April 24, 2004
Simsoa team boss Lawrence Simpson released the following Press release after successfully testing new parts for the 2004 F1VWC spec Simsoa:-

During the Monza test week, the Simsoa experts had devised a way to aid both of our drivers with a brand new steering column and wheel. Javier was the man spear-heading the development. The new wheel offers a better turning circle with an extra 9 degrees each side (from the original 107 degrees each way) and the column is now stronger and doesn't tend to slip as often as it did before. The improvement on Javier's car was of up to three-tenths of a second which catapulted him up to 4th fastest on Day 2 (his highest so far). Once again, Lawrence Simpson spoke to the awaiting press in the press room of the Simsoa motorhome and informed them of their progress: "The new equipment fitted is now working perfectly with our existing machinery. Javier is ecstatic that he is now getting faster times and hopes to give David (Brown) a run for his money; it'll be exciting t o watch I can tell you!"

The Simsoa SA-03V/07 will now be ready for Imola with the new steering system and initial simulations show that the cars have improved well despite the no-shows which have now been cleared up: "I talked to both Alex and Chris and everything is now A-OK between us. It turns out that Alex had a illness and had told our receptionist that he was heading home, and I didn't get the message. Chris' flight to Monza was cancelled due to a bomb scare which was a hoax and both are very sorry for their absence."

With everything in working order again, the team can now concentrate on the race ahead next week.