
Q: Finally, who do you see as the biggest threat to Midnight in the coming rounds?
Jamez Shepherd: Red Archer and Nordsjoen are the teams we're keeping an eye on at the moment. Red Archer showed some strong pace in China, and Nordsjoen will bounce back strongly from their slump in performance last week. However, your biggest threat is often yourself. We can't let complacency creep in. It has been a great start to the season and there's still a long way to go - but we're ready for it.
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