Precision Motorsports- The F1R RP

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 18 Sep 2010, 01:36

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
From: Kay Lon ([email protected])

Re: Absence of work / Japanese market

Good morning or whatever time we have in Germany again,

I have to apologise first for missing the last weeks of work, after I have been in Japan, doing some research, I got myself arrested unfortunately upon entering Germany. As I told them, I swear I did not knew the actress was not eighteen yet. But never mind that, I am now back and I have some extremely interesting news for you: in a cooperation with a known market research company in Osaka, I got affirmation on what I already guessed: our dear Alex has the potential to become big in Japan due to his rather ... unique style which works well with Japanese girls and young women. So what I propose is the rather unorthodox method (at least for race car drivers) of him flying over there for your classic autogram session along with a photo shooting! I am asking for your permission obviously because I need to know when we are good to go and secondly because I doubt Alex will be very willing unless ordered to.

Regards,
Kay Lon

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 18 Sep 2010, 06:10

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
From: Daniel Melrose ([email protected])

Barbagallo Test Results

Hey Mr Krautmeir.

The test at Barbagallo in Western Australia was a success. My best time was a 47.76 and I spent most of the time in the low 48s which was pleasing. I've been invited to a special charity kart race in Eastern Creek on the 28th of December which is open to some of the best karters in the Australasia region and I thought I'ld let you know that I intend on participating in the event.

Daniel

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected]), Kay Lon ([email protected])
From: Daniel Melrose ([email protected])

BHP sponsorship offer

Hey Mr Krautmeir and Mr Lon.

I had a word to the BHP representative who offered me the sponsorship deal and they've said they're only interested in sponsoring the drivers in the young driver program so it shouldn't clash too much with the Pennzoil sponsorship. However just in case they'll be sending a representative to your headquarters in Germany in the near future to discuss this further.

Daniel

To: David Simpson ([email protected])
From: Daniel Melrose ([email protected])

Eastern Creek inviational

Hey Dave.

Did you hear about the Eastern Creek charity kart race which is going to be held on the 28th of December? I've heard there might be a few wildcard entries avaliable and I was wondering if you were interested. If you are I'll forward you more details about the event.

Daniel

Enforcer · Post by **Enforcer** » 19 Sep 2010, 19:20

From: Ronan Griffin ([email protected])
To: Alex Katamajaki ([email protected]), Alex Valrey ([email protected]), Niko Nurminen ([email protected]), Technical Staff ([email protected])
Cc: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])

Re: Nurburgring test - 22nd December

Hey everyone,

Just a quick overview of the plan for the weekend. Niko, I want you to try and make this if you can, even if we're not going to get you any track time. We should get you in next time.

Reminder - Drivers should be present at 14:00 on the 21st in the factory and 09:00 on the 22nd at the Nurburgring.

21st December:
07:00-13:00 - Test assembly of chassis #002 and #003 (excl. oil, petrol etc.) at the factory. This our last "dress rehearsal" before we stick one of these on track. We haven't made any mistakes in putting pieces of car together yet, let's not start now.
13:00-14:00 - Lunch break for the techincal staff
14:00-15:00 - Seat fittings. Alex K in chassis #002 and Alex V in chassis #003. Drivers are dismissed for the remainder of the day, but are welcome to stay around the factory to watch the cars being taken apart, just be sure to tell your chauffer what you're doing.
15:00 - Disassembly and transit to the 'ring. This shouldn't take until after 20:00.
20:00 (or whenever we're done the previous part) - 22:00. Minor pre-assembly at the 'ring. I don't want to leave fully assembled components over there.

22nd December:
04:00 - 09:00 - Assembly of both chassis (including oil, water etc.).
09:00 - 10:00 - Driver's briefing. I'm allowing an hour for this just in case, but I'm not expecting to use all of it. You're both sensible enough.
09:30 - 10:00 - Final preparation of Alex K's car (chassis #002)
10:00 - 10:20 - Alex K. Installment run - Do at least an Outlap, Flying lap and Inlap. Check your seat, HUD, radio, drink bottle, pedals, etc. are all to your liking. If you're happy, do 3 flying laps and then return to the pits. We'll go over this again in the driver's briefing.
10:20 - 11:00 - Alex K. debrief and minor set-up changes.
11:00 - 12:30 - Track reserved for Alex K. to run the car (as many laps in as many blocks) as you sees fit. But try to get at least 10 consecutive laps in.
12:30 - 13:00 - Final prep. of Alex V's car. (chassis #003)
13:00 - 13:20 - Alex V. Installment run - Same instructions as Alex K.
13:20 - 14:00 - Alex V. debrief and minor set-up changes.
14:00 - 15:00 - Track reserved for Alex V. to run the car. Same rules as Alex K.
15:00 - 17:00 - Open track if the cars are still running.
17:00 or as soon as we're done running - Myself, the drivers and the race engineers will hold a meeting to go over all the feedback, data logs etc. whilst the remainder of the staff will begin disassembly.

We're short spares for some of the rear-wing elements, and suspension parts, so breaking either may end your running, be careful. With regards to food, owing to the staggered schedule, there's no fixed lunch break, but there'll be food at the track. Our dietician will be on hand to tell the drivers when to eat and when not to eat.

Good luck all,

Regards,
Ronan Griffin,
Technical Director.

Post by **Nuppiz** » 19 Sep 2010, 20:57

From: Niko Nurminen ([email protected])
To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])

Re: CART series

G'day,
First off I'm sorry that I haven't been able to contact you or anyone else of the team in a while, but I've been busy negotiating with some sponsors and test driving for a possible seat in the CART series. When I finally would have had the time to use a computer, I noticed that the hotel where I stayed at charged sizeable fees from the use of Internet: having a rather small travel budget, it was not possible for me. But now I've finished my negotiations, and I am happy to announce that both the CART drive and valuable sponsorship are almost certainly in my pocket. Walker Racing told me that I'm their first option, but they'll still continue searching for a while (although it's unlikely they'll find anyone better than me at this point, given that my best times weren't much off from De Ferran). Nokia confirmed that they will provide some sponsorship, but only to the car which I'll drive competitively (meaning that, at least for now, all of the sponsorship will go to the CART team and Precision won't get a single penny). The amount will be negotiated with each team individually, and performance bonuses are likely. They'll also provide both teams with some technological support, regardless of my status.

Best regards,
Niko Nurminen

From: Niko Nurminen ([email protected])
To: Ronan Griffin ([email protected])

Subject: Nürburgring test day

Good day,
I'm merely sending this e-mail to confirm that I will be back in Europe just in time to take part in the test day at the 'Ring. Even though I might not drive the car then, it's still an important experience to see how the team works, get to know with pitlane personnel etc. I'm also bringing you some business gifts from my new sponsor Nokia, namely mobile phones for all key personnel (don't tell that to Jeroen, it's supposed to be a surprise). Although that's the only thing our team will get from them in a long time...

Best regards,
Niko Nurminen

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 21 Sep 2010, 21:46

F1 driver Katajamäki shot dead in apartment
ZURICH | 19 DECEMBER 1997

The world of Formula One was in a state of shock as one of it's newest young talents, Alex Katajamäki, was found dead in his apartment late last night.

The Scot had suffered several shots to the head with bullets which have been identified as originating from an AK-47 assault rifle, and his door had been shot repeatedly and broken into, suggesting he was the victim of a deliberate murder attempt.

However a witness saw a group of men driving away from Katajamäki's apartment minutes after the shooting was suspected to have occured, and police believe they may be, or are connected to, members of the Russian Mafia.

"We can confirm an IC1 male was murdered in the Oberhusen district of Zurich last night at said person's home," said Detective Heinz Zalad-Kreme of the Zurich Police, in a statement early this morning. "We are still gathering evidence as to how the incident occured, however we are already pursuing and taking in people believed to be linked to the murder for questioning."

The 20 year old was due to make his Formula One debut early next year for the brand new Precision Motorsports team, and after becoming European Formula Renault champion earlier this year, the talented Brit had his life tragically cut short before he could make the final step in his career.

watka · Post by **watka** » 21 Sep 2010, 22:03

I didn't expect you to be quite so merciless with yourself Kostas. You could have just done a Tuero after the test at the Nurburgring or something.

Enforcer · Post by **Enforcer** » 21 Sep 2010, 22:03

Take that means you're not bothered playing anymore.

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
From: Ronan Griffin ([email protected])

Re:

Geez Jeroen...

I just heard about Alex K... don't know what to say. He had a bright future.

Anyway, life goes on. We're going to need another driver - I take it Niko's promoted for now. I've talked to the mechanics and they, even though they only met him at the F3000 test, feel that he'd have wanted us to continue with this weekend's test.

Ronan

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 22 Sep 2010, 11:49

Gauthier confident with Eurosprint

After an uncertain off-season for Team Eurosprint, with several key departures and a brand new pit crew spelling potential doom for the plucky Dutch outfit, things seem to be on the off. Team boss Alfons van Biert made what could prove to be the coup of the season by signing promising Spanish driver Rodolfo "Fito" de la Fuente to partner the experienced and consistent Guillaume Gauthier. Not only that, but de la Fuente also brings some needed sponsorship in the form of Sokol Construction, boosting the funds of the otherwise cash-strapped concern.

With such a turnaround in fortunes, we arranged an interview with the aforementioned Gauthier, one of the few assets that Eurosprint held on to over the winter, in order to get a better insight into the team.

Guillaume, it's good to see you lining up on the grid again. Thanks for agreeing to the interview.
No problem. To be honest, I was hoping someone would interview me before the season - I'm, ah, very excited about this season, and I wanted to speak about it.

You're excited? Things must be going well, then.
Yes, the atmosphere is much more, ah, happier than last year. Even with all the changes, we have a good car, much better than last year, and I think we can score some points. Plus, there is the new sponsorship, and Rodolfo is joining us, so we are all very optimistic.

Have you spoken much with Rodolfo? How do you think he will cope in his first season?
Not too much, but he is very determined to succeed, very focused. I haven't seen him race, so I cannot say too much about how he will do, but success in lower formulae does not guarantee success in Formula 1. But having a good sponsor does not hurt his chances of doing well, and can make people take more notice of good results. So, if he can, ah, live up to expectations, he should move up in Formula 1.

The team is breaking F1 tradition by running the number 13 for Rodolfo this season. What are your personal thoughts on this, and does it possibly indicate the team's focus?
No, no, nothing like that. I do not know why Rodolfo wants the 13 - I believe it was his request, but I am not sure, but it does not matter to me. Personally, I like having 14, it is my lucky number and I hope it will mean good things for me this year.

You mentioned the car was much better than last year's - that must come as a relief, given your history with unreliable cars.
Yes, especially last year, we had a lot of problems with the car, and the car was not so good, I think. We could have scored 1 or 2 points but didn't because the car broke down, many times. This year I think we are more, ah, reliable, and we can take advantage of the better speed we have, so we can achieve more success.

Finally, what are your personal goals for the season?
I would like to challenge for points regularly, obviously to score would be nice as well. I would like to beat Rodolfo as well - nothing against him, but it would be nice to prove that I still belong here in F1. If we have a race with a lot of crashes or cars breaking down, then we can maybe score a podium, and it would be nice to get back there, but it is unlikely I think.

Thank you for your time, Guillaume, good luck for the season.
Thank you as well, it was my pleasure.

--------
Meant to post this yesterday, but forgot, and I can't be bothered changing it now, so just act as if this interview was before Alex's death.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 22 Sep 2010, 13:12

Enforcer wrote:Take that means you're not bothered playing anymore.

I can't really...not enough time on my hands to anymore.

Post by **Nuppiz** » 22 Sep 2010, 14:40

From: Niko Nurminen ([email protected])
To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])

Re: Driver situation

Jeez, I was quite shocked when I read the news today. It's quite hard to believe that he's gone at such a young age. He'd have most likely been a gret asset to the team had he had the chance to drive the car in a competition.

I understand that you must be very upset right now and maybe unable to think clearly. We've lost another great driver, but life must go on. The team must go on, that's what Alex would most likely want us to do. We must keep on thinking about our teams future, while still keeping the tragedy in mind.

Shall I step up for the 2nd seat, or did you have someone else on your mind? If I am to take the seat, we do need a new test driver as well. I noticed that John Zimmer's application has gone unnoticed - maybe a possible candidate? Of course, take all the time you need to make the decision.

I've already contacted my sponsors and Walker Racing to observe the situation, and wait for what exactly will be my position in the team.

My condolences,
Niko Nurminen

Enforcer · Post by **Enforcer** » 22 Sep 2010, 15:02

Griffin for shock return to the F1 cockpit?

The F1 community today are mouring the passing of Precision Motorsports driver Alex Katamajaki, but for Ireland's most successful F1 driver, the Scot's death may, in most unfortunate and macabre circumstances provide an oppurtunity to get behind the wheel once more.

The team's Finnish test driver, Niko Nurminen is understood to be Precision's preferred replacement for Katamajaki. However he is believed to be in an advanced stage of negotiations for a season of racing in the primarily North American CART series. Should he be unable to withdraw from his commitments, he would be unavailable for a number of Grand Prix during the F1 season, requiring a replacement for those events. Furthermore, Nurminen's promotion to a race seat would leave the team without a permanent tester.

Griffin, 34, is currently employed as Precision Motorsports' Techinal Director, and was forced to retire from F1 in 1995 due to an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix which resulted in the amputation of his lower left leg. However, despite his disability, Griffin is still more than capable of driving a racing car with minor modifications, as he demonstrated in March by shaving more than a second off the lap record at Mondello Park in an F3000 car during a promotional event. The main stumbling block to his entry into any Grand Prix is the FIA's requirement that Griffin be able to exit the car unaided in under 10 seconds.

However despite this, Precision management may be open to allowing Griffin to at least test for the team. Griffin himself could not be contacted about the matter.

Independent

From: Ronan Griffin ([email protected])
To: Niko Nurminen ([email protected])

Hi Niko,

I know this is difficult for you, but we'll need you drive in Alex K's place at the Nurburgring on the 22nd (unless Jeroen decides to cancel the test). Please attend the factory at 14:00 on the 21st for a seat fitting.

Ronan.

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 22 Sep 2010, 22:45

But what kostas22 has done creates a big continuity hole for his thread :lol:

the Masked Lapwing · Post by **the Masked Lapwing** » 23 Sep 2010, 07:19

Just so you guys know, I'm still open for that test driver spot.

Oh, and Wizzie pointed out my inability to count, he's actually 28, not 24.

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 23 Sep 2010, 23:47

From: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
To: Niko Nurminen ([email protected]), Ronan Griffin ([email protected]), Alex Valrey ([email protected])

Re: Alex K.

Good day guys, or, em, bad day.

The test will and must go on. We've lost our first two drivers already, and this is not helping us on the commercial side. Niko, I'll need you to talk with your CART team again. You're really the only choice I have for Driver 2. And yes, of course it means that Alex Valrey is promoted to Number 1 driver. I don't want any of you to get into anything, don't drink, don't go out, don't do any fuc**ing thing that would be considered idiotic, mmkay? I've not been invited to any funeral, but there wouldn't have been any time for us to attend one anyway. I have in fact accepted John Zimmer's application, but I have not heard from him since. Yes, Alex K had become family, but now he's gone, and there's no turning back. By the way Ronan, you are in no way getting back in the cockpit, sorry.

This team will and must go on. It is our shared dream. For Alex K.

Jeroen.

(Okay, I haven't had the computer for a long time now, so I'm a bit rusty, sorry. And yes, we will adopt the Simtek thing of having the "For Roland" on the airbox, only it is "For Alex K")

the Masked Lapwing · Post by **the Masked Lapwing** » 24 Sep 2010, 02:29

From: John Zimmer ([email protected]
To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])

Re: Test Driver

Good day, Mr Krautmeir. I understand that the Precision Motorsports team is undergoing difficult times, but I thank you for accepting my offer. I have also received an offer to race in the British F3 Championship this year, and I plan on accepting the offer, in order to keep up my skills, as well as keeping (somewhat) closer to the team. Once again, I thank you for the oppurtunity, and look forward to working with the team.
Regards, John Zimmer.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 24 Sep 2010, 13:55

De la Fuente to Precision Motorsports: "Grow a pair!"

Young Spanish driver Rodolfo de la Fuente is quickly developing a reputation as a hot-blooded upstart following his unprecedented assault on Precision Motorsports following their murder of their lead driver, Alex Katamajaki.

"Shut up and race," he was quoted as saying. "So what's-his-name got shot. Big f***ing deal. Life goes on; you'll find another driver, and no doubt he'll be faster. I mean, I got into a knife fight in the back alleys of Sao Paulo with a group of Israeli Nazi-hunters who had mistaken me for the illegitimate son of one of Hitler's lackeys, but do you see me complaining? No! Alex Katamajaki won't be missed; I was watching Letterman last night, and you know what he had on his set? It wasn't Katamajaki's widow, it was dancing alpacas. Dancing alpacas! If a group of freakish llama-pony hybrids that are an affront to nature can do the foxtrot on late-night television before any mention of a wannabe and never-would-be, talentless, haggis-swilling hack, then I don't think it's worth getting worked up over."

-------

I have decided: Rodolfo de la Fuente is going to be one part Fernando Alonso, one part Sue Sylvester. Read it as Jane Lynch might and you'll see what I mean.

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 24 Sep 2010, 14:53

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
From: Kay Lon ([email protected])

Re: De La Fuente

Hi,

I guess you might be just as enraged about De La Fuente's comments about the sad departure of Alex as I am. We cannot let this outrage stand unanswered. I will not do anything without your permission but I literally beg you to let me bury that son of a b**** so he cannot get a foot on the ground in F1 ... nevermind that, in society itself.

Regards,
Kay Lon

Captain, you are good at this. Nearly made me frown in anger

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 25 Sep 2010, 07:47

Well, that was my intention. I've been writing for twenty years (I'm twenty three) and I;m trying to get my debut novel - currently titled A Throne of Bayonets - published.

Also, you can't kill de la Fuente off.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 25 Sep 2010, 09:03

Captain Hammer wrote:Well, that was my intention. I've been writing for twenty years (I'm twenty three) and I;m trying to get my debut novel - currently titled A Throne of Bayonets - published.

Let me know when it does get published... I might just pick up a copy because it sounds like the type of book I like.

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 25 Sep 2010, 09:17

Captain Hammer wrote:Also, you can't kill de la Fuente off.

I don't intend to. My character "merely" works with false accusations and lots of insults. Think Ferrari with even less style.

Oh, and I agree with Wizzie, if it's published (and I can find a way to import it to Germany) I might buy it as well.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 25 Sep 2010, 11:28

Well, it's still a long ways away ... I've only just completed the first draft.

Waris · Post by **Waris** » 25 Sep 2010, 11:39

This thread is amazing! I'm reading it and it's very exciting. I will keep reading it! I'm so curious as to where it's going.

By the way, Captain Hammer, I am also interested in reading your book.

RAK · Post by **RAK** » 25 Sep 2010, 12:43

Captain Hammer wrote:Sue Sylvester.

I only happen to know what you're going on about by popcultural osmosis and seeing the front cover of a recent RTÉ Guide, and it raises a rather disturbing question: Do you really watch Glee? As in, do you watch it out of your own free will, with no coercion involved?

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 25 Sep 2010, 13:19

Yes, I do watch Glee. And I do watch it voluntarily. I actually think it's incredibly well-written, especially Sue Sylvester. It's worth watching just for her. In fact, it's probably one of the best-written shows on television right now, second to Castle. Granted, it has its flaws - things happen way too quickly and they tend to happen off-scene (like Mike and Tina's romance; we should have seen it play out instead of being told about it after the fact) - but it's a guilt-free guilty pleasure.

Post by **Nuppiz** » 25 Sep 2010, 14:26

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected]), Ronan Griffin ([email protected])
From: Niko Nurminen ([email protected])

Re: Current situation

I've now had a rather heated discussion with Walker Racing. Although we didn't yet have a contract, well, to put it politely, no-one associated with our team is welcome to join their's anymore.

My sponsors took it more lightly, and are willing to negoatiate with our team. They should contact our commercial department soon.

Also, de la Fuente seems to be a complete d******d.

(I wrote this on my mobile phone, so don't wonder why I weren't so thorough.)

MinardiFan95 · Post by **MinardiFan95** » 26 Sep 2010, 08:36

To: Daniel Melrose ([email protected])
From: David Simpson ([email protected])

Eastern Creek Invitational

Sorry I couldn't send you this earlier, as I was away last week. If the spots haven't been taken I would be interested.

I'm guessing you heard the devestating news regarding Alex K. I was really looking forward to seeing how his F1 career would pan out. He would have been a great driver as he wasn't an automated drone like all the other drivers. I guess the saying "The star that shines twice as bright shines for half as long" is true in this situation. I will be running "For Alex K." stickers on my kart from now on. I'll get two sets of them if you want them.

Did you read the comments from that a-hole De la Fuente in last weeks Auto Action. It looks like he thinks a group of stupid dancing alpacas on a late night American TV show are of more interest to him than his fellow F1 drivers. Everyone knows that Americans don't care much for F1.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 26 Sep 2010, 10:05

De la Fuente questioned over Katajamaki murder

The controversy surrounding Rodolfo de la Fuente took another dramatic turn today with the revelation that the young Spanish driver was interrogated for sixteen hours by police investigating the death of Alex Katajamaki. De la Fuente made headlines earlier this week with a controversial outburt aimed at Precision Motorsports, telling them that Katajamaki's death meant nothing and that the team should move on rather than mourn him. Despite many up and down pit lane calling for de la Fuente's censure, Team Eurospint have remained strangely silent on the matter. Rumour claims this is due to the team seeking legal action against the Spanish driver, but a damning report today suggested the team's silence is because they are rallying to support their young driver.

As broken earlier today in The London Financial Times, police investigating the death of Katajamaki interrogated Rodolfo de la Fuente over his involvement in Kayajamaki's murder - two days before the Spaniard's outburst. De la Fuente was released without charge, apparently with an alibi to support his whereabouts on the night of Katajamaki's murder, but speculation suggests police are investigating the possibility that Katajamaki was the victim of a contract killer given the apparent lack of a motive for the killing. Autosport has received it on good authority that a forensic accountant has been called in to dissect de la Fuente's financial status, though a police spokesperson was quick to comment that Rodolfo de la Fuente is just one person of interest in their investigation.

Team Eurosprint principal Alfons van Biert was unavailable for comment, though in a statement released today, the flamboyant Dutchman reaffirmed his team's support of de la Fuente, personally vouching for his driver's whereabouts on the night of the murder and denying the Spaniard had any involvement in the death. "Team Eurosprint rejects any claims as to the involvement in the tragic death of Alex Katajamaki," the statement said. "Furthermore, we find such accusations to be an insult of the highest order. Rodolfo de la Fuente and Alex Katajamaki may have had their differences after Katajamaki spoke out of turn. His comments were uncalled-for and we feel Fito was well within his rights to respond the way he did before Katajamaki's death. As far as we are concerned, the matter was settled, and every member of our staff can account for his whereabouts. Whatever Fito may have said or done afterwards is a matter for us to deal with, but we reject the insinuation that Rodolfo de la Fuente was in any way involved in the murder, and team principal Alfons van Biert will challenge anyone who suggests otherwise to a round of chessboxing."

-------

Just so you know, Rodolfo de la Fuente did not kill Alex Katajamaki. I don't know if you guys have any plans for this story arc, but I do. If you don't have anything in mind, I'd like to run with it.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 26 Sep 2010, 10:59

Captain Hammer wrote:Just so you know, Rodolfo de la Fuente did not kill Alex Katajamaki. I don't know if you guys have any plans for this story arc, but I do. If you don't have anything in mind, I'd like to run with it.

I have an idea for this but since I'm in the young driver program some other people will have to act it out:

It turns out that before the Precision Motorsports venture into F1 Jeroen Krautmier had a good friend whom he had given a drive to back in Precision's F3 days. Mr Krautmier didn't know it at the time but the German friend in question was actually an associate of a Algerian terrorist ring. This ring happened to be responsible for the hijacking of an Air France Airbus A300 in Algiers in 1994. The motive for the hijacking is unclear but police suspect whatever that motive is it may just explain the murder of Katajamaki.

Or you can use your one Captain.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 26 Sep 2010, 11:26

I think I'll run with mine. A terrorist group using an F3 team as a front to launder money is a decent one, but I've got something in mind using existing characters and a team orders row.

Valrys · Post by **Valrys** » 26 Sep 2010, 15:26

Interview with Alex Valrey

Following the recent tragic death of Precision Motorsport lead driver Alex Katajamaki, the team has been virtually silent on the matter, with the top members of the team completely unreachable. By a chance occurance, I managed to bump into Alex Valrey at Heathrow airport, as he returned from a business trip in America, and he agreed to sit down with me for a brief interview.

So, tell me a little about just how the atmosphere is in the team right now.
Well, I haven't been back to HQ since Alex died, but it goes without saying that we're all completely devastated. Alex, had a tendancy to say exactly what was on his mind, no bull****, and despite rubbing a few people the wrong way, he was a great guy with a lot of talent, and while he wouldn't have won a race this season, if Precision give us a good car, I dare say he'd have scored his first points before the half way point of the season. We'll miss him.

Does this now make you lead driver at precision? Who will take Alex's place?
Well, we've got our first test coming up shortly, fingers crossed that goes well, so for now, I am lead driver, yes. Our original test driver, Niko, who was originally planning to take over my seat in the CART series in America has moved up into the empty seat. He's also a quick driver, so barring major mishaps, I don't see Jeroen or Roman wanting to get rid of either of us. After all, it's important we stick together now.

How important?
Very. The journalists, and other teams have been rabbiting on about how we'll not make it to the grid, originally because we were a new team with uncertain funding, and now because we've tragically lost our lead driver in very odd circumstances. We have to show them that we're a serious team, with a good car, talented drivers and staff, and that we're here for the long haul.

Now, how do you feel about the comments made by De la Fuente?
Who?

Rodolfo de la Fuente, driving for Team Eurosprint this year
I haven't read his comments
(I show him the article on the Autosport website)
Well, you probably couldn't print what my initial reactions to those comments are, but the guy should do his talking on the track. What business is it of his what our team do? He doesn't pay our bills, or drive out cars. Also, considering I haven't heard of him so far, and I DO keep track of the feeder series, leads me to believe he's another monied backmarker who'll tool around near the back wasting his teams time. Of course, if I'm wrong, apologies to the guy, but I don't expect him to be at the sharp end of the grid.

Speaking of not being at the sharp end of the grid, your year at Minardi in '94. That didn't go too well did it?
*laughs* No, no, it didn't did it?

Tell me a little more about it.
Well, I was still relatively inexperienced, the team had virtually no money to improve the car, or engine, neither of which were top of the line, and this led to quite a bit of fustration and overdriving on my part. Although I think I proved I was quick, I did manage to outqualify Martini on a couple of occassions, and I got that excellent 6th on the grid at Mangy-Cours - it was my long race pace that let me down, and dealing with changing fuel loads and tyre wear, but I've improved that with my time in the states and doing F3000, which I should have done before jumping to F1.

Best of luck for the season
Thank You.

Post by **Nuppiz** » 26 Sep 2010, 18:51

21st December 1996
Nurminen investigated on the Katajamäki case
Zürich Reuters/AP

Following the tragic and mysterious death of the half-Finn, half-Scot Precision Motorsports driver Alex Katajamäki, numerous wild rumours surrounding his death have started to spread around. One of them places fellow Finnish team mate Niko Nurminen as the culprit. Nurminen, aged 26, was questioned by the police yesterday regarding the matter.

"Nurminen is not very high on our list of suspects", said a representative of the police. "However, in a case like this, we mustn't ignore any possibilities, especially when given circumstances like this".

One of the biggest reasons to suspect Nurminen was that he had a good motive: the death of Katajamäki will most likely promote him to a regular driving position, instead of having to spend at least a year in America only hoping to get the F1 drive some day. Although Nurminen does have an alibi for the night of the killing, having been in Finland finalizing his sponsorship contracts, it is believed that the murder was a contract killing which didn't require him to be in Switzerland at the time. Furthermore, Nurminen was reported to have left the negotiations for a short while just before the estimated time of Katajamäki's death, leading to some suspecting that it was then when Nurminen gave the go-ahead for the murder.

Nurminen, however, felt much different about the accusations when he was surrounded by various media outside the Swiss police station.
What do you think about the latest rumours connecting you to the murder of Alex Katajamäki?
"I'm not, quite frankly, surprised about them. However, I am assuring you that I had nothing to with his tragic and untimely death."

But you did gain advantage from his death, didn't you?
"That was not a very polite question for someone who just lost a workmate. It depends on how you look at it. Although some may think that I was eager to be in F1 rather than in CART, that was not the case. I was already at a very advanced stage in the negotiations with Walker Racing, so this switch back to Europe really hurt my American relations. Even then, nothing has been assured by the team yet, so I might be in a difficult situation now. And I was already starting to become friends with Katajamäki thanks to his close relation to Finland."

How do you explain your abscence from the sponsorship negotiations at around Katajamäki's death?
"It was simply coincidence. It was my team that simply called me to remind about the test at 22nd December. Ronan Griffin will confirm that, should you not believe me."

"Again, I can only stress so much the fact that I would never do any harm to anyone to gain advantage. That's not my style of doing things. Of course, I'll mourn his passing, as does every member of our team, but life must go on. Now if you excuse me, I have a plane to catch. Due to the recent events, I'll have to be in Germany a day earlier than what was first meant."

Iltalehti was unable to reach any of the Precision Motorsports personnel to comment on the matter.

(Throwing my bit of the drama in here as well, but I didn't kill him either).

shinji · Post by **shinji** » 26 Sep 2010, 20:41

Racing Driver Kevin found dead in apartment

Gardaí are treating as suspicious the death of professional racing driver Ed Kevin (26), who was last night found dead in his apartment in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Two 28 year old men have been arrested, while Gardaí have appealed for anyone to come forward with any details they might be aware of.

Kevin's death comes just a week after fellow driver Alex Katajmaki was killed in his home in Zurich. Katajmaki and Kevin were both originally signed to be the drivers of Precision Motorsports, a team newly entered in to Formula One this season, but Kevin left the team in mysterious circumstances several weeks ago. It is not yet known if the two deaths are linked. The world of motorsport is in mourning over the deaths of two promising young drivers.

____

Put that in your pipes and smoke it. Shinji away! /flies away

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 26 Sep 2010, 21:04

This opens up several interrogatives...Why would someone kill two innocent young racing drivers? Is Precision Motorsport cursed? Or is it an omen about his F1 foray? Does Niko Nurminen have something to do with all this? Will those horrible crimes be solved? Will any other member of the team be killed? And, most importantly, will there be enough pizzas and Guiness beer cans in the Precision Motorsport motorhome for their debut in Albert Park, Australia?

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 26 Sep 2010, 22:26

Okay, not happy that we've gone and killed Kevin off. Not understanding why we're doing it again; we're just repeating a plot point before we've resolved it for the first time (could be worse - Kevin could be dead after we solved Katajamaki's murder). It kind of throws a wrench in my gears. My plan is to have Vladimir Sokoloff revealed as the killer. Alex Katajamaki was in an F3 team that was looking to make a name for itself by getting a driver into Formula 1. It took longer than they expected, and they wracked up a massive debt. That debt was purchased by Vladimir Sokoloff, and when the team found out about it, they suspected Sokoloff was trying to use their debt as leverage over Katajamaki and manipulate race results. When they refused to pay up, Sokoloff used his connections to have Katajamaki killed.

The problem is that I have no idea how Kevin figures into all of this.

shinji · Post by **shinji** » 26 Sep 2010, 22:39

Ignore it if you want, I just wanted a conclusion on my side having left it up in the air earlier. You know, plot holes and all that.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 26 Sep 2010, 23:11

Captain Hammer wrote:Okay, not happy that we've gone and killed Kevin off. Not understanding why we're doing it again; we're just repeating a plot point before we've resolved it for the first time (could be worse - Kevin could be dead after we solved Katajamaki's murder). It kind of throws a wrench in my gears. My plan is to have Vladimir Sokoloff revealed as the killer. Alex Katajamaki was in an F3 team that was looking to make a name for itself by getting a driver into Formula 1. It took longer than they expected, and they wracked up a massive debt. That debt was purchased by Vladimir Sokoloff, and when the team found out about it, they suspected Sokoloff was trying to use their debt as leverage over Katajamaki and manipulate race results. When they refused to pay up, Sokoloff used his connections to have Katajamaki killed.

The problem is that I have no idea how Kevin figures into all of this.

Not exactly what I was thinking of, but the whole Sokoloff contracting someone to have Alex's head is pretty much why I had the whole 'Russian Mafia shooting' thing as his demise, to create that plot line.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 26 Sep 2010, 23:35

shinji wrote:Ignore it if you want, I just wanted a conclusion on my side having left it up in the air earlier. You know, plot holes and all that.

I actually haven't been following the other sub-plots too closely, largely because they haven't impacted on de la Fuente too much. Right now, I'm concentrating on resolving Katajamaki's murder; the only reason why I noticed Kevin is dead is because the article was at the top of the page.

kostas22 wrote:Not exactly what I was thinking of, but the whole Sokoloff contracting someone to have Alex's head is pretty much why I had the whole 'Russian Mafia shooting' thing as his demise, to create that plot line.

Actually, Sokoloff is a bit too obvious a suspect. He's the red herring, the character who is too guilty to hav actually committed the crime. Right now, I'm thining Alfons van Biert did it, using Sokoloff's connections. It may be possible to work Ed Kevin into this, with a subplot about Team Eurosprint being on the verge of collapse and van Biert attempting to cannibalise Precision Motorsports - kind of what Tom Walkinshaw attempted to do to Prost Grand Prix through Phoenix Finance - to save his team.

Post by **Nuppiz** » 27 Sep 2010, 08:57

shinji wrote:Ignore it if you want, I just wanted a conclusion on my side having left it up in the air earlier. You know, plot holes and all that.

Well, as we haven't yet written any storyline material relating to your character's death, you could still change the way how his storyline ends. For example, going nuts and ending up in the mental hospital would fit with your sudden exit from our team as well. It would also leave you a back door open, should you ever want to rejoin this story.

Enforcer · Post by **Enforcer** » 27 Sep 2010, 11:38

Okay guys, let's just take time.

This is turning from an RP into a F1 fanfic round-robin that's already starting to make Dream Team look down to earth. As much as I'd be tempted to have the arc end with me catching van Beirt trying to sabotage something in the Precision factory and killing him in much the same way as Charles Foster Offdensen kills an assassain in the last episode of the first season of Metalocalypse, we're going to run into problem whereby we either have people on different pages, or just basically state exactly what's going to happen in advance, which kind of spoils it. So I'm not exactly sure how we could press on with this.

Also it doesn't make any sense that a relatively well backed team courting factory interest from Porsche would be a suitable target for a hostile takeover/cannibalisation by another team that's on its last legs, surely he'd try to net Forti's entry since they died at the end of last season. Recommend you refine that.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 27 Sep 2010, 13:33

Yeah, I was afraid of that, too. The reason why I posted my story arc was because I didn't want people to go off in their own direction with it and start looking at the Katjamaki killing on their own. So I'm going to start tying it off now:

-------

Red Notice issued in Katajamaki killing

Interpol today took the unprecedented step in issuing a Red Notice for the murder of Alex Katajamaki. The Red Notice - the informal name given a request by Interpol for extradition of a person of interest from a foreign power - was released to domestic and federal police across Europe for the arrest of Dmitri Abraumovich Utkin, a Kazakhstani national known by his alias 'the Duck'.

The connection between Katajamaki and Utkin was made after police identified the ammunition used in the murder as having a tungsten core, an uncommon payload that gained popularity among Soviet security forces in the late 1980s. It is unknown whether Utkin has connections to the former KGB or any of its derivatives, but Interpol stressed that he is to be considered armed and dangerous and not to be approached. They believe Utkin to be a contract killer in the service of the Solentskaya bratva, rated as one of Moscow's most dangerous criminal fraternities, though this notoriety had waned since the capture of the leader at a dacha outside Novosibirsk last July.

Accompaying the Red Notice was a very grainy photograph that Interpol stated was the only known photograph of Utkin. He is described as being six feet four inches tall, and of mixed Russian and Chinese descent. He may be travelling under an alias, and is believed to have been so effective because of his feminine appearance and his ability to pass for a woman. Interpol stated that prior to the Katajamaki killing, Utkin's last known whereabouts was somewhere in Denmark, where he is currently wanted over the murder of two Russian oil oligarchs.