October 14, 2003
Pole man Mikko Jakonen, 2nd placed Daniel Wilkinson and 3rd placed Kieran Ryan gave their views on qualifying and the Drivers and Constructors battles.

Pole - Mikko Jakonen (Mapes-VO)

Q - Mikko, did you realise that this final qualifying session means that you have qualified in the top 3 for all 16 races of the F1VWC season? That is quite an achievement, and probably says a lot about your outright speed. How difficult was it to dial in to the Suzuka circuit?

A Oh really? No, I didn't realise that.. it's a nice thing to hear. Of course we don't get any points from qualifying, so in that sense it's not a big deal, but at least it shows I have the potential to beat anybody here.

Q - The Championship is still a mathematical possibility for you, and there are new faces appearing high up the grid order who could help you out. Will you be pushing for that victory to ensure that you can do everything in your control to help you fight to keep the drivers crown?

A - Of course I'll be pushing for the victory! The moment I start not doing that I'll retire! Daniel is high up in the grid so I anticipate a gruelling battle between us, but hopefully Shiro will stay behind in the traffic. Our car is on top form and I'll do my very best to get that victory. It's been too long since the last one anyway.

Q - A win here would please the Honda top brass very much. In your performance on track here, are you and Petri mindful of the fact that Mapes-VO have yet to confirm works Honda engines for 2004?

A - Yeah, there's been a lot of Japanese people around the last few days.. I hope we stick to Honda, and I would assume they would like to keep us, as we've been instrumental in turning their product from a mediocre piece into one of the most advanced and powerful engines in the grid. I just hope my engine doesn't blow.

2nd Position - Daniel Wilkinson (EIRE)

Q - Daniel, only your third top three qualifying position of the season, and a very opportune time to achieve it. Fast in qualifying trim, are you as confident for the race?

A - Yep.

Q - You've got Kieran right behind you in third. Has Willy Ponissi given team orders to ensure that Kieran (who is no doubt fast) does not try to take points off you in drivers Championship?

A - Nope

Q - Suzuka is known as a drivers circuit. What are the secrets (that you are willing to divulge) to going fast around here?

A - Keep it on the black stuff

Q - The drivers Championship - are you still in a positive state of mind regarding your chances here?

A - I need to win this race but with the speed of the Hondas it makes it that much harder. But I have a good setup so I'm.......happy about my chances. It should be an exciting race... as I sit back and watch Mikko drive away from me!!

3rd Position - Kieran Ryan (EIRE)

Q - Another excellent session for the EIRE team, and you must be confident of taking the challenge to SCUM for 2nd place in the Constructors Championship. Is this your main goal, or is it to help Daniel in his fight for the Drivers Championship?

A - I have 2 main goals, and they have not changed since I began with EIRE in Hungary, to help Daniel with his championship quest and to help the team do as well as they can in the constructors championship.

Q - We understand from unconfirmed press reports that you were one of the drivers involved with heated discussions regarding the race result of the US Grand Prix. Has the ruling bodies' definition of rules been clearly passed to all drivers? And will this affect in any way the way you drive here in Suzuka?

A - I will drive how I drive, but rules are rules. USA is behind me and I wish not to discuss this any further. My 2nd place was allowed in the end and that's what counted.

Q - Rumour has it that you are in discussion with several teams for race seats in 2004, including your current team EIRE. Your recent showings must have upped your value on the driver market. What options would you prefer for 2004?

A - I have a lot to think about for 2004. I have some options open to me, but not as many as people would think. I look for a lot of things from a team like good communication, fast team mate, good engine, reliability, and a reliable and co-operative manager, and I'll do the rest. For 2004, I will be looking for a 2 year deal to last to the end of 2005, as my aim is the championship and you need to build up a team spirit to get that, and it may take more then 1 year to win it, but you learn and grow as the years go by!