Jeddah Corniche Circuit

SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX

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December 21, 2002
Andy Graydon called another press conference today to announce the signing of another Dutch driver, Mark Nieuwlaar, as a test driver for the team. This now completes the driver roll call for the Phoenix F1 team.

Andy detailed that, due to the increasing workload involved in being the team owner, he had been forced into changing his mind on only needing the 1 test driver - a decision made back in October 2002.

"At the moment I am finding the team owner role very demanding, and to reduce some of my workload Mark will be taking on some of the testing duties that I had been doing since November. You may well see me on track, but if the race drivers are available then Phoenix F1 will be running a different driver on each day of a test".

Mark then made the following statement to the world's press:

"I am very pleased to be joining the Danka Phoenix F1 team as a Test driver. I want to thank them for giving me as a young/rookie driver, a chance to learn the tracks and to increase my ability to be much more consistent and faster in the future. I also want to thank Jan Kelder, my fellow Dutchman, because he draw my attention to this outstanding team. I had some other options, but evaluating all things I discovered that the objectives and the dedication of the team are perfect for me to make my test driver role appearance in the GPVWC league. I am sure, when taking to the track in the first race of the 2003 season in Melbourne, the Danka Phoenix F1 team will have a very competitive car, and a well balanced team."

Mark's times in the France evaluation test were very impressive. Andy was very pleased to hear that Mark is using his testing role to learn the tracks and to go quicker! Pleasing to any team owner's ears!!

News was still unavailable about any new sponsorship deals, although Andy confirmed that deals were in the final stages of discussion. Of course, there is always the unknown factor of late deals scuppering any of the teams plans.

Graydon did confirm that the team had recently launched it's own Web Site - www.phoenixf1.co.uk - although at this stage it is a "work in progress" with information and changes being added on a regular basis.

Lastly Andy wished a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all people involved in the GPVWC - see you in 2003.