April 10, 2002
Outspoken Mapes-VO team owner Matt Maple has returned to the press today with a few announcements and comments about the teams season so far.

"It is with the greatest of pleasure to see 'my boys' doing what they do best and racing around at great speeds, its great to see us performing well and meeting the teams target. Mikko's front row place on the grid was like a fantasy that i never wanted to end, having our team and mechanica standing up front with the likes of big money teams as Roald and others was just excellent".

He also spoke about Kierans race result "Me and Kieran have had a bit of a lovers tiff as of late, we sorted that out after qualifying where I was quite honestly baffled about the probems with our car, in the race Kieran prooved to me beyond doubt that he was worth the money we paid for him and despite many sly words in the pitlane our relationship is at 100% and nothing below"

As far as the future goes, Maple seems to have become more mellow & optimistic than before "seeing the team come on the podium prooved our potential, we are aiming for top 4 constructors as its part of our engine contract and therefore we dont aim to disappoint, I dont see any reason why we cant come third or above though as we have the team to do it, we now also have a MUCH more solid foundation and I believe this will help us move on in the future".

Just when we thought Matt was about to leave he decided to give us some more team news, Mapes-VO have signed Andrew Cooper as there OFFICAL test driver for the 2002 season, he will work very closely with the test team and the race team in order to get a better and more reliable car for the upcoming races in Europe, "I personally sorted the deal with Andy, he is really easy to talk to and deal with and therefore it went through very quickly, I hope we help him as much as he helps us this season and maybe if all goes well he can have a future at the team".

Finally I would like to give my thanks to Mr Coban for mentioning me in his first press release with his new team, I wish him all the best of luck in the future and I know for a fact that with Roald as his manager he is in capable hands. As far as MaMa pulling from the league that it is rumoured he said "I wouldnt like to see this happen, it would lose a big competition between ourselves and them both with Honda engines, I feel bad for Luc even though he was instrumental in having my old driver kicked I am still upset for him and the team, but if you cant hack it and you feel you must pull I will not stand in your way".

Matt will be with his drivers in Imola.