Good morning and welcome to Mexico City, Mexico for the Team Representatives’ Thursday press conference ahead of this weekend’s Mexican V-Prix – the final round of the 2022 Formula Virtual World Championship. Joining us today, from left to right, are; Adrian Arnello of Arnello Milner & Ronson Autosport, Bradley Downton from Downton FV Team, Arthur Lapierre and Robert Mathershaw of Coca-Cola Porsche Team Mathershaw, Rai Miyamoto from Ocelot Japan Racing, then finally Ahmed Cheema and Kimi Young from Highwind FV Racing. Welcome gentlemen. Scott Parkin – FVTV: First of all then, I’ll begin by going to Arthur and Robert. It’s great to have you both here, a pair who have worked together for almost ten years now in Formula Virtual and become such a formidable partnership – along with Adrien and the rest of the fantastic team. So, to each of you, what do you see as the other’s biggest strength that has contributed to making the Mathershaw team so unbelievably consistent and successful? Robert Mathershaw: Firstly, thanks for indulging me and letting us both sit in on this one - Arthur is of course in charge, but I couldn’t resist coming in for one more go at avoiding answering the media’s questions! For me, Arthur’s passion and drive to succeed is unparalleled in the entire FV paddock, and likely the whole of virtual motorsport. He’s a man who is at the top of his game and has been for the best part of half a century, and he’s provided us with direction and leadership that we simply couldn’t have achieved what we have without. Arthur Lapierre: Well, firstly I think Rob left me alone to do what I needed to do! But in all seriousness, when I arrived all that time ago, the idea was I could take on the day-to-day operations as Team Principal so that he could concentrate on the technical side of the team, and I think that is what has been the driving force behind our success - there’s a single mindedness Rob has which means that anything other than perfection means there’s an improvement to be made, and even with perfection comes a drive to make sure it stays perfect. He’s a hard man to work with, I know he won’t mind me saying that, but he is a great friend so I wouldn’t have it any other way! SP – FVTV: Great words from both of you, the two of you truly have been an iconic duo and I’m sure you’ll always be remembered as some of the very first ‘greats’ of our sport. Okay, coming to you now Adrian. Another fantastic drive from Finn in Brazil ensured that AMR have now scored points in each of the last six races, which is a new record for the team. Where would you rate this season in the history of AMR? Adrian Arnello: This is up there with them! These are our best results for a long time, and we're working hard to keep that going. I don't know if I'll say the best but definitely keeping us keen! SP – FVTV: It’s quite the run, certainly! Rai, a double points finish in Brazil provided much-needed points for the team in the fight to hold sixth place from FIRST. Since then, the team has announced that Puccio Giodano will remain with the team but there was no mention of Hunter Ryan. Could you reveal to us what lies ahead for the Australian? Rai Miyamoto: We are still supportive of Hunter; he is an incredible talent who has been part of our driver academy for many years. Adding to the list of championships won within the academy. I know it’s been a bit tough this year for him. However, we will have some more news to share in regards to what he’ll be up to next season. Heck we could just be negotiating. SP – FVTV: Interesting, hopefully some light can be shed on the situation soon! Bradley, Klaas is coming here as the clear outsider for the title but it’s a position you’ve been in before as a team. What can you possibly do to help Klaas as much as possible this weekend? Bradley Downton: Feed Ruiz some bad tacos? laughs Look, we're under no illusions that we need Ruiz to have some bad luck if Klaas is going to take this title. All we can do as a team is the best job possible, give Klaas the best car and the best strategy to put him in a position to be able to steal it if indeed things do go wrong for Enrique. SP – FVTV: I think we’ve all heard enough about tacos this weekend, certainly down at North Star anyway! Okay, Ahmed, Thierry has scored eighteen points in the last two races which is more than the entire previous history of the team. Despite this being the team’s final race, how closely will you follow the Belgian’s career in the future? Surely it would make you incredibly proud if he goes on to have a great, successful career in the sport? Ahmed Cheema: Thierry has been phenomenal for us since Fuji, he's a fantastic driver, wise beyond his years. His work ethic is commendable as well and it's telling how disappointed most of us were when we heard he was signing with Westwood. I wish him nothing but the best in the future - and you can forget the ‘if’ - Thierry will have a great career, and I'm going to enjoy seeing it. SP – FVTV: It’ll be an emotional final race for him at Highwind, that’s for sure. Alright, I’ve been told that we have a rather large number of Fan Questions today, so we’ll get those done before we throw it down to the floor. We’ve got a group question here, to all of you; “Who will win the World Cup?” AA: Oh man, its already thrown some upsets hasn't it? I know it’s not for top spot but I've gotta back our boys and green and gold. RaiM: If I must go for a shock then Japan, otherwise I think If I must be boring then France or Brazil. But I will be adventurous and say The Netherlands. RobM: That’s easy - it’s coming home! Or not, but I can hope… AL: Oh dear… we don’t disagree on much, but that’s just not going to happen. Allez les bleus! AC: Ooo, good question. England has to be favourites, what with their form over the last few years. But let's see, can't discount Australia with their line up, and India are obviously very strong. Probably one of them, though I'll obviously root for Pakistan, I guess history goes against South Africa and New Zealan- Kimi Young: They don't mean that, they mean the... thud under desk AC: Yow, what was that fo- OH, you mean the football thingy? Errr, I guess, Ireland qualified, yeah? No? I'll go with them anyway. BD: As Rob said, it's coming home, right? Having said that; Spain, Brazil and France looked very good in their opening games, so it'll be tough of course. But I can't say anyone other than England! SP – FVTV: Interesting to see plenty of patriotism there, then Ahmed clearly not knowing what a football is! Okay, the next Fan Question is for Porsche Mathershaw; “Do you have any plans of your future with Virtual Motorsport?” AL: I’ll be retiring from full time operations at least for now, and I hope to be able to enjoy motorsport as a fan once again! I’ll definitely be helping out with Rob’s next ventures moving forward, but I’m an old man, so I want to have some fun! RobM: I think Mathershaw Technology will never completely leave virtual motorsport, we simply have too much of a passion for it. What form that will take, I have no idea, but you haven’t seen the last of us just yet. Personally, I hope that I can contribute to the sport as a whole still, and give back a little to a championship that gave me so much. SP – FVTV: That’s really great to hear, Rob! And Arthur, I hope you enjoy yourself, I’m sure you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied! Right, the next Fan Question is for you, Adrian. “Your deputy is leaving you and starting his own team next year. How does this effect your team as a whole and are you on the lookout for a new deputy?” AA: We're really happy for Alex to get the chance to run a team proper! For us it doesn't change too much and we're not looking for another deputy just yet but we will continually evaluate how we go and see what colour the grass is on the other side if need be! SP – FVTV: Exciting times for Alex and his team over at Kowhai, for sure! Okay, Bradley, the next one’s for you. “There is big chance your driver Klaas van Snelheid will finish runner up for the fourth time and once again fail to capitalise in a championship rumble. Will this be bad for him mentally and will there be a time where he will part ways with your team to try a fresh start? Thanks.” BD: Not at all. We never expected to even be in the contest this season, so the fact we're arriving here with a shot at all is far beyond where we hoped to be. If we can take anything, that's a bonus - and Klaas is of the same opinion. We are happy with Klaas, and he is happy here, so there's no need to end that relationship. SP – FVTV: Downton and Klaas is definitely a partnership that you just can’t imagine being broken up. Okay, back to Rob and Arthur again for this next one. “Your FV management careers in FV come to an end in a few days time. Can you tell me please what driver you wanted in your team but never happened?” AL: To be honest, this is easy for me as I think we’ve had the best driver line-ups over the years anyway! However, as a fan of French talent, I always thought Jean Mattson would have suited one of our cars! RobM: I must agree with Arthur - not once did we feel like we’d compromised with our driver line-up. If I was going to pick a driver though, I’d inevitably have to say Powers. We always wanted to go for the very best of drivers, and he completes the holy trinity - if only my lobbying to Nic for three cars for my team had worked! SP – FVTV: That would’ve been a spectacle, to say the least! Okay, I’ve deliberately left Rai and the Highwind boys until last here as there seems to have been a massive influx of questions for you guys! We’ll do yours first, Rai. If you don’t mind, I’ll just fire them at you quickly as there’s plenty to get through! “For the last few years, we've seen Ocelot quietly make their way up the grid and put in some really solid season recently. What's been the secret to your consistency since 2019?” RaiM: I think the secret has been not giving our drivers outlandish contracts. SP – FVTV: “Italy has played a strong role in Ocelot since you partnered with Alfa Romeo. Now that you have split, has the Italianness left the team or is it still there with Giodano?” RaiM: Absolutely the Italian spirit has not been lost in the garage and factories. The culture is immensely popular and we will not ever lose our Italian pedigree even with Alfa Romeo leaving. Our team has influence from a range of culture and nationalities. SP – FVTV: “We saw Puccio struggle with Franklin against Ruiz all those years back - with you, he seems like a completely different driver, one of the best on the grid. What's your secret to getting the best out of him?” RaiM: It’s easy isn’t it? Puccio manages to deliver when he is in a team where he is loved and supported. This was hard to come by at a team like Franklin. Especially when that team is Ruiz’s team. Here Puccio knows he is the lead driver and the team has worked with him for so many years now. There is a love and understanding. He gets on with everyone so incredibly well. Always first in and last out of the garage. That’s what talent looks like when its nurtured. SP – FVTV: “Rai, who are the La Li Lu Le Lo?” RaiM: I am afraid I cannot answer this if you do not know already. The Patriots are everywhere. I must not speak. SP – FVTV: “Avid fans of yours will recall your storming run in the V24 race last year where you almost pulled off a win in the GT Daytona class. Will we ever see you behind the wheel again?” RaiM: It was great fun wasn’t it racing in the GT Class. I Had a fantastic time and really enjoyed myself. I think I’d be itching to go again. Would be nice to be a Race Winner among our crop of drivers in the paddock. Think we’ll need to arrange something with Highwind about running. SP – FVTV: “Your team will enter their ninth season next year, meaning Ocelot will have raced for longer than the Mathershaw name. Does that make you feel old?” RaiM: Is this a fact because it is crazy if so. How time flies. Anyway, you can take me back to 2018? Perhaps this time we can have the fastest car. But it has been incredible being part of this sport and this fact almost did not happen with the Pegasus saga. SP – FVTV: “Japan recently beat Germany in some competition. Did that make your life better, worse or the same?” RaiM: There has been a lot of celebrations in the paddock after the result. Let us deliver the nation another fantastic story this weekend too. We are very proud of the Samurai Blue. SP – FVTV: “How much money would it require to bribe you to change your livery?” RaiM: A Constructors and Drivers Championship. You give us the titles and we can talk. SP – FVTV: That’s the last of them, thank you for answering all those Rai! I can only assume an avid Ocelot fan was in charge of accepting Fan Questions this week… Anyway, I’ve got a few here for Ahmed and Kimi before we move on. First one here for you Ahmed, the inevitable; “When you coming back?” AC: There's no plans from my side to return, but as I've said a few times- KY: 13 times now. AC: -a FEW times, the future is always in motion, so never say never. SP – FVTV: Well, maybe if you’ve said it that often… anyway, the next one is for you again Ahmed. It simply says; “Diego Campos?” AC: Hero. Icon. Inspiring. Incredible. Outstanding. Revolutionary. Jaw dropping. Speed demon. KY: You forgot legend. AC: Yes, that. And Indy. Ingram. Spanish. Omelette. SP – FVTV: I think he should be forever known as Omelette now. The next one is for both of you; “Cheema era or Highwind era?” AC: Tough one. I love the Cheema era but one of my favourite parts of Highwind was our expansion out of FV which edges it for me. eV has been an adventure and a half over the last two years but had tons of fun with that. And of course V24, with Highwind, the boys in Nikolai, Diego and Mattson, and of course our own gang driving a Prototype last year, you [Kimi], John and I - dream team, wasn't it? KY: Very fun, apart from us trying not to die at night. But yes, I agree. Working with same cars in eV was very interesting, focusing on set up and getting best from that. Helped me with making this year FV car as well. And to be honest, I loved doing V24 with the rest, preparing the car and then really driving it, so cool. Maybe my favourite memory ever from my time in racing. SP – FVTV: Great answers there, it’s lovely to look back on all those memories from the various series that Highwind has competed in. Okay, final Fan Question now, for you Ahmed. “Pick a new team to win the Constructors’ Championship?” AC: You know what, I'm going to say Phoenix, because I reckon Alex is actually an evil mastermind who's setting himself up for a year with a super-duper fast car with which JT and Big Dom will win every race in. KY: I said not to eat those old gummy bears... SP – FVTV: If only Alex was here now, I’m sure he’d fall off his chair at that answer! That’s all the Fan Questions now, thank you very much to everyone who submitted one, we had some great ones there as well as some… interesting ones! Right, the Team Representatives will now take questions from the floor. Hitoshi Ouchi – FansOfOcelot.jp: Ocelot is eleven points ahead with FIRST chasing. What is the way for the team to keep the position with such important prize money? RaiM: We must hope and deliver that we can keep FIRST behind us in Mexico. These points are key into marking this season off as a success. We have had everyone work so hard behind the scenes and all that effort cannot go to waste. If we can keep our heads down the results will come. Danny Webber – ABC FV: Since we last spoke to you, Adrian, it has been announced that the team will make the switch to Downton power. Additionally, statistically the greatest driver of all time – Nathaniel Powers – will be racing for you alongside Finn. Could you shed some light on how these deals came about? AA: For sure! We were approached with the opportunity for both Downton and Nathaniel when Lucas were in dire straits. It seemed a shame that one of the greatest talents in FV was losing his drive at the time and we wanted to keep him in a seat as much as other teams would have. It did mean however some very tough calls here, very tough. Rebecca Parnell – XtremeV: Simple question for you Ahmed, what are some of the things you’ll miss most about competing in Formula Virtual? And what are your personal plans for your future away from the series? AC: Erm, most... talking to everyone in the paddock. Been really close to some people, some who are here and it's been a pleasure to share my time here with them. I know we're competitors and should hate each other, but these guys always felt like friends to me and I'll miss them hugely. As for the future... we can always take Ruotsey's old car and go rallying together, Kimi? KY: You think I trust you? Heh, maybe. I will miss sitting on the wall for the races, you [Cheema] and I have very good times there. Did not always go good on track, but when it did, it was amazing. Funny, I use to feel we had so many races, I was missing home. Now that we are leaving, I already miss being at the race. But for the future, I think I will be sticking with Ahmed - we have been through so much now to part. But not rallying if he is driving! Edgardo Agretha – Play Virtual: Adrian, as the main focus here is once again Porsche and Downton drivers going head to head for a World Championship, what can your team do to ensure you’ll be part of such a fight in the future? AA: We've just gotta keep our heads down and thumbs up to get this happening. Our first podium is our main goal next season, and if that means mingling with the best then we will take the opportunity head on. Klaus Ammermuller – RTV: We’ve arrived here in Mexico with Enrique Ruiz leading the World Championship by seventeen points from Klaas van Snelheid, with Enrique looking to become a triple World Champion and Klaas looking to grasp the title for the very first time. I’m not going to ask you the obvious question of ‘how can your driver do it?’ or ‘what is their mindset coming into this weekend?’. Instead, I ask; what is the significance of your driver winning the title this year? What would it change for them going forwards in their career, the reputation and the confidence? This is for Robert, Arthur and Bradley. RobM: I think Enrique is such a generational talent that winning this title almost changes nothing for his legacy and reputation to be honest. He’s the best in the world, and he knows it, but that’s why he’s quite so good, he never, ever stops going for the result. At the same time, he knows he’s moving into another new era in his career, and that leadership he can provide will be critical, so carrying the #1 on his car will be a huge statement of intent for Porsche going forward. AL: This is why we shouldn’t let two people from a team in, he’s stealing my answers! But seriously, Enrique is destined to be a legend of this sport, and this title win just cements that if he can manage it. BD: I think for Klaas it would mean a considerable amount. He's well aware of the "nearly man" tag that has been placed upon him, but he knows and we know that he is better than that. Outside of that though, I'm not sure it makes a whole lot of difference. He has the confidence in his ability regardless. Hugues Antoinette – Canal+: Bonjour messieurs. Once more, we are faced with Porsche Mathershaw vs Downton for the ultimate honour for the drivers. This will be the last time your two great teams do battle on the Formula Virtual track so I ask; what are your favourite memories of fighting the other? AL: We’ve had many battles over the years, and some that have gone in our favour while others have gone against us! Now you’ve put me on the spot, I’m lost for what to pick! RobM: I think we’ve got so many memories to choose from, and the on-track battles have been fierce, but for me it’s actually something off track. Back in 2018, we split the titles between us, and in both Mexico and Brazil, we shared a drink with each other to celebrate the other’s achievement. Of course, neither of us have ever wanted to see the other win above ourselves, but it’s a mark of the rivalry that the disappointment of losing a championship for one of us never got in the way of the respect we had. We always knew the battles on track would be fought hard, but also that they’d be fought in the right manner. BD: Well, now this is tough as I have a notoriously poor memory! I think the best memories I have are just of the overall respect we've had for each other throughout, as Rob says. We've been competing for years, but have never let that sour our relationship in the slightest. We've always been fair and honest, and I can only hope that whichever team we end up fighting next will produce the same kind of battle. Theo Parker – VM Magazine: Ahmed, how would you like your team to be remembered in Formula Virtual history? AC: Honestly? Don't know, don't care. I've loved my team, but in the end of the day, it's funny cars going vroom in funny circles - if my team gets forgotten, I'll live on. I'd rather if I was remembered for making the paddock a better place for the people in FV, if I had a positive impact on them. I hope I achieved that, and that's more important than any team legacy. Neil Allenby – FVTV: Question for all of you. As the first ten seasons of Formula Virtual concludes this weekend, what is your favourite race from those ten years? Both in terms of your favourite for your team, as well as your favourite overall? RaiM: Our first ever win must be our favourite of all time. The emotion of that season. The fans, the garage and watching the car catch fire. Absolutely a crazy experience. Favourite overall is tough as every season of FV is full of craziness and excitement. I think I am going to say we have had too many to count for overall. I just love the passion and excitement of the sport. AC: Have you heard the legend of Indianapolis 2014? But seriously, it's still THE moment for me in FV history. Out of nowhere, against all odds, through the chaos of Lindsey, Hoskins, Ruiz and Giodano, the little green and white car, that finished last in 2013, came flying through to win. I just don't see how that isn't a magical moment. There are some others - Indy last year, seeing Thunstrom taking that fabulous win was epic, and we need him back in the sport. It's a while back but France 2018 as well, for the big guy [Rai] back there, what a maiden win that was. I'll let Kimi take the ones for our team? KY: Malaysia this year was huge, Thierry sixth and then Ingram and Phoenix at the top, you and I loved that so much. You still talk about... Germany, wasn't it? 2019, with Niko and Diego, that was our first time fighting properly with others. But the standout will always be Turkey 2019, the rain came, I put my hand out like this and said "INTERS, INTERS", it was the only time I shout on the pit wall. Then Niko drove amazing, ninth, first points but it felt like the title. Ah, good times. Good memories. AC: Good memories indeed. And here's to more of those in the future. AA: Ohhh man... now my memory is not the best, in fact I'd say probably the **est here, but we remember some of the great ones for us, like our first points in Spain, our first pole in Germany, and recent years that have thrown real satisfying results for us. Recently in the Czech Republic also stands out! Now to go back and watch some races to jog the memory! BD: Crikey, you lot really are testing the memory banks today! For our team, I think it has to be that first win in Brazil in 2015. It was so unexpected and just, an outstanding result. In terms of favourite overall? I think I'd have to go for FV100, Belgium 2018. It was a fantastic celebration of the first 100 races of FV, and I think the drama and racing in that V-Prix perfectly encapsulated everything that FV is about. I also recall labelling the 2020 Italian V-Prix as one of the best races of all-time though, so that must be up there as well! AL: For me that’s a difficult question, it’s like asking a parent to choose their favourite child! But if I have to, it’s Brazil 2016. Perfection in terms of a 1-2, perfection in terms of securing our first ever Constructors’ championship, and perfection in terms of Adrien becoming the World Drivers Champion with Olen in second behind. That race epitomised a season I will never, ever forget. RobM: As I’m not a parent, I’ll happily pick from a few! Of course, the first title win for us and Adrien in 2016 was a very special moment, as was our first race win all the way back in 2013 in Canada. For me though, I’m very proud of the number of race wins we took at the first race at a venue - places like Kyalami, the Slovakiaring and Brno showed just how adaptable we were as a team, turning up and being immediately on the pace. As for an overall favourite, I agree with Bradley that race #100 for the championship was rather amazing, even if it wasn’t a personal favourite in terms of our result! On that note, I think it’s important for me to take a moment to thank Nic and the FV team for everything they’ve done for the series. We leave at the right time for us and for the sport, but there will absolutely be regret when we watch race #200 and beyond as fans. Here’s to the next decade and many more! SP – FVTV: Excellent answers from everyone there, thank you very much. That’s all for the Press Conference today and, indeed, this season. Thank you to everyone tuning in today as we say thank you and goodbye to Ahmed, Kimi, Arthur and Robert.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
|