Australian larrikin Adrian Arnello sat with local journalist Peter Thurton for a naturally candid interview this week, reflecting on the changes, drives, and ambitions for their AMR outfit, after seeing the team’s best ever results for the opening rounds of the 2023 Formula Virtual season. Peter: “So, here we are! You’re fresh back from Malaysia getting some well-earned rest following what is your best ever start to a season with a maiden podium right here! Tell me a little about that, excluding the pitlane antics of course!”
Adrian: “Nah yeah it’s definitely been a bit hectic, especially in the nude! But come on, I had to do it. We’ve been at this for many years now and what a relief it was to finally nail it. I’ve seen wilder celebrations. Maybe not at the pinnacle of motorsport but at least a few local footy matches.” Peter: “It can get wild! Aside from being cold without clothes, how did it feel?” Adrian: “Unbelievable. There are so many swear words I could fit in there to help describe it, but I’ll be good! It was just a moment of pure relief and elation. Relief at finally getting on the steps, and elation at just how good that car is this year. I mean, up there with the Downtons? The Porsches? Unheard of last year!” Peter: “I’ve gotta admit, it was unexpected at first! But this groundwork has been many years in the making. How have the team made this work? Was there a glimmer of hope before the start, or were you confident you had something special?” Arnello: “It’s been full on. A hard slog. We spent many years and many dollaridoos at the back wondering what the point was at one stage. Then Jan (Milner) calls one day and says, “mate, we think we’ve got something big from the aero side.” Rob’s (Ronson) messaging me saying he’s checked the data and from what he gets, it’s gonna be good with the new engine. We put it all together and next thing we know we’ve stepped up 5 tenths here, 7 tenths there, a full second beyond what we had. And Nathaniel’s coming on board too with the Downton deal, and saying he immediately feels at home. That point right on testing was when we knew we could do it this year. The podium confirmed it!” Peter: “I think I speak for many in the field when I say we are backing you guys for a banker season! Malaysia didn’t quite go to plan, but you still got up in the points with Finn. How are the drivers feeling?” Adrian: “Lifted for sure. Finn’s the one we feel the most for, as he spent so much time at the back. That trophy is going to look so sick on the wall, and we think it’s given him that extra drive now. Nathaniel is straight into it and performing. We got unlucky in quali which didn’t help, but the pace is still there and he’s working hard with it.” Peter: “Japan has been delayed, and it could be a while before we’re back racing again. What’s keeping you busy in the downtime?” Adrian: “There’s still a ton we can do at the factory with the cars and sim setup, so no rest for the wicked! In between though I’m just getting some relaxation in, watching sport on the telly, going to the local for some brewskies, and keeping up with those I hold dear.” Peter: “The right way to do it I feel! And finally, mate, if you could be anywhere else in the world right now, where would you be?” Adrian: “I would be with my mates!”
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