by Russell Atkins
Ultimate Motorsport may be the newest kid on the British F3 grid, but for team owner and former driver Barry Walsh it is the realisation of a dream, and one that he is desperately keen to turn into a successful reality.
The former Junior Irish Champion and, more recently, Formula Palmer Audi ace has relinquished his role behind the wheel to take the reins of his own outfit, and though it is a bold move he is convinced it is one that will pay off. Here he tells us why Ultimate is not the kind of sqaud that will be content simply to make up the numbers…
Q:
Barry, this must be a very proud moment for you?
Barry Walsh:
It is a very proud moment, and it couldn’t have taken place in a more prestigious location than in the BRDC Suite, the Home of British Motorsport. We are very proud to be here.
Q:
The whole package has come together remarkably quickly, hasn’t it? How much hard work has gone on in that short space of time?
BW:
It’s been a huge effort – there wasn’t much of a Christmas last year because everybody had to work through it! Everyone in the team has put in a massive amount of hours just to get the car ready and here. The timescale of everything has involved a serious amount of pushing to get it all ready.
Q:
For such a young team, though, you’ve got a wealth of experience and expertise in the workforce haven’t you?
BW:
That’s the main thing we set out to do. We knew we had to get the right people around us. We had a lot of people approach us wanting to come on-board and we have had to be meticulous with those we have chosen. I’m quite happy with the people we have got. The only way we are going to do this is by having experience.
Q:
How much of a challenge are you expecting to face in 2007?
BW:
It’s a huge challenge. Dallara is very established; the other teams are all very established. They know all the data and set-ups, but we are here to fight, not to be just another Dallara team. That would be the easy route. That’s not what we are here for. If we can prove ourselves by developing a car and launching a new team it speaks volumes and will stand us in good stead for the future.
Q:
You have gone with Mygale on the chassis front. How much of a geographical challenge is that proving to be given they are based in France?
