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February 05, 2001
Welcome to the FedEx - DL Racing - BMW Team Launch - 2001

DL Racing was formed from the ashes of Sparshot Racing very early in the 2000 season. Daniel Lawrence stepped down from his #1 seat to take the management role when original Team Manager, Nick Douglas, quit due to the lack of immediate results. Lawrence renamed the team from Sparshot Racing to DL Racing then set about strengthening the team and trialing a variety of drivers with a view to signing them for 2001.

The 2001 season is about to begin - and we are here to see the launch of the 2001 DL Racing - DL02

Please Welcome, Team Manager Daniel Lawrence, Drivers Jason Smith & Scott Smith and BMW Motorsport Director Gerhard Berger.

Firstly - Daniel,

Q: Is the car a huge step forward in performance from the 2000 model?

A: We think so. We can not be 100% sure as it has not been track tested yet but in the wind tunnel and on the testing rig it has shown to be far superior to our 2000 car. We have some evolutionary things on the car but also some majorly revolutionary things. We had many problems with our suspension in 2000, it made the car less responsive on certain circuits and incredibly difficult to set the car up. We did replace the suspension with a completely new design mid way through 2000 and did did help, but not enough. Basically the new car is, in my own view, a big step forward.

Q: You terminated your contract with Peugeot in favour of BMW engines, why was this?

A: We visited the Peugeot factory in late December to see what they were preparing for 2001. We had no contract with them just a verbal agreement that we would use the engine if it proved better than the 2000 model. On the test bench the Pug engine was pulling far less bhp than some other engines and I basically decided theere and then that it was not good enough. Just after the visit I received an email from Gerhard Berger (BMW Motorsport Director) stating that he was interested in supplying at 2 of the top 6 teams from the 2000 season. As you know - A-Racing got the deal and so did we. I think that the BMW engine is very strong. Not the strongest but reliable and driveable. BMW will be working closely with A Racing and ourselves to develop the engine throughout the 2001 season.

Q: Tell us about the other components you have contracted for the coming season.

A: Jordan are supplying the chassis design, which we will evolve throughout the season. In Shell, we have the best fuel! It is probably suited more to the Ferrari engine but BMW assure us that we can not get anything better. Bridgestone are supplying our tyres, they look to be more consistent over a race distance and probably slightly faster in qualifying...only time will tell.

Q: You have 2 quick, consistent and committed drivers. Both of these drivers must have cost the team a lot of money. Was the experience factor high on your list? as there were several rookies looking for seast who were all far cheaper.

A: In a nutshell, yes. You can have a very quick driver who scores you a few points and then leaves the team. Or you can have an experienced driver, who is known for his speed AND commitment. At the end of the day consistency won the title for A Racing in 2000 and there is no reason why it can't do the same for us in 2001. We have 2 experienced drivers. Scott proved himself as a fast learner and managed to improve his performances race by race in 2000 to become a consistent top 6 finisher by the end of the season, hopefully he can continue this upward trend in 2001 and perhaps even win a race or 2 if we give him the right car. Jason attended just a handful of races before his team folded last year and amazingly still managed to finish in 5th place in the Drivers Championship. He showed his speed by being one of only 4 drievrs to take pole aswell. We look very strong....

Now onto Gerhard Berger - BMW Motorsport Director

Q: Was the decision to join DL Racing your first decision? or were there any other plans up your sleeve?

A: To be totally honest, there were only 4 teams we were interested in signing a deal with. A-Racing and Dl Racing were 2 of these 4, although we held talks with nearly every other team in the paddock. If we had not signed with a top team we would not have participated. We have not come here to make up the numbers, we want to win.

Q: How powerful is the BMW engine?

A: Powerful enough to win!

Q: What are your objectives for your 2nd season in the GPVWC?

A: To win the Drivers & Constructors Championships - whether this is with A Racing or DL Racing is not relevant. But we will be putting an equal amount of effort into products for both teams.

Q: Will A Racing & DL Racing get the same engine?

A: At the beginning of the season - yes. Although as the season progresses the gap between the engines we supply may appear. This is not becuase we are going to show preferential treatment - but because each team runs independantly and will make updgrades depending on their own testing work.

Q: Jason Smith, what are your thoughts for the coming season?

A: I am looking forward to a great season this year, and honestly believe that the DL Racing BMW package will give both Scott and myself the ability to seriously challenge for both of the titles this year, I would also like to thank FedEx for coming onboard as title sponsor, along with Shell and Bridgestone, and hope we can justify the faith they have put in us, and consistently bring the car home in the top 3"

Q: Scott, you are with the team for a second season...what are your objectives?

A: I'm really excited to remain at DL Racing in 2001 after a relatively sucessful rookie season. I had many offers from other teams and I am very honoured to be so sought after. DL gave me my chance last year and I owe them at least another season considering the car is looking to be very good and I can't wait to get behind the wheel and drive it to at least one victory and possibly the Constructors Championship.