December 12, 2004
Rumour has it that, having seen the Mapes-VO "press release" of 11th December, Phoenix F1 team boss Andy Graydon couldn't stop laughing.
"Pot, calling the kettle black" was the apparent response.

Apparently Mapes-VO have been in contact with Daniel Wilkinson, despite not receiving permission from the team he is contracted to until the end of 2004.

Of course, this appears to be Mapes-VO positioning themselves (in a rather underhand way) now that their reign as Constructors Champions is under threat.

The Phoenix F1 press office only commented as follows:-

"Kieran Ryan was not approached by Mr Lock. Furthermore, team boss Andy Graydon was in the Pits all day long on the day of the test, and has confirmed that the expected professional courtesy of his team personnel has remained intact.
The assertions made by Mr Lock (and I therefore assume the Mapes-VO team) are vehemently denied. No member of our team would portray themselves in such a way (if they wanted to keep their job), however they felt about an opposing team.
We can confirm that Mr Lock would, as a result of his recent comments, NEVER drive for the Phoenix F1 team. The team did contact him, but it was not known at that time that he had signed up for the Mapes-VO outfit. As soon as it was known, the interest ceased.
Furthermore I can confirm that Phoenix F1 have NEVER attempted to sign Mikko Jakonen in any 'off season' period.
Mapes-VO (or their personnel) need to get their facts right."

As for comments regarding 2004 liveries, apparently Graydon again couldn't stop laughing as he realised that his taunts must really have got into the Mapes-VO mindset!