April 04, 2002
What a weekend for Mapes-VO. Full of ups and downs. The qualifying turned out to be a huge succes with Mikko Jakonen in P2, The first front row for Mapes-VO!!

The second car, driven by Kieran Ryan was DQ because of a problem with the car. It appeared that the car was 2 cm too long. Fortunately we could still get things fixed in time and Kieran was able to start, but he was placed at the back of the grid.

Peter?s point of view and the qualifyig session: ?I was so happy, especialy since we are still driving with an underpowered car, Mikko just put all his effort into that lap and it really payed off! Also Kieran was in a very promising position since he qualified 11th, 1 place behind the fastest MaMa Racing car, which are still our main competators, since we are both Honda powered teams. Too bad there are some team troubles at MaMa Racig, but I?m sure Luc will get the team runing again. And here is where the first big down comes into play. Kieran?s DQ. Fortunately he was able to start, but starting from P22 was?t looking very promising."

Then the race. Mikko had a great start and drove a great race. Until the moment the Honda blew. It was a real shame, because Mikko was driving straight to the podium. Everybody at the team was pretty down at that moment. The mechanics who did a great job saw a great weekend being ruined by an engine blow. The team is in close contact with Honda to sort these things out. We will work on it right after the San Marino GP when we will attend the test session at Magny-Cours.

Things weren?t looking very bright for the ?banana team? as Mapes-VO is called by others in the pitlane, but after the first pitstops Kieran was already driving in the points. Kieran who made the correct tyre choise was on a 2-stopper. Thanks to this great strategy he was able to make it to the podium with more then 30 seconds to 4th placed driver.

Peter about the race: "I was so nervous, hoping to see Mikko pass that first corner without incidents. I heard later that I drank 12 cups of coffee before the race. But Mikko made it!! He really drove a tremendous race untill he blew his engine. What a big down again. I could?t believe it after such a qualifying session and race we go home without points.

At least that?s what I thought. After the first pitstops Kieran was already driving in the points. So points after all!! But we had a perfect race strategy and Kieran made it to the podium!!! Man what a race he drove, just marvelous!!

Too bad we have to buy ourselves 2 new laptops because when seeying Kieran finish in 3rd position I was cheering like a maniac, but my cup of coffee wasn?t empty yet, so?."

Matt also had a huge grin on his face after the race. His comment: "I was delighted with Kierans performance, he proved to me today that when u pay good money for things you get good results, I feel really bad for Mikko, it was just another chapter of bad luck for the team but now we are looking ahead to Imola with our heads held high and now we know we can do it i would like to see another car on the podium, an all round great performance"

But things are looking very promising for the next race. We hope the Michelins will do great in Imola. As well as the updated Honda engine. We like the taste of champagne now, and we will be there to get some more of that stuff!