May 07, 2002
BA Racing are ready for the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, although they don't expect to be as competitive as in Spain or Imola.

Team Manager, Dan Lawrence, is cautious in his approach to the coming Grand Prix, and he had the following to say at a small press conference organised earlier today at Barcelona airport.

"I raced Austria last year, but it's a circuit that I have never really enjoyed, possibly as I have never really got to grips with it. My aim is to qualify and race in the top 10. I don't 'think' a top6 finish is realistic for myself this weekend."

Mal McKee will not race the #2 car this weekend, this duty goes to the recently signed test driver - Antonio Irissari.

"I am expecting Antonio to go very well", said Lawrence, "He showed some fantastic speed at Silverstone last week, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him ahead of me all weekend."

McKee is off on holiday, but due to re-take the #2 berth at the Monaco Grand Prix in a few weeks time.

Lawrence was also highly impressed by Cosworth, the teams engine supplier this season.

"The Cosworth engine is great. It's not the fastest by a long shot, but our latest evolution is the most reliable in the GPVWC field [on paper]. Of course CVRT had the same engine evloution at the start of the season but as we develop them independantly things have changed over the course of the season. Infact I believe CVRT have a few more hp available to them but are known to be less reliable.

I am confident of great things from Cosworth. Our contract with them runs until 2003, with further options for an extension on Cosworths side. This year we must be in the top 5 constructors at seasons end to be on target with Cosworths aims for the Championship. We are confident of acheiving this."

Finally, Lawrence elaborated on his F3000 outing at Spain earlier today where he qualified and finished in 2nd place.

"It was a good race for me. I pushed to the maximum of my present abilities and could only have gained another 3-4 seconds throughout the race. I feel that Erdem was the better driver today and deserves the win. I drove without throttle control for the first time this weekend, and I think it has paid of greatly. Although I had 1 or 2 very scary moments towards the later stages of the race, through the chicane in the middle of the lap I lost the back end and bounced along the grass...the only area I lost time all through the race. My control method needs upgrading on the F3000 and F1 car, as it is pretty old by todays standards and if I want to move forward it is the only way I can do it.

I am not confident for the next F3000 round at Austria, I think a 3rd place is the only realistic objective. As for Canada, I am not sure yet......but once we get to France I'll be back on the pace."

Lawrence promptly left the press conference and boarded a plane for Austria.