After a long news drought for the British-based team, Jamie Franklin has called a press conference after practice for the German Grand Prix. "I called this press conference today in order to answer many of the speculations regarding the team in the past few weeks. We realise that, as a team, we have been relatively quiet of late, and that is why we have brought you all here today, so feel free ask whatever," Reporter: What was the reason for the team being so quiet lately? Was it a direct order from yourself, and are there any underlying issues that you have been trying to cover up? JF: To put it simply, we weren't winning. I have no need to try and talk us up each race, when I could let the car and drivers do the talking. Now that we're back on top, I feel like we can once again have more of a presence for these kinds of things. I wanted the team to be working hard, Reporter: You've come under a lot of scrutiny as a leader, not signing your drivers, even though their performing well. You even went as far as dropping a proven champion in Nathaniel Powers. What is your reaction to this? JF: I know that my decisions have become very unpopular with fans and in the paddock, but I think people need to understand that I'm trying to create a legacy here. I know it seems harsh from the outside, but there were issues with Nathaniel towards the end. I do also realise that the same rumours are now surrounding both Will and Enrique because they haven't signed contract yet, but I am looking at every option I have. I want the two best drivers on the grid, and I have a lot of information at my disposal to make an informed choice. Reporter: So will either of your drivers be in the team next season? JF: We're in talks with both of them at the moment, but we haven't come to any conclusions yet. There are a few options we're looking at, and both drivers know this, so they need to be at the top of their game if they want to keep their seat. Reporter: It seems as though it's not just the fans that you are becoming unpopular with, it's also the other teams. Does this put you in a difficult position? If the team continues to become more disliked, won't that also effect sponsorship deals and potential driver contracts? JF: As aforementioned, I know that my decisions haven't been that well received so far, and to some extent I can understand that. However, this is a sport, and it's not always about popularity. We are a very competitive outfit, and we want to be winning. If we're not winning, then we're not happy. As for sponsorship, I think that we are in a good position at the moment, because we are getting a lot of exposure. Of course, there are some companies that may not like that, but if it comes to that, then we'll deal with it. In regards to drivers, if they don't want to drive for us, then that's fine. But I would imagine that any driver wants to be given the best chance at winning a Championship, and if that means driving for us, then I believe that's what they'd want. That doesn't mean that we're a cold, unforgiven place to drive though. If we have the best driver, then we'll make sure that they feel at home with us. Reporter: There have also been rumours that you want to sign Emma Wilson, not necessarily to your main team, but at least into the Franklin youth academy. How true are these rumours, and should Will and Enrique be worried, considering your previous actions? JF: I can confirm that we've looked at her...and she's been performing well, but who knows what will happen. We know that she is currently sought after by other teams as well, so who knows what will happen. "Final question, please" Reporter: Recently, Bradley Downton came out to say that he thinks Powers can retain his title this season, and then Beckenbauer re-iterated that theory, which seemed to fire up your closest competitors considerably. What do you say to this? JF: Haha, well I admire their confidence. Downton have looked more impressive recently, and I know how tough Liverpool can be. But if Robert thinks for one moment that we aren't fired up just because we may appear to have a colder exterior, then he's in for a treat. His drivers performed admirably in practice, as they have done all season, but make no mistake that we are going to win this thing. We've shown we can do it once against Team 23, who were such tough competition to beat, and this year we will do exactly the same. With that, Franklin drops the mic (WWE style) and walks out of the room, leaving nothing but reporters and the team's trademark theme filling the room.
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