Mapes-Vo put their troubles behind them this evening when they launched the car they hope will take them to glory in 2002. Contrary to reports, Matt Maple was present at the launch and formally announced their 2 new drivers - Kieran Ryan & Artur Costa.
The curtain raised and a beautiful yellow 'beast' emerged from the covers as Mapes-VO launched there 2002 GPVWC challenger. To a roar of cheers from the team and a 'flash flash' from photographers getting the first pictures of the 2002 car which has been the speculation of much press attention over the past few days.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
BENSON & HEDGES MAPES-VO HONDA MVO01A
Chassis
Construction Moulded carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure that surpasses latest FIA impact and strength regulations
Front suspension Wishbone & Pushrod-activated torsion springs and rockers,
mechanical anti-roll bar
Rear suspension Wishbone & Pushrod-activated torsion springs and rockers,
mechanical anti-roll bar
Dampers Koni
Wheels OZ forged magnesium
Front: 325mm wide
Rear: 360mm wide
Tyres Michelin Radials
Brakes AP Racing
Front: 2 x 6-piston calipers
Back: 2 x 6-piston calipers
Brake discs / pads Carbon / carbon
Steering Power assisted Rack & Pinion
Steering wheel Carbon fibre construction
Driver?s seat Anatomically formed carbon composite
"For me launching my first car is like a dream come true, seeing the birth of the team and now seeing the 'maturity' of the car is even better. After all the things that have happened over the past week today is like a breath of fresh air and i think i speak for the whole team when i say 2002 will be a LARGE stepping stone for the team and i think we can suprise a few people on the way. I am a very strong believer in the team and the car, but also the drivers and we have secured in our own opinon two of the strongest drivers in the paddock and this with the Honda power i tihnk we can challenge for points. Finally about the season ahead i hope for a top 4 place, its going to be interesting battling with MaMa who also have Honda power, we have some great sponsers and a great set of staff, its going to be an awesome season."
Peter van Oostende:
"I'm glad we completed the entire package. A very good engine, 2 of the fastest drivers around, great devoted staff members and very good sponsorships deals. I think Mapes-VO will actually do a very good job next year. Podiums a certainly within reach and maybe there will even be a win in our first season. I'm very, very happy we were able to sign top gun Artur Costa. I'm sure with Artur in the team we will be able to think seriously about the championship! I think we have found a very quick and reliable driver in Kieran Ryan. He proved his speed in the Magny-Cours test.Although we are still a bit underpowered, Kieran could very well be a serious thread to the BMW and Ferrari powered teams. Don't underestimate this sometimes more-fun-then-serious team!"
Kieran Ryan
"To predict a season is hard, but what I have seen in the potential of this team is incredible. The work and effort made by both
Matt and Peter is unbelievable. I see a good season ahead of me, the package and potential is deffinently there. For 2002
we have potentially winning package, and hopefully from the start we can achieve this. I choose Mapes-VO because it had everything I wanted. Honda, Michelin, a new team, and a team that gives 100% to both drivers, despite any differences that may be forseen. I had other offers from other teams but once I got in contact with Matt, I dropped the other offers as what I had in the team was something I wasen't going to give up. My team mate is Artur Costa, and I havent had much of a conversation with him, but what I gather is that he's fast - very fast. Hopefully it's something I can compete with and have some friendly rivalary. The car that has been designed has taken a while but it was worth it. On track it's going to be very good. The engine is better and the rear end is good (which is something I've never had in a car) and I think with the car and package some good results can be achieved."
Artur Costa was 'uninterviewable' at the launch, he had to leave quickly after the car was launched as he wished to spend some short time with his famuily before Melbourne.
Jamie Day (Commercial Manager):
"As being with the team from the beginning I watched it grow and I really love the atmosphere. It's really a family team! I'm proud of our department to sign Benson & Hedges as main sponsor. It's also great we were able to get Baumler, S. Oliver and Cavalotti as our sponsors."
Peter Wilsson (Chief Designer):
"It's great to work for this team. When designing the car I didn't have any restrictions to make a very good car. We spend a lot of time in the wind tunnel and the car looks really really beautiful! It will surely be fightoing for podiums!"
Samson Crud (Chief Engineer):
"It's a real pleasure working for our team. I really feel at home here. The designing department did a very good job and we were able to construct the car. It's so great seeying that car actually come to life."
Thomas Burns (Chief Mechanic):
"What a great and motivated team to work for. It's great to feel the potential the team has. We were able to assemble the cars and when looking at it, I'm seeying the car standing on the grid at Melbourne on the front row. Now that would be a great reward for all the hard work we have done! "