Woods sets the record straight, announces partial 2014 lineup

Despite having to hobble onto the stage with a sprained ankle, the Woods Racing team principal seemed confident and hopeful ahead of the team's eleventh season in the Superleague.

"It's been a very tough month or two," he began. "The Superleague season ended with two double retirements which was a shame, and we didn't quite make our aim of finishing seventh in the Constructors Championship. In addition we lost the Masters Series at the final hurdle. It was my intention to reveal our entire 2014 lineup at this conference but circumstances beyond my control have put paid to that. I'd like to comment on a couple of things and set the record straight.

Firstly, yes, it was our intention to have Oscar Hardwick as our lead driver for 2014. It was probably the worst kept secret ever, given that he first contacted us in April. Unfortunately, repeated outbursts caused him to be removed from the league after the Masters Series concluded, leading us to terminate his Superleague contract. I hope that he will learn from this and we look forward to working with him elsewhere. It has put us in a very tight spot for the 2014 season, as well as the ITC, and we are still looking for an experienced and quick driver to be our lead driver - anyone interested should get in touch with me. I would urge other drivers prone to similar behaviours not to continue them as they will ultimately be doing their teams a massive disservice. Thank you to those who have stepped in during the ITC season.

Secondly, I'd like to address a press release that was issued recently - one which reported that we had a link with Streetfighter Racing Systems and that we had lent them Mark Wicks for the 2013 Supercup season. Firstly, Mark Wicks was never our driver to lend - we split with him in 2012 when he formed his team and his return to us during 2013 was an emergency measure which we consulted William Tringas about - at no point were the teams linked, though Will continues to be a good friend of the team. I do find it funny that Vod:Bul Motorsports continue to celebrate cutting our team's links as if they are massive trophies - as seen with their capture of Dan Rusu last year - especially when there wasn't actually a link to begin with in this case. I've had plenty of experience of VBM's desire to tap up drivers from other teams and I've been told that I'm not the only one. I look forward to taking them on in Superleague but I do wonder what I've done to make my team public enemy number one.

Anyway, to business. I'm very pleased to announce two thirds of our Superleague lineup for 2014. Firstly, our reserve driver for the year. It's great to have some continuity after the stop-start 2013 season and this guy has been incredibly reliable for us, as well as impressing across the career ladder last season. I'm pleased to announce that Ben Warren will continue as our reserve driver for 2014.

Next, one of our race drivers for the year. This driver is new to the team but we've known him for a while and has observed his talents from afar. He impressed in Supercup last year and did well in his few Superleague races too. I'm very happy to tell you that Roy Schroten will drive for us this season.

I intend to hold another press conference when we are in a position to complete the lineup, complete with interviews with the drivers. Thank you for your time."