In a first exclusive interview, Neil Allenby for VirtualSport speaks to Kazuki Armos in the wake of the announcement Peugeot will no longer commit to his racing team. NA: To start with, we can't not talk about Peugeot. Were you expecting this news?
KA: Yes and no to be honest! At the start of the season I thought Peugeot would be with us long term. However, when the performance dropped off, I started to become more concerned about meeting Peugeot's expectations. NA: Was it in the contract then? KA: Yes, in the initial contract it was specifically outlined that at certain points in the season we had to be at specific positions in the standings. Two reviews had passed and Peugeot wanted to meet prior to this race to undertake a major review about the future of the team. NA: So the idea was to pull out anyway? KA: I knew to convince Peugeot to stay on board would be hard, but the major initial concern for them was where the money was going. The fact that we performed so badly in respect to teams who we should be racing with was their reason that in the future the project would not be financially viable or commercially viable for them to support. NA: Moving on, you said a review into the current performance would take place. Regi Abott is confirmed to return, why has this choice been taken now. KA: Regi is a driver I still rate and we haven't given him a competitive yet and since Ivan has raced the performance has not improved sufficiently for him to replace Regi. Finally, we have taken an in depth review into strategy with a major re-shuffle in that department currently taking place. NA: You still will have access to technical facilities from Peugeot, was this always planned: KA: It's sad they've quit, but we had a two season contract from the start that would allow us use to the wind tunnel and test track. Even though the factory will be claimed by Peugeot Automotive while we re-locate to a small UK factory the contract will provide us with some use to the facilities and Peugeot engines for another season. NA: Do you still see Peugeot as a long term engine supplier and are jobs secure in the team? KA: The families are very important! We are a small team, only just over 50 work at the track and at the factory combined and it would be no benefit to us to let them go. Engines, now that depends on the power next season. If we have an uncompetitive package again next season we may consider a new provider but that is currently not the plan.
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