Phoenix F1 Announce 2015 Superleague Engine Deal and Drivers

Quite an achievement given that most pundits had written the team off for another entry in 2015. But on the back of a tough 2014 season one thing became clear and that was the team could manage it's funding limitations to get on the grid for every race (despite development all but halting after the third race into the season)...and more importantly do so within budget. Through the grapevine we hear other teams were not as successful.

Invaluable lessons were learnt throughout 2014. And 2015 has gone well in the initial bidding process. The team currently stands in the strongest position it has been in since it returned in 2013.

There's been a shake up in staff within the team which was finalised only come January 2015. Boyd Bryson has stepped down from driving duties, but still holds the valuable role of budget and R&D development guru! His efforts over the last two years have been unreal, and the team are very lucky to have retained his services back at the factory, so to speak.

This obviously means a shake up in the driver line up itself.

Kieran Ryan stays with the team for the third consecutive year. As he fast approaches his 200th GPVWC race 2015 will see Kieran in his 14th year at the top level. Yes, his first race was back in 2002! That kind of experience is simply unrivaled.

The team decided to match that experience, not with youth, but with proven championship winning ability. We contacted two past champions to see if they were interested in coming out of retirement at the top level in GPVWC and Phoenix F1 are extremely pleased to announce that two-time Drivers' Champion Mikko Jakonen will drive alongside Kieran in the 2015 season!

Having returned in 2013 in the lower formulae at GPVWC with underachieving results, Mikko has some unfinished business with a new motivation to help develop the car and a 'need to know' if he can really achieve at the top level again. Mikko has just become the Michael Schumacher of the GPVWC in that respect.

The test driver role has been a difficult choice with several interested parties, but Ben Willis was chosen due to his clear motivation to get into a Superleague car and learn from the experience. It was he who contacted the team initially, and team boss Andy Graydon is extremely pleased to announce that he was successful in achieving his ambition.

The Drivers had the following to say:-

Kieran Ryan (#45)

"Delighted to be allowed continue on for another season. Phoenix is such a great cohesive team, and I really couldn't see myself anywhere else. I'm absolutely delighted to partner Mikko again...it's been 13 years since we were last team mates, and we finished 1-2 in the championship so we'll see if we can keep that up!

But seriously I'm really looking forward to 2015. We learned a lot from our 'second' year back in the league and we have a bigger budget this year to invest in the car and develop it throughout the year.

It's crazy to think I'll be starting my 13th or 14th season in the league! We have our plan for 2015 and we're looking forward to climb back up the grid. Excited to hear Ben has joined to team too. He'll provide invaluable support in his duties and I look forward to working closely with him."

Mikko Jakonen (#46)

"I'm absolutely delighted with the chance to work with Phoenix in Superleague this year. Really feels like coming home. Last time I worked together with Kieran Ryan was 2002 when we got 1-2 in the Championship.

It really has been a long time since. I hope to be able to give the team the results it needs, the new rules with no refuelling etc. should make the season interesting.

The last two years I've been back driving in the league in FC and SC after my long break. This proved challenging but I'm looking forward to the 2015 Superleague season, relying on the proven support, professionalism and camaraderie of Phoenix F1 and its staff."

Ben Willis (Test Driver)

"It's an absolute pleasure to be driving for Phoenix F1 during the pre-season test sessions. The team has a great history and I look forward to helping them improve and develop the 2015 car.

Personally this testing role gives me a brilliant opportunity to gain a raft of experience in the higher formula cars, something I consider invaluable.

The team have been very welcoming I can see they are determined to succeed. I look forward to what is hopefully a very successful year."