January 08, 2016

 

Before pre-season testing begins for the Superleague teams at the end of this month, Kernow Sport have announced their 2016 driver lineup for the top tier GPVWC series.

Team Manager Mark Wicks: Hello everyone. This season Kernow Sport has decided to break tradition and reveal our driver line-up at the start of the year, rather than the day before the first official session as in previous seasons.

Following a very difficult last 18 months, (plagued by numerous driver signings, low finance, lack of R&D and poor results), I am happy to announce a trio of quick drivers whose signing will hopefully signal a change in fortune, with better results for the squad in 2016, especially with the move to rFactor2.

Personnel bidding has been completed. Our three choices were all signed in Round 1 and they are the exact same people we hired in those positions last year. Quality staff at good value. Mrsin Zrnec continues as Chief Mechanic for a third year. Erik Mahler (Commercial Manager) and Fernando Pichardo (Chief Designer) remain with us for a second season.

And now for our drivers. I will be stepping back from driving my own car full-time, though I will be in a car during Preseason testing and may even pop in for the odd race or two.

Taking control of the #12 car will be Bart De Vos, who stays on with the team from last year and who was the scorer of 17 of the teams 22 points.

Q: Hi Bart. You're staying in the Superleague tier for another year, into the new rFactor2 era. What are you looking forward to about the challenges to be faced in 2016 and why did you decide to stick with Kernow Sport?

#12 Bart De Vos: I am very happy to stay with Kernow for another year. After a few difficult years for the team, 2015 was one of more stability and I hope we can build together on that base for 2016. I am also thrilled for the move to RF2, with improved physics; I think a clever development program will be even more vital to get the best possible results. With Dan, Sven and Mark also in the team I believe we are in a good position to push each other to better results.

In charge of the #83 car will be Daniel Brewer.

Q: Hi Dan and welcome to the team. You've got just 1 Superleague GP under your belt prior to this season so what are your expectations for the season ahead, using a new sim, with Kernow Sport?

#83 Daniel Brewer: Hi! Predictions are quite hard to make right now. I managed a good points finish at Austria last season in a car which was yet to be heavily upgraded. That in theory suggests promising things but then again the weather was particularly variable and it could have just been a case of one off luck. In terms of the sim, I am much more experienced in RF2 than in RF1 so expecting that to play into my hands somewhat. For now however we can only try our best in terms of both setup and car development and go from there. I would like to thank Kernow for the opportunity to drive for them this season, very much looking forward to it.

The Test Driver role will be filled by Sven de Vries. GPVWC's current RoC Champion. He will also have the task of competing in several of the opening races this season.

Q: Hi Sven. You've developed a reputation as a super-sub by helping teams lower down the SL pecking order punch above their weight from time to time. Is this also why you've decided to aid Kernow Sport in the opening months whilst development is still quite level between teams? Do you think you can claim a few scalps in the early races with Kernow Sport?

TD Sven de Vries: The reason I am interested in joining Kernow is because it's a well estabishled team that's got a professional structure. It is indeed no secret that I do not like driving for the big teams but like to help out ones on the lower end of the ladder. Now, don't be fooled, Kernow may have had a bad year in 2015 but they sure are one to keep an eye on as they are very eager to make up for last season. I'm certainly ready to score some good points during my 4 races as a reserve driver as well as give it all during the pre-season test to make sure we're fully prepared for when it's go time.