The small Australian Formula Virtual outfit AMR is reportedly in turmoil following months of top-end silence, with the latest reports indicating a new owner has stepped in to take over the reins and split the team from the technology firm of the same name. Australasian Motoring Research, or AMR, were rumoured to be stepping back from Formula Virtual as early as January, but had since not responded to queries. However, a rare appearance and subsequent interview with the original team owner and advisor to AMR, Ryan Petersen, has revealed a raft of new details from the typically media-shy team, who have endured a series of weekends to forget, marred by heavy crashes and misfortune.
"We’ve not had the season we were hoping for,” lamented Petersen, who appeared frail from ill health. “We got a couple of strong results, but overall the pace and handling of the car is simply not up to scratch just yet. Felix is not happy with the chassis, and Will has already pushed it to its utter limits. We’re just not able to get the car we envision in the factory to work well on the track. It’s definitely frustrating.” When asked about the future of the team in regards to the new 2018 regulations, Petersen appeared grim. “The regulation change has put us on the back foot in a huge way,” he stated. “We’ve had to start on next year’s chassis much earlier than we might’ve hoped, and that’s put paid to many of the upgrades we’d planned for this season.” “Much of that earlier start has also been due to R&D costs. AMR have downscaled, and with that, the financial influx. We’ve had a handful of heavy shunts in races as well which have been very costly. Lufthansa have already begun to pull out as advised, so all of that adds up to some severe financial difficulty to overcome.” Petersen was asked to elaborate on AMR’s decision to scale down on their team’s efforts. “To be honest, they’ve just not had the results they thought they’d get, despite advice to give the team more time,” said Petersen, with a hint of annoyance. “It’s not a sport you can waltz into and start winning. The money has run low and they’ve gotten the data they needed for their own ventures. That’s just the way it is sometimes.” “We do have a new owner stepping in from September,” he affirmed, to a flurry of attention. “I cannot mention any further detail, but I will remain with the team for as long as my health permits to help ease the takeover. We’ve purchased the AMR Advanced Power Unit for 2018, and from there, we’ll be sourcing a new engine supplier for 2019 and beyond.” “I’m still optimistic about the future, but it’s going to be tough to stay afloat.”
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