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Formula Sprint 2
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course
Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 19:00:00
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September 29, 2011
Published on tags: Superleague
Joe Consiglio and Red Archer were the big movers at the GPVWC 2011 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Fittingly, Chris Williamson is joined for the customary post-race Press Conference by winner Consiglio (MLT, Nordsjoen Racing), runner-up David Jundt (SWI, Red Archer VRT) and third-placed Gregg Lawson (ENG, Red Archer VRT).


Q. Well done, Joe. Your fourth race win in a row, but this one looked like an eventful run to the flag for you. Can you take us through your race?


JC. Yeah I had to work for this one! As a team we opted to go for a 3 stopper at this track. For some reason we couldn't make our tyres last more than 20 laps so it was really our only option. Qualifying went exactly to plan and I got pole by just over a second I think. I got a nice start and everything was going really well until lap 48. I'm not sure if the broadcast picked up the incident I had with Ryan Walker but needless to say the crash nearly cost me the win today.


Q. Did you pick up any damage in the incident and did you have to adapt your strategy at all?


JC. Yes the collision damaged my rear wing but luckily I was in my pitstop window so I didnt really need to change my strategy. My crew did a good job to fix the damage in 16 seconds but the car was slower afterwards for sure. I came out 4 seconds ahead of DJ and by the end of the race I had managed to build that gap up to 15 seconds, fortunately the car still had some pace in it!


Q. Finally it must be noted that today's win coupled with Lee's absence mean that you've now taken a narrow leading in the standings. I imagine it must be a slightly bittersweet moment for you, but how much more confident are you about taking your 2nd title now?


JC. Well, I think we all feel sorry for Lee's situation. The neutrals are certainly disappointed the chances of a championship showdown have been reduced. Obviously now I'm in the lead the pressure is slightly less for me but I'm not going to take anything for granted at this stage. Also Nordsjoen and Red Archer are still in a massive fight for the Constructors championship so there's plenty of reasons to keep pushing.


Q. Thank you, Joe. On to David Jundt now. How was the race for you and how satisfied are you with another double podium for Red Archer, despite not taking the win?


DJ. The race was pretty good for me. I managed to perform a good start too, but couldn't quite get Tom. After Tom had disconnected, it was a rather lonely race for me. It just got exciting again when Joe tangled with Ryan, but I was just too far away to take the lead again, and even when I tried to push Joe, it wasn't enough. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my result: no big mistakes, and also got a bit lucky with Tom disconnecting to score a lone 2nd. Congrats to Gregg, who drove a solid race to finish 3rd, we're looking good now!


Q. Do you think it would've worked out differently if Tom had not had his problems?


DJ. I think it would have at least put more pressure onto my shoulders. Tom was very fast on 3 stopper once he got his tyres working. I got lucky when he spun off into the gravel on lap 7, and I could use that until after my first stop. He had just passed me, but needed at least another 15 seconds when he was 3 tenths per lap faster. It would have been close and a lot different.


Q. Next we move to Spa where you made your debut last season. Do you think you can you can go one better there and take your first win for Red Archer?


DJ. Spa is my favourite track along with Montreal and Imola on the calendar. As always, Joe will be tipped for the win, but I hope I can threaten his position at Belgium. The 2nd Nordsjoen (along with my teammate) and possibly the Midnights will be the rivals to beat too. My debut last year was rather quiet but fine, I am looking forward to it.


Q. A new face for these Press Conference is in third - Gregg Lawson. How does it feel to be on the podium on your return to Superleague action?


GL. It feels great! I've really got to thank the whole of the Red Archer team for putting their faith in me. I'm glad to repay it with helping them to a double-podium.


Q. Many drivers have been complaining of the high tyre wear here. Did it affect your strategy much today?


GL. It did make us consider our options quite a lot in testing. But we felt comfortable on a 2-stop strategy, we knew other cars would be struggling and we could use that to our advantage.


Q. With Tom Parker's retirement Red Archer have now opened a small gap over Nordsjoen in the standings. Are you confident your team can take the Constructors title now?


GL. Well, the Nordsjoen have brought really big update packages to the car in the second half of the season, and Joe has looked peerless since Canada. I think from our point of view, we have to get ourselves in between Joe and his teammate (be it Tom or Pavel for the remaining races), that will give us a great chance. If we can do that, and finish every race with both cars, we're in a great position.


Q. Thank you all for your time - and see you in Spa in a week's time!