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SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX

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February 06, 2019

 

The South African team didn't always live up to its promise - but things may just be about to change in 2019.

MadCape Racing Team will be entering their third season in the GPVWC SuperLeague this year. While the team has had somewhat of a rollercoaster ride over the past two seasons, it seems as though they've managed to build a formidable team heading into the new season.

In terms of driver lineup, MadCape have secured two incredibly talented drivers for the new season. Jeroen Kweekel and Daniel Brewer will be continuing on at MadCape after stepping in for a number of races in 2018. This of course means that the teams primary driver for 2018, Tobias Olsson, has left the team to pursue other opportunities.

MadCape have also signed on a new Manager in the form of Peter Bell. Bell is known within the sim racing community for his time at the helm of Origin Front Row Racing, who found success in a number of series outside of GPVWC. By bringing Peter into the fold alongside Daniel and Jeroen, it's quite clear that the team has major plans for the 2019 season.

Xavier de Carvalho remains at the helm of the operation for 2019. Supported by Peter, Xavier will continue to manage operations within the team to ensure MadCape reach their full potential in 2019. Both Peter and Xavier know what it takes to create and maintain a winning team, and we have no doubt that having the two working together will result in a spectacular 2019 season for the team.

We spoke with each of the members earlier in the month. Here's what they had to say.

Jeroen Kweekel:
"Building up a certain rhythm or flow in the early stages is important for us. This will provide us with the momentum we need to perform throughout the season. I've been out of the game for a while and will need to get a feel again for the driving and understanding of competitors and general sim behavior.

I enjoyed working with some good, loveable people in a relatively competitive environment in 2018. I think we (Daniel, Peter Bell and I) have some hunger back after becoming champions in FSR in 2016. I'm very much looking forward to working with these guys again in addition to Xavier, who seems to be a great guide with his GPVWC experience. A big bonus is that he fits perfectly and there's a good connection between all of us.

I'm most looking forward to racing at Silverstone by a mile. Brazil, Hockenheim, Spa, Istanbul and Suzuka are great too. It's a decent calendar if you take away the non-flowing tracks like Baku and Singapore"


Daniel Brewer:
"I'm looking forward to improving across the park this year really. Towards the end of 2018 was purely an introduction for me, and it should be interesting to see how far we can go when we go all out all season. I enjoyed racing on rf2 again honestly. Having tried to get into iRacing it was so good to be back 'home'. The motivation still remains, and now that I have finished my university studies I can be much more committed for a full season so it should be interesting.

The pre season tests will give us a good idea around upgrades for sure and once the mod is finalized. There were some upgrade aspects last year which were nearing pointless so I'd like to see them become more effective.

I'm especially looking forward to racing at the long and flowing tracks like Silverstone, Istanbul."


Peter Bell:
"I think the team is well geared for the upcoming season. We have a team where guys have worked together before and performed really well. We all get on from a personal and a professional level and we all know what to expect from each other which I think can only be a good thing

I don't necessarily believe in an easy role. In order to be successful it'll take a lot of work from everybody. I do however hope that with support from each other and 100% honesty with one another we can each have all of our jobs go as smooth as possible

We'll notice a big difference in the team on track. It was a bit of a transition last season with the changes mid season and now entering our 1st full season together we all hope we can have a proper challenge in 2019.

With regards to the SuperLeague, I think that more familiar simracing personnel are starting to catch on and race in GPVWC. I think that this can only bode well for the future of the organization."


Xavier De Carvalho:
"I'm looking forward to seeing how the team performs this year. We've made changes to the driver lineup, and to the back office as well. I think we're in the best position we've been in throughout our time in the SuperLeague to make a decent challenge for the title.

I'm also excited to work with our new engine suppliers who we believe will help make our jobs a little bit easier this year based on their performance last year.

I think the biggest changes you'll notice will be on track. This is because of all the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes to make it all possible. We have a great team of guys who are extremely dedicated and committed to bringing home top results.

I think our fans will be in for a treat this year. We'll be doing all we can in the backrooms to ensure that they're kept entertained when it matters."


What are your thoughts? Will this be a breakout year for the former Formula Challenge champions in the SuperLeague? You can keep the conversation going in the forums, and on Discord.