September 25, 2004
"Disappointing, hugely disappointing." Those were the words echoing around the Phoenix F1 garage at Monza following Joe Consiglio's accident whilst leading the race. But, the world of the F1VWC moves on, and the team have just completed a successful test in Spain with Kelder topping the timesheets on Day 3. We managed to catch up with team boss Andy Graydon as the team were packing up ready to head off to Mangy Cours for the French GP.

Andy, what actually happened in Italy. It has got to be the worst result in your teams history, yet you were expecting so much from it?

"Yes, indeed. Well, Antonio managed to get into the car for the race. But as you know he was suffering from food poisoning, and wasn't well at all. He wanted to do well here for the team and wanted to race, so we gave him the opportunity to do that. He managed to complete 9 laps but he was deteriorating rapidly.

He'd just come on the radio as he started lap 10 saying he was having difficulty concentrating when we saw on the TV monitors that he'd pulled over - but he then drove slowly into the barriers. What happened was, he lost consciousness for a split second (he was already dehydrated as it was). Luckily he managed to slow the car down enough when he regained his senses but couldn't avoid lightly damaging the car.

But Joe Consiglio reported a problem with the car from a very early stage. He was losing time compared to our ideal for a successful two stop strategy, but led the lap for two laps until finally something gave out on the car under breaking for the first chicane. We think it was a faulty wishbone that failed, but it pitched him across the kerbing and into the barriers. A fair bit of damage was caused but Joe was OK. He was pretty gutted when I spoke to him afterwards, as he really thought victory was on the cards here. But I suppose that's what happens in the real world of the F1VWC! Sometimes your luck is in, other times it's not."

So how have you managed to pick the team up after such a disappointing turn of events?

"I had a chat with the staff and the drivers, but they know that the next race it could be our turn. We've been close to victory on a couple of occasions this year, but we have no need to motivate the staff as the next race is at Magny Cours in France, home to our engine supplier Renault. We've always done well around this track. We managed to gain our first ever 'top of the testing timesheets' back in November 2002, Anronio got his one and only Pole Position here in a wet 2003 Qualifying session, and Jan Kelder finished the same Race in 3rd. With Daniel and Antonio (confirmed fit again) we are really going to France to put pressure on the top guys in the Championship. We still hope to challenge EIRE for their 3rd place in the Constructors, and this event will be make or break time if that is going to happen."

You've just tested here in Spain, but only for 3 days. Any particular reason?

"It's down to logistics really. Antonio has been recuperating, Joe had a bit of bruising after his shunt. We couldn't contanct Mark, so only Daniel and Jan were available and only for 3 days. But with the next Grand Prix being so close to this test, we needed time to sort ourselves out for the trip to France. Plus a few other things that I personally had to attend to."

Yes, you told us before the interview that you had made another major signing for 2005. And that is that Joe Consiglio has been confirmed as Test / Reserve driver. The Phoenix F1 line-up for 2005 is looking very strong now.

"Yes, Joe has put pen to paper and will be with us in a Test role, but also to fill in should either Kieran or Jason not be available at certain events. Effectively we have 3 top drivers signed up to ensure we can challenge for that Constructors Championship in 2005. With Kieran having won in Italy, that means each of our drivers signed up so far have tasted champagne on the top spot of the podium!"

What's happened to your Biography that we've been eagerly waiting for?

"Glad you mentioned that! It's going to be released in the coming week. ted Cragg and I have worked long and hard on this, and its a rivetting read - even if I do say so myself! Watch the News section of the site. Its' eitehr going to be released as one document, maybe 2 or 3 part serialisation. We've yet to decide on that. It's over 10,000 words, but once I started reading it I couldn't stop! So the format has yet to be confirmed."