September 19, 2004
The Phoenix F1 team had scheduled a Press Conference for the morning of Italian GP Race Day, but only team boss Andy Graydon and driver Joe Consiglio were present.

"I apologise for Antonio's absence" commented Graydon "but at the moment he is in the local hospital having tests. He fell ill after qualifying, with what appears like food poisoning. But that is yet to be confirmed."

Will he make the race, the press asked?

"We're not sure yet. He is bound to be feeling week, and with the rain poring down outside right now he may have difficulty concentrating if it ends up being a full wet race. We'll have to wait and see".

Would you be able to replace him for the race if he can't make it?

"Unfortunately not. We have no other drivers present here at Monza, and the league rules don't allow for this to happen anyway".

The Press core then asked Joe some question regarding his Qualifying run on a dry track:-

At a track where you took pole and victory in the race last year, 9th on the grid must have come as a surprise? But you seem to have a smile on your face. Can you tell us why?

"Yeh I could have done with being a bit further up the grid but its not too bad. I drove a safe lap today, I probably could of sqeezed a couple more tenths out of the car but with we're happy with our strategy for the race".

It has been often quoted that your team boss believes that Monza would be the teams best chance of victory in 2004. Do you still think that this is the case? And can you or Antonio gain the teams first ever victory in any league it has been involved in?

"We can only wait and see what other people are doing with their fuel loads. I think the MMC's will be particularly strong come the race but there's always a chance. As usual I'll give it my all!"

This is your last contracted drive in 2004. What have your thoughts been so far on your new team? Will we see you around in 2005? And if so, what position would that be in?

"Well Phoenix F1 is a fantastic team! I think with the likes of Jason Endean and my old mate Kieran Ryan around for 05 the team can only grow and keep getting better! As for me I think 2005 will be a similar season to 2004, I'll be doing some testing and filling in the ocassional summer race if I'm needed."

Then they asked Andy Graydon one last question:-

I know that the team were expecting to make inroads into EIRE 3rd place in the Constructors Championship here, especially with the absence of Scott Whiteman. Now that it looks like Irisarri will not make the race, it will obviously dint your chances of taking as many points as possible.

"Yes, it will affect us. I suppose we will just have to go all out for victory. If its a dry track it should suit us better, so I'm praying for the rain to stop! We need those 10 points badly now, and will have to hope that the EIRE drivers hit trouble or get stuck in traffic".