Hello and welcome to Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium for the team principal’s Thursday press conference ahead of this weekend’s Belgian V-Prix – round fifteen of the 2019 Formula Virtual World Championship. Joining us today, from left to right, are; Robert Mathershaw of Red Bull DS Automobiles Team Mathershaw, Jamie Franklin of Franklin, Bradley Downton from Downton FV Team, Shane O’Connell of Meteor International FV Team, and unfortunately we have an empty seat as Hector Seibel of Andromeda couldn’t make it here this weekend, so we’re down to just the four of you today. Scott Parkin - FVTV: We’ll start off the press conference today with the teams fighting for the title. We arrive here at Spa-Francorchamps with the possibility of Downton securing their second Constructors’ Championship, with Franklin hoping to stop them doing so. Jamie; which trophy do you value more, the Constructors’ or Drivers’ Championship? And do you agree with Nic Morley’s claim earlier in the year that whoever wins the title this year, is truly the number one team of this era? And Bradley; if you could seal the Championship here, what would it mean to you and the team to get that one wrapped up, and to be able to then only worry about the Drivers’ Championship? Jamie Franklin: At this point, it's looking more and more like an inevitability. Unfortunately, we've had the worse luck of the two teams, with what...three or four more retirements? That's a lot of points lost, not to mention the trouble with backmarkers...but I'm not going to get into that now. As for which I value more, I don't. They both represent being at the top, and I wouldn't be satisfied without holding them both. And do I agree with Nic? No. Compare our accomplishments since 2013, and Downton do not match up to our stature. Have they done well in recent years? Sure. But winning this year won't give them that moniker. If it were between us and DS Mathershaw, then maybe I'd be willing to put that on the line, but otherwise it's just nonsense to try and drive up ratings. Bradley Downton: It would simply mean less worry over the remaining races. The Constructors is where the money comes from, the Drivers' matters little to me. Of course, I'd far rather it was one of my two, but between them, I couldn't care less. I dearly hope it does happen here, but if it doesn't, it doesn't. We move on, and see how things go. As long as we secure it somewhen, that's the main thing. SP – FVTV: Okay thanks you two, the team principals will now take questions from the media personnel assembled here. Theo Parker – VM Magazine: Bradley, what is your take on the incident that took Nathaniel Powers and both Andromeda cars out of the Italian V-Prix? Did you think about going to the stewards? And, to you too Jamie, how did you see the accident on the first lap between Ruiz and Klaas? BD: I'm going to refrain from commenting before I say something I probably shouldn't. We did consider the stewards room yes, but deemed it completely pointless. There was no way it would have aided us. JF: It was an unfortunate incident. As I understand it, Ruiz expected a little more understeer going into the first lesmo, but the car had more grip than expected and both cars were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hugues Antoinette – Canal+: Robert, congratulations on Adrien’s superb win last weekend, he kept his nose clean while others fell apart under pressure. How can you continue this form into this race, which is another track that favours the might of the DS power unit? Robert Mathershaw: I think we’re realistic that a combination of a great number of factors led to victory in Monza, and that is highly unlikely to happen again. However, I’m sure we can have a good race once more, and that we can maximise the potential of the weekend. Hugues Antoinette – Canal+: With Mathershaw becoming the Porsche factory team next season, is there a chance the headquarters would leave Le Mans? Can you imagine ever being based outside of your favourite country in the future? RM: We’ve got a stunning facility within the Le Mans Technoparc. The powertrain development will mostly happen in Weissach at the Porsche Motorsport factory, but there is absolutely no reason for us to move the chassis manufacture or trackside operations elsewhere. Additionally, this team is proudly French - I adore the country and the fans, and Arthur is of course right at home here. The bulk of our engineering staff are English and French, so we’re in a very good place right now and I don’t think it’ll change any time soon. Rebecca Parnell – XtremeV: Shane - Mario Juan Lopez took his best result to date by finishing fifth, but he held Lewis up for a few laps which could’ve cost the team dearly. Did you speak to him after the race about it? Shane O’Connell: Me? No, congratulated MJ on his fifth place. But Guido had some harsh words. Gianmario Angelino – Sportitalia: An excellent result for the team in Italy, the new owner’s home race. How much has Lewis impressed you since he joined? SO: Lewis has done what we expected him to do when we decided to bring him back. He is a very good driver, his team mate next season will for sure have a hard task against him. Edgardo Agretha – Play Virtual: Hello all of you. When I raced in Formula Virtual I unfortunately did not get the chance to race here at this great circuit which last year hosted the one hundredth V-Prix. Can you tell us, in as much or little detail as you see fit, how much has this sport changed since this circuit hosted its first FV race here in 2013? And what are your personal favourite highlights of racing here over the years? JF: You raced in Formula Virtual? Edgardo Agretha – Play Virtual: Yes! You gave me my chance when Enrique joined your team from Ingram, remember? JF: Erm...Oh were you Enrique's coffee guy? That Edgardo? Edgardo Agretha – Play Virtual: Yes as a matter of fact, they were good times! But I think we are going a bit off topic..! Could you give your thoughts on my original question please? JF: Eh, if you say so. It's obviously changed a lot, you've been watching right? Edgardo Agretha – Play Virtual: I have been busy perfecting my barista skills, no one makes coffee like me. But I will pass this question on to the others I think… RM: I think this is a really interesting thought - on the one hand, this series has changed beyond all recognition and has grown from strength to strength, but on the other hand it remains the same thrilling, competitive championship it always has been. On a personal level, Spa hasn’t been our happiest hunting ground for the team - we’ve only scored two podiums here. However, in my endurance racing days I did manage to finish third in the GT class here, so there’s that... SO: Definitely can’t top Rob with that. As a newcomer there’s nothing to add but the series seems to be growing each year in all areas, the quality of it is the biggest change maybe. Belgium 2018 would be in my top ten Formula V races. BD: The sport has changed hugely, but my peers have essentially addressed everything so I'll go to my top moment here, and that would absolutely have to be last year. Winning the 100th FV race, and with an ending so dramatic. It was absolute edge of your seat stuff. SP – FVTV: Some great questions there, it’s now time for the fan questions. This first one is for Jamie; “Championship battles aside, how much are you finding yourself and the team enjoying the final few races of Franklin in FV?” JF: I can't really say that we are looking at them any differently. We have a job to do, and we can't take our eye off the ball to reflect on anything else. SP – FVTV: Remaining as steely and determined as ever then! Next one we have here is for you Shane; “How many swear words did you use against MJL when he blocked Ellington?” SO: As it was happening, for sure tensions were high. The team was furious but it ended ok so we move on. SP – FVTV: Hopefully Mario Juan hasn’t damaged the relationship too much. Alright, Robert; “Explain in fifty words or less why Michelin should be the series’ tyre supplier?” RM: Michelin are a wonderful brand, and one I would be extremely pleased to see them return to Formula Virtual. I’ve worked alongside them in FV as well as Prototype racing, and their tyres are second to none in terms of quality, operating range and outright speed. That makes it fifty. SP – FVTV: Spot on fifty by my reckoning, well done! Final fan question then for you Bradley; “If it came down to one of your drivers vs Enrique in Brazil, would the other play the team game? Or will it always be up to the individual to forge his own glory?” BD: Nathaniel and Klaas respect one another hugely, so if one was out and the other could fight, there would absolutely be support from the other side of the garage. But as we all know, team orders are ridiculously difficult to execute here in Formula Virtual, so it'll be whatever it'll be. SP – FVTV: Okay brilliant thanks guys and thank you to the fans for their questions. Now the final question to you all, as ever, where do you expect your team to be in the order this weekend? And to everyone except Bradley and Jamie, do you think Downton will do it this Sunday? JF: Sighs As with every other time you've asked - at the front. RM: We’re aiming to get both cars into the top five, with a podium being a top result. As for Downton, I think it’s very possible, but Franklin will give their all too. SO: We hope for another podium for Lewis but just as many points as possible to chase North Star. Downton win the title? No, would like to see it here but next race is more likely. BD: We expect to be a distant second behind Franklin. It's a power track, and their V12 should send them clear. We just need to pick up as many points as possible and minimise the damage. SP - FVTV: Excellent, thank you to the four of you for attending today and everyone at home for tuning in, make sure you join us for practice tomorrow ahead of the Belgian V-Prix!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
|