Unfortunately, the sport side really is somewhat overshadowed by the politics in the business, which is quite sad. But it does actually get one ready for just about anything else, and I think Keith and I have both been through the mill at different times. We know what it's like to have to fight and for what we believe in and, yes, I'm sure that's part of what made us quick straightaway. But, nevertheless, both of us have got our feet on the ground and we know that our challenge is to do a good job in 2007 in Champ Car and beyond. The F1 background can be interesting, but we forget all of that when the lights go green in Vegas.
KW:
I'd like to think it's as basic as wanting to achieve. Clearly, Paul took on that challenge of F1 and survived it a lot longer than I did, proved that he was a fighter. I'd like to refer that Pacific was the only team in history that have won every championship below
F1, which shows my attitude towards competition. My priority before anything else - even money - is winning. And F1 is a desire. I was clearly out of my depth, but was something you had to do and a little bit probably more sensible these days - that comes with age.
I think it's a fundamental and the reason we gel is, again, having come up from the European ranks, you just try and do everything as professional and as solid as you can without compromise. And I think we probably have, in different walks, a similar attitude. I think it's as simple as that. You know someone wants to do the thing right. Sometimes, you've got to accept that there's not always total community in what you want to do, but you're doing it for the right reasons.
And, with a lot of teams, sometimes there's a bit more bullshit and you have to subserve to things that are a compromise because of the other party bring the funding needs or something like that. I think with us, okay, how can we make a good team and that's the key is down to either the character or the development.
Q:
Certainly, you are two characters who have character, put it that way. Along the same lines, you have said to me in the past, and I believe the quote is, 'you don't do your best working for others'. But, obviously, to some degree, there's going to be a change in the way the team operates this year because of the new arrangement, and I just wondered if the two of you could, in broad, general outlines, explain what your roles will be in the day-to-day operation of Team Minardi USA.
PS:
We said in the press statement that Keith will be remaining in charge of the day-to-day aspect and management of the team. Certainly, what I'll bring to it will be resource, and also probably a little bit of street wisdom that I've acquired over the years. I think there is no issue with us about the way the team is going forward. I've already met all of the guys. I was lucky enough to be at the Christmas party with them on Friday evening, and that was a good chance to get around and meet everyone.
