June 27, 2004
EiRE Jaguar, 2nd in the Constructors Championship, are signing a new driver soon. Who this driver will be, no-one knows and no-one can tell. Teamboss Willy Ponissi only gave limited answers:

What can you tell us about the new driver you are signing?

"We will have some additions in the line up. And since we're EIRE, they'll be quality additions. But don't expect any names."

So, Loram is being replaced? Since you are probably not replacing Whiteman.

"It's not a sack-and-replace action. We leave that to other teams. I'd never sack a driver, expecially after I've seen rival teams doing it just before the last GP. That's a lack of class we are not allowing ourselves.

We simply had the chance to welcome a new driver to the team, and since he's a hotshot, and Ross himself suggested it, he'll be given the seat in certain occasions".

Will Loram be leaving the team now?

"No. Ross is an important part of the team and personally I can talk of him as a friend. He's an EiRE driver until the end of the season, and we'll then have talks about a contract renewal".

Scott Whiteman, second in the Drivers Championship, is afraid the new driver may be be faster than him, although he does not seem to know who it will be:

Scott, what can you tell us about the new driver?

"Well all I know is that Willy thinks that he will seal the championship for us".

Ok, are you afraid he will be beaten you on track?

"I am afraid that everyone can beat me on track, so if the new guy is as good as Willy says then sure I'm afraid".

By this time Ross Loram was not available for any comments. Peter Grooff, test driver for EiRE and for some time a candidate for the second EiRE seat, told us that as soon as Willy Ponissi is willing to tell who the driver will be, we will know:

Peter, are you still going to take the second EiRE seat?

"Well, I was never going to take the second EiRE seat (laughing). Ross did ask me to take his place, but I didn't take the offer, because other activities are taking to much of time at the moment".

Can you give us any hint about who it will be?

"No" (smiling).

As soon as we have more information about the new driver, we will bring you the news.