October 12, 2009
Published on tags: Superleague
Gear F1 boss Mullins has completed the signing of the highly rated German youngster Christoph Lichtenstein. The late night top secret deal was reached despite a late minute attempted snatch by D.O.R., who are themselves without a second driver.

When asked about his new team mate Mullins was adamant that his signing would signal a new dimension and level of success for the perennial unlucky Welsh/Italian team.

?hristoph is someone who has been on my radar for some time and when the possibility came up to get him in one of my cars, it was too good an opportunity to turn down. Unfortunately the news that he was about to sign was leaked into the media which prompted a rival contract offer from D.O.R. This caused us to rush things somewhat, but we are happy that the situation resolved itself and Chris is now signed for my team?

In introducing his new driver to the press, Mullins was clear that he is not expected miracles in the few races left in the season. ?t took me many, many races to get to grips with the GPVWC car, so as long as Christoph puts in a good stint and turns up for the races, I?l be happy. We?e really focused on next year right now and having a young, fast, passionate driver in the team is something that we feel will pay dividends come 2010?

In his first meeting with the press, the cool young German appeared unfazed by all the sudden media attention, evoking a comparison by the media to another certain German driver.

Press: Christoph, how does it feel, at 21 to be making such a big leap into such a tough league?

Chris: The GPVWC is the best league with the best drivers; I look forward to the challenge of racing against them.

Press: What are your goals in the GPVWC league?

Chris: My immediate goal for my first race is to finish the race and be competitive. My long term goals are that I am regular points finisher with 1 podium at the end of the season.

Press: In the end, why did you pick Gear of D.O.R.

Chris: I think the Gear team has a great future and will be a good decision for a beginner like me. Wayne was a very big factor in the decision because I have heard his impressions of the car and team and I hope that he could make me into a good driver like he is already.

Press: Are you fully prepared for the stresses and strains of the GPVWC league?

Chris: Yes, I have excellent fitness and I have no problems with it and I think my good condition could pay off in the end of a long race.

Press: How do you think you will compare to the many drivers that Mullins has let go this season?

Chris: Well I? German and as you know us Germans never give up, even if I am driving in a hopeless position I will always push as hard as I can.

Press: With the arrival of several new top flight drivers, how do you think you will compare?

Chris: Well we will have to see. I have still a lot to learn, but I think that I? not the slowest driver in the field and at only 21, I can improve a lot.

Team owner Mullins then ushered his new hot-shoe back to the factory complex in South Wales for his seat fitting. With his first race only a few days away, Christoph has much work to do to get himself ready for the grid in Valencia.

The last quote of the day came from Mullins himself who reflected on a truly eventful week in the Gear F1 Team.

?n the last week I have had to fire a good friend and driver and have continued to move the base of operations from Italy to Wales. Hopefully with the signing of Christoph we can achieve some stability and get the points that this team has deserved for so long. Valencia marks a new chapter for this team; one that I hope will reap instant benefits.?