Grand Prix Rejects

From: Alex Valrey ([email protected])
To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])

Jeroen,
While it's sad that Ed has had to leave the team (he was such a good laugh and an excellent driver), I'd just like to thank you for having faith in me and promoting me to the race seat! I won't let you down, and it comes as a surprise, as in your situation I may have bowed to the pressue of the German press and given a young German the drive.

Now, committing to the full season with Precision obviously leaves me unable to race over in America, and this may affect the Pennzoil sponsorship deal which was signed assuming I'd do a good proportion of the season. I've arranged a meeting with Pennzoil, and I'll fly to America later this week, and I hope to be able to persuade them to switch their full backing to Precision. If possible, would a member of team management be able to fly out with me, as I haven't been at the team that long yet, and so don't quite know the in's and out's of everything yet if Pennzoil ask any tricky questions!

I'm also going to speak to Niko, and possibly arrange a CART test for him, so he has something to fall back on if he can't get an F3000 seat.

Regards
Alex V.

To: Niko Nurminen ([email protected])
From: Alex Valrey ([email protected])

Niko,
I'm flying over to the US later this week to meet with my sponsers Pennzoil, as I will be unable to fufill my CART commitments due to racing full-time for Precision, and if you'd be interested I'd like you to come along as well, and I'll arrange a CART test with Walker Racing (who were expanding to two cars to run me alongside Gil De Ferran this year, so I'd feel bad for leaving them high and dry) with the possibility of you taking over for a partial campaign in the series. Obviously, this wouldn't be a free drive, but there's a few months before the season starts, and between us, we should be able to hammer out a few sponsorship deals. Now, I know you were trying to get a F3000 seat, and this is a more obvious path to an F1 drive, but I think you should explore every potential opportunity, as having a year out only testing will leave you a tad rusty in the racecraft department.

Regards
Alex

To: Alex Valrey ([email protected])
From: Ronan Griffin ([email protected])

Hi Alex,

First and foremost, congratulations on your promotion to a race seat.

I'm kust letting you know, in case you weren't already aware, that Martin Smith will be your race engineer. He was previously assigned to Ed. I know he's got a somewhat dour demeanour, but he'll listen to your input and he's developed something of a reputation as being a changeable weather specialist in F3 and F3000. If you can't get on with him, you better tell me in private, because it might take a while for me to find you another one, and your best not falling out with Martin in the meantime.

Regards,
Ronan Griffin,
Technical Director

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

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Hi Jeroen,

The first PRM01 passed its FIA crash test, so we're free to use the design on a track. We're going to repair the chassis and use it for any future crash testing that is required as we update the car. Chassis 002 and 003 will be the first to be driven on track. I should be able to give you a date for completion in the next few days, so we can book the Nurburgring for a shakedown.

We've continued gearbox testing, and whilst the internal components are now ready for a grand prix weekend, we're still having problems with cracked casings, most likely caused by vibration. We'll keep working on it.

Finally, I'm slightly concerned about Alex Katamajaki's... 'outbursts'. I know we're allowing people a good deal of slack to keep things informal around the factory, and I by no means want to see that changed, but I'm not sure having one of our drivers swearing at the media and suggesting who we should bring into the team is the way forward. To be perfectly blunt, he reminds me of what I was like at that age. Sponors, media etc. barely tolerated that attitude from drivers in the 80s and early 90s, I think they're even less likely to take it for very long now. Which means he's likely to end his career with one leg, none of his ex team-bosses talking to him, and bucketloads of underacheivement and what-ifs.

Since we don't have a permanent HR manager, it's up to you and me to decide how to handle this. He's got a lot of talent, and I'd rather not alienate him from the team. I could try talking to him, since I've been there, done that, and bought the wheelchair, although if he is like me, he probably won't listen. We could let it slide for the moment, he may quieten down once he's in the car and doing his job. Or we could suggest he get a manager, to 'refine' him since he doesn't seem to have one. I could approach him about becoming his manager either.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but I think we're best keeping it between ourselves for the moment.

Regards,
Ronan Griffin,
Techincal Director

To: Alex Valrey ([email protected])
From: Niko Nurminen ([email protected])

Re: CART test

Alex,
I'm intrigued by your offer of a Stateside trip and a possible CART test drive. After seeing what Villeneuve did last year, I've become more convinced of the CART series' competitiveness with Formula One. Although the CART cars are bit different than F1 or F3000, I'm sure that the experience wouldn't be of any harm, and it's muchh better than nothing if I fail to get a F3000 drive. I'll contact my sponsors soon to know if they're interested in this as well.

Thanks,
Niko

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
From: Üwe Müller ([email protected])

Subject: Precision Motorsports in F1


Good day Mr Krautmeir,

We at Porsche's motorsport division have been observing your entry and progression into Formula 1 for the upcoming 1997 season. We are naturally delighted to see a German constructor once again competing in Formula 1 and we hope that your team can do the country proud.

I am writing in regard to possible future collaboration between your team and Porsche Motorsport. For a while now, Porsche as a company has expressed a desire now to become involved on Formula 1 once again, although this has only been discussed at board level recently, and we have no clear plans or decisions made as to the nature of this proposed involvement. However, seeing a German team like yours spring up and entering Formula 1 has been encouraging, and we feel that it would be possible to collaborate with a team, and be more involved in supporting a team than solely being engine suppliers as we were in the 1980s.

It is very possible that Porsche will become involved in Formula 1 in some way in the 1998 season. Your team, at least on the evidence so far, appears to be a solid base on which Porsche Motorsport could build upon, to the benefit of both Precision Motorsports and the Porsche brand. I would be very interested in finding out more about your ambitions and your team's infrastructure in the near future. We would very much like to discuss your team further by way of a meeting. Please let me know if this would be possible.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Üwe Müller
Director of Motorsports
Porsche AG

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
From: David Simpson ([email protected])

Testing Results

Daniel and myself have had two very productive days of testing at Oran Park and Eastern Creek. The Formula C kart is easily the best kart I have ever driven, even though it did take me a while to get used to it. The engineers agreed that the day was a success. Below are my my fastest laps recorded on each day

Fastest laps:
Oran Park (North Circuit): 27.78
Eastern Creek (Southern Loop): 31.37

Cheers,
David Simpson.

From: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
To: Alex Valrey ([email protected])

Re: Drive

Hi Alex.

First of all, I'm happy to have brought you onboard, and I think you deserve this race seat. Obviously, the German tabloids were pressuring me to hire a German driver, but with you and Niko onboard, I didn't see the point of bringing in someone new. I'll make it clear to you that I will never succumb to pressure from the press. Its my team, and I'll do what I think is best. We all miss Ed, though everyone is still waiting for his official press release.

About the Pennzoil sponsorship, while it would provide the team with much needed funding, it would be fine if they won't end up joining. Of course, I would like to see them stay, and I'll be sending a representative with you to the United States. His name is Jasper Monsech, and he's fluent in English, German and French. He's a fairly good negotiator, and should be able to push Pennzoil into staying with us. Is Niko coming along? Because if you haven't made any hospitality arrangements yet, I'd be happy to arrange everything. One more thing, expect to be in the PRM01 very soon. Maybe not this month, but perhaps mid-January. Of course, you'll have the Reynard test in a short while, but there's no pressure.

Regards,
Jeroen.

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

Re: Car/Alex K.

Hello Ronan,

That's great news, and I hope to see it on track fairly soon. With December coming to a close soon, it'll leave us with less than 3 months for upgrades and fixes. We'll let the workers take the whole week off for Christmas, and hopefully they'll return all fully charged. I'm worried about the continuous gearbox failures. I know you're working on it, but I suggest you devote more time to sorting the chassis out first. If you can sort out most of the problems before the Christmas break that would be spectacular, but take your time. I don't want my team to have Life/Andrea Moda standard-type equipment.

Alex Katamajaki's remarks are indeed outbursts in my view. He's not proving the most popular of kids in the German media, and I'm surprised that the German chancellor himself hasn't forced me to get rid of him. He's not exactly the most controllable person in the world, but if you could talk to him, it would be great. Like you said, we could stand to lose sponsors if this continues, but the good news for now is that Bitburger and Lufthansa both have a 2 year contract, and if they were to pull out at this point it would cost them a great amount of money to pay us off. Not that we want to see them go, but at least there's a short-term cash flow if they did leave. So yes, please try and talk to him. If that fails in one way or another, please tell me, and I'll have a go at him myself. Yes, he does have heaps of talent, but his mouth is quite 'crazy' to say the least.

A few weeks ago I talked about the possible deal with Porsche. While at that point of time they didn't seem very interested in getting involved directly, Üwe Müller, Porsche Director of Motorsports, has sent me another email, and the text is extremely promising. Their delighted at our entry, and they are interested in collaborating with us in at least one way or another. Obviously, its too late to make an engine change, but their hoping to sign a deal for the 1998 season. I will be meeting up with their officials, and I was hoping you could come along, though this is all up to your availability. The full email that was sent to me has been attached accordingly.

Regards,
Jeroen.

From: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
To: David Simpson ([email protected])

Re: Testing Results

Hey David.

I'm happy that you two have managed to get together, and obviously its a good thing that you both happen to live in the same country. I'm sure you two are socializing quite often with each other, and I hope these tests continue frequently. Obviously, don't get injured, as even though Formula C only starts during the third weekend of Formula 1, it will take time to recover. Good luck with the rest of your preparations, and pass my regards to young Daniel.

Jeroen.

From: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
To: Üwe Müller ([email protected])

Re: Precision Motorsports in F1

Good day to you, Herr Müller.

A few weeks ago when I contacted you, it didn't seem like a partnership with Precision Motorsports and Porsche were going anywhere, so this new news is extremely promising. Our expectations are not that high for 1997. For a start, we would like to beat fellow newcomers Stewart Grand Prix. We also want regular points finishes, and hope to finish ahead of even Minardi and Tyrrell. Our Renault engine which was used in 1995 is a bit down on power, but we're confident we can extract the most out of it.

Obviously Precision Motorsports needs a works engine deal, and with Porsche being a German company, it would suit our image of being the future of German motorsports. A linkup with Precision would do much, and we would be willing to make you more than just engine suppliers. A meeting is indeed possible, and if we could meet up at Porsche HQ on perhaps next Thursday, that would be great. I'll be bringing with me my Techincal Director Ronan Griffin, who is vital to our team. He may not be German, but he has lots of talent. I hope you can understand my approach here.

Regards,
Jeroen Krautmeir.

To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])
From: Üwe Müller ([email protected])

Subject: Re: Meeting


Mr Krautmeir,

I would be delighted to visit your premises with a few of my team members this coming Thursday. I look forward to observing the inner workings of your team, and hopefully we will be able to highlight some possible areas where we can help each other out in the challenging world of motorsports.

I reiterate my understanding that there is obviously little chance to be involved in the team for the 1997 F1 season due to all of the deals that you currently have in place. However, I do suggest that for the following season, you may wish to look elsewhere for your power-plants as the Renault engines that you have as they are already a few years out of date. As you admit, this will be a challenging season for the team, as it is for any new F1 entrant.

Regards,
Dr Üwe Müller
Director of Motorsports
Porsche AG

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

Testing results

Hey Mr Krautmeir

The two days of testing have been successful as I'm pretty much up to speed with these karts. I must say that these karts have a phenominal amount of grip and are certainly alot faster than anything I've ever driven. Here are my testing times over the 2 days:
Oran Park (North Circuit): 28.36
Eastern Creek (Southern Loop): 32.28

Dave and I are getting along well and I have to say that Dave is one incredibly talented driver as he's consistantly been about half a second faster than me but with more testing I can close the gap down.

One more thing. In recent days I've managed to gain some sponsorship in the form of mining giant BHP Billiton and they require me to do a test at Barbagallo in the kart in a few days time with your permission of course.

Daniel

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

Hi Jeroen,

Thanks for your approval to proceed with regards to Alex. I'll talk to him just as soon as I figure out what to say.

I'm relieved to learn of Porche's change of heart. I was concerned with their attitude of selling us an engine design and then effectively washing their hands of it without even assembling a working engine. To be honest, I was so concerned about it, that I was thinking of suggesting that you approach Mugen Honda instead, since Prost are likely to drop them next season. But this contact from Mr. Muller changes everything. An engine partnership with them, with full co-operation between our staff and theirs with regards to development of a full drivetrain (ie. engine, ECU, clutch, gearbox, driveshaft) would be ideal. But even if we don't get such a partnership, an exclusive works deal for engines which will be continuously developed over the length of the contract would be a massive step forward from our current position. Naturally, I'll happily attend a meeting with them, if required.

I'm aware of the tight deadline, and I can have two chassis ready for a shakedown by the weekend of the 20th and 21st of December.It'll be a nice boost for both the technical staff and the drivers before Christmas. We will be short spare parts, but I'm happy with the quality control we've employed so far, so we should get useful running time. At least 20 laps or more per car. Although if anything does break it'll likely end the session for that car. If you're happy to go ahead with that, book the Nurburgring for that weekend. With regards to the gearbox specifically, Niko "aquired" some design info for Benetton's current gearbox design which I believe will help iron out the casing issues.

Regards,

Ronan Griffin,
Techincal Director.

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

Hi,
All the arrangements are made for our little stateside jaunt, and thank you Jeroen for arranging for Jasper to come along, I've met him a couple of times since beginning negotiations with Precision for a drive, and I'm sure he'll provide the extra little push that Pennzoil will need to stay with us. Niko, I've confirmed a test at Laguna Seca with Walker Racing for you, so you'll probably want to familiarise yourself with the track layout, and I'll try and get some video footage of past races there for you to look at before the test. Derrick Walker has also said that if your testing times are promising enough, he'll go to Ashland Inc. (Owners of team sponsor Valvoline) and try and squeeze a few extra dollars out of them for you, so, the pressure is on, but I'm sure you'll step up to the plate and get the job done!

Regards
Alex

To: Alex Katamajaki ([email protected])
From: Ronan Griffin ([email protected])
Cc: Jeroen Krautmier ([email protected])

Hi Alex,

Just a quick word about talking to the media. Don't give them anything other than dull as dishwater PR quotes about how happy you are to be racing for whomever you're racing for, and how great F1 is. Seriously, if you give them any 'memorable' quotes, they'll start asking progressively stupider and more ridiculous questions to provoke more memorable quotes, and it'll get tiresome quickly.

After I gave a smart-arsed answer when asked was I happy to win the Hungarian Grand Prix in 1990 (I think I said something along the lines of "No, I'm going to collapse into an alcoholic wreck and kill myself"), they gleefully jumped all over me when I retired from the next five races. I swear, if I ever hear "Well, Ronan, are you happy to have dumped your car in the barriers or will you be killing yourself?" again, it'll be too soon. Of course, by that stage, I'd already laid the groundwork by making most of the F1 media hate me during my stint with Arrows.

You definitely shouldn't say you don't want to be a specific driver's team-mate. You never know what eejit you could end up partnered with (although obviously not here, we'll only hire quality drivers). As a matter of fact, don't fall out with any driver unless he runs you off the road. Then you can deride him all you want, since it'll be his fault. And your best keeping your language PG-rated. Telling a journalist to f*** off cost me my Jordan seat in 1992 and I had to go to the States for that nightmare a season in a country that wouldn't appreciate a good driver if someone took the DNA of Gilles Villeneuve, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna and made a super driver. And then called him Chuck Nascar Washington Jnr. III for good measure. You really don't want to go through that.

Anyway, if you ever want interivew or PR bullsh*t advice, consider my door open. Somehow, I don't think I'll need to advise you on the driving side.

Regards,

Ronan.

Enforcer wrote:

From: Alex Katamajaki ([email protected])
To: Ronan Griffin ([email protected])
Cc: Jeroen Krautmier ([email protected])

Ronan,

Alright then...but if some numpty shoves me off the road I WILL be forthright about it. There's reciting PR after a normal race, and there's dealing with a blind f***er who can't tell left from right that tries to kill me during a race.

Just send me a PDF with some generic quotes I can use or something...otherwise I'll be too 'individualistic' for the team's standards.

Alex

From: Niko Nurminen ([email protected])
To: Alex Valrey ([email protected])

Re: Laguna Seca test

It's great to hear that everything has now been arranged! I've seen a couple of races from Laguna Seca on the satellite TV, but every little bit of info you can provide about the track helps. It is also good to hear that if (and when) I'll do a good enough job, I've got ome American sponsorship behind me as well. Most of my Finnish sponsors have no interest on the American market, but I'm still waiting for a reply from Nokia (who sponsored Tyrrell in '95 and are now trying to conquer the American market, which helps my chances a lot). And, because most of the F3000 teams have turned me down because they've already got their drivers hired (the only proper offer came from my former F1 team Pacific, and I don't think they will do any better in F3000 than in F1), it's more than likely that I'll join the CART series if the test goes well (of which I have no doubts about).

Regards,
Niko

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

Re: Testing Results

Hi Daniel.

I'm delighted to hear how well you and David are getting along. Yes, your times are indeed slightly slower than David's, but taking into account how young you are, you have already exceeded most of my expectations. Use David as your next target, and once that's done, just push the hell out of yourself. Don't get me wrong, but BHP Billiton have something to do with oil, yes? Currently, Precision Motorsports also has a deal with Pennzoil, who also have things to do with petroleum. I'm worried of a possible clash, so please ask the Billiton executives exactly how much their about the pay us. Better still, ask one of their representatives to contact me directly. Please do not mention the existing deal with Pennzoil. But I'm not discouraging you from going for the test, go for it! Good luck with the rest of your preparations, my young friend.

Regards,
Jeroen.

From: Jeroen Krautmier ([email protected])
To: Alex Valrey ([email protected]), Niko Nurminen ([email protected])

Re: US Trip

Hi Alex, Niko.

First of all to Niko, thanks for you 'acquisition' of the Benetton equipment. As for Alex, I have to thank you for giving Niko a chance in the US of A. It would have been hard for me to try and find him a drive, and just as he mentioned, most of the Formula 3000 teams have already finalized their driver lineups. CART is, however, less technologically sophisticated than Formula 1, and this means that Niko will be more used to more 'basic' stuff. Its good in my opinion, as at least I'll know how good Niko really is, as with all the crazy systems on an F1 car, its easy for Ron Dennis to put someone like Riccardo Rosset in a McLaren and he'll still put up a fairly good time, unless he bins it, which he probably would. Niko, all I can say is, do your very best. Don't try and do something crazy, but just do your best. I don't think anybody is asking for a Senna-type performance, but I'd be happy for you just to do well enough to get the sponsorship money. And no, I don't want the money. Sure, it would be a nice boost, but I really don't mind if you miss out on the bucks.

About sponsorship, I have to ask both of you something. Alex, a few days back, Daniel Melrose, part of our young driver program if you haven't noticed, told me about a possible deal with BHP Billiton. If I'm not mistaken, both Pennzoil and BHP are involved in the petroleum business, and so I fear a possible clash in sponsors. Could you ask one of your Pennzoil executives how much their offering? I don't want to put back your US trip, as everything has been set, all I need to know is how much they'll put up for the team. I'll eventually choose the sponsor with more money, though preferably, I would like Pennzoil, as negotiations have already begun, unlike BHP. Niko, if you want a PM official to help with your Nokia chances, I would be happy to send one, though its all up to you. Have a great time in the US, and make sure to send postcards!

Regards,
Jeroen.

PORSCHE HEADQUARTERS

Good day, Mr. Müller, board of Porsche. As you all may know, I am Jeroen Krautmeir, President and Team Principal of Precision Motorsports. I am pretty sure we're all aware of why we're here. To discuss the possibility of a long-term partnership in Formula 1. I'm eager to see how Porsche as a whole see this possible deal. With me today is Technical Director Ronan Griffin, and I see him like a Vice President of the team. I'm sure we would like to get this meeting going, so I'll let Mr. Griffin start off by asking what exactly he would like to see.

Hello Mr. Muller,

I believe what would be best here, would be for me to state the optimal outcome for Percision Motorsports, in terms of the technical end, and then for you to state what would be best for Porsche, and for us to work from there.

From a techincal standpoint, Precision Motorsports' preferred option would be a partnership for the production of a complete drivetrain, that is the engine and all associated electronics, the clutch, the gearbox and the driveshaft. This way, all components, both Porsche and Precision components, can be designed to fit together from day one, and be developed together, particularly if our partnership were to last several seasons. With a deal whereby the engine is constructed seperately from the rest of the car, we would have to wait for the schematics and then build our gearbox etc. to suit it, cutting down on the potential for development.

Whilst a long term 'supply-only' engine deal would also give us this oppurtunity in terms of development of our own equipment, a partnership also presents advantages in terms of construction costs for both parties - some of the equipment and expertise used to construct engine components could also be used to construct gearbox components and vice-a-versa.

The advantage from Porsche's point of view, as I'm sure you've realised, that in addition to the prestige of F1, is that our expertise would become your expertise. We've developed a 7-speed gearbox and innovative triple damper front suspension already. I'm sure the techology used could have applications in Porsche road cars. Even from a branding perspective, the Precision name could be useful, although I may straying into Mr. Krautmeir's territory here, I'm sure your aware of the Renault Clio that uses the Williams name for marketing purposes.

How do you feel about this?

Captain Hammer wrote:I'll play the villain.

PORSCHE HQ - STUTTGART:

Your optimism is obviously something to smile about. From our point of view, the usage of existing Porsche facilities and staff will greatly help boost the performance of the team. I have followed your Le Mans program very closely, and from the results which have been achieved, and can honestly say that this can be achieved in Formula 1, should a deal be achieved. For chassis design and aerodynamics, all we ask for are facilities for us to allow us to explore our ideas further. Currently, we are forced to hold back our creativity, as our facilities are not sufficient for premium testing.

I can see your interest in the managerial side of things. Currently, I hold a 50% share in the team, with 25% going to Bitburger Braurei, 10% going to Lufthansa, and the rest being split between Fondmetal, Pennzoil, Tommy Hilfiger and Johnnie Walker. I would be prepared to give up 25% of my stake to Porsche, and with the Pennzoil deal looking slightly shaky for 1998, you stand to become the majority shareholder. While I am by no means opposed to Porsche taking charge of areas such as development, I would still like to have control over sponsors, driver choice, and driver development, areas which I see myself as an expert. If Porsche find it necessary to hire a German driver, I will tell you honestly that at the moment, I cannot see many promising German talents other than Ralf Schumacher, and he has been snapped up by Jordan. I will try my best, but no guarantees.

From: Thomas De Bock ([email protected])
To: Jeroen Krautmeir ([email protected])

Re: BNL Karting Series

Hi, Mr. Krautmeir.

This email is to inform about my karting season for 1997, where I will be driving in the BNL Series, or the Benelux Championship, in the Micro Max category.

Here is the calendar for the 3-race season:
1. Ostricourt, 3rd-4th April
2. Genk, 22nd-23rd May
3. Genk, 7th-8th August

I recently completed a test at Spa. Here are the respective times.
Best lap: 52.16

Best regards, Thomas De Bock.

Jeroen Krautmeir wrote:Excellent post Captain, I'll try to respond sooner or later. I have to say that I will not have access to the computer for some time after this, so try and work out something guys.

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

Re: Test at the Nurburgring

Hi Jeroen,

I emailed you about this before the meeting with Porsche. I can have the cars ready for a shakedown at the Nurburgring on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of December (just before everyone's holidays), we should be able get in about 20 laps per car. Should we press ahead with this, or leave it until after Christmas?

Regards,

Ronan Griffin
Techincal Director

Captain Hammer wrote:Not to force anything upon you, but I figured de la Fuente's team-mate would be someone in the twilight of his career, the greatest driver never to race a Ferrari or a McLaren. He became the benchmark against which every driver the top teams had their eye on; if you couldn't beat him, you wouldn't get a Ferrari or McLaren seat. As time went by, everybody started getting faster and he wound up in an upper lower midfield team. He knows his time is up and that he should have retired a season or three ago, but he's still in the game.

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

Re: Test at the Nurburgring

Hi Ronan,

I've booked the Nurburgring for the 22nd. I guess we'll give Katajamäki the honours of being the first to get a taste of the car. One hopes nothing goes wrong, like Bild reporters sneaking in for instance.

Regards,
Jeroen.

Griffin: De La Who?

Bild reporters gathered outside Precision Motorsports HQ after De La Fuente's verbal joust with Precision driver Alex Katamajaki today and questioned the the team's Techincal Director, former F1 driver Ronan Griffin about the matter, as he transferred from his car into his wheelchair.

Griffin was quoted as saying: "Rodolfo de la Who? Look I haven't got the time for this. I have a very busy day ahead of me. Contact Kay for press stuff, I have cars to build." before entering the factory.

Griffin competed in 75 Grand Prix between 1987 and 1992 with Arrows, Williams and Jordan teams before a solidary IndyCar season in 1993. He then returned to F1 with the short-lived MazdaSpeed team in 1994 and 1995, competing in a further 30 Grand Prix before a severe accident in qualifying for the 1995 Japanese Grand Prix resulted in the amputation of his left leg. He was known for his driving aggression and love-hate relationship with the media.

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

Re: Nurburgring test

That's great Jeroen, I'll get an itinerary together for the day and inform the drivers in the next couple of days. We should be able to run two cars, but I'll give Alex K. some track time on his own at the start.

There's also a few reporters outside asking about that Eurosprint lot and some driver I've never heard of, so be careful if you're visiting the factory. I forgot about Eurosprint, but now that I think of it, I dimly remember lapping them a lot in my MazdaSpeed days, I wouldn't pay them much attention for the moment.

Regards,

Ronan Griffin,
Technical Director.

To: Alex Katamajaki ([email protected]), Alex Valrey ([email protected])
From: Ronan Griffin ([email protected])

Re: Test at the Nurburgring 22nd December

Hi guys,

I'll have two cars ready for a shakedown test at the Nurburgring on the 22nd of December. Hotel reservations etc. are in the attached file. I'll circulate a full itinerary in the next day or two.

I recommend you take on a fair chunk of front wing to keep your front end positive, because the nosecone is a bit underdeveloped relative to the rest of the car, I should have that sorted before the season starts. Other than that set up options are entirely up to you and your race engineers. Be at the factory at 2pm sharp on the 21st for seat fittings, and at the track at 9am on the 22nd.

Don't hold back in terms of feedback on the cars, if it's a dog I want to know.

Regards,

Ronan Griffin,
Techinal Director