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Greg Moore and Gil de Ferran Roger Penske's new signings spoke with DAVID PHILLIPS about their decision-making processes DP: How difficult was it to leave your current teams? GM: It was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make in my life. Everyone in the Player's company and everyone in the Player's/Forsythe Racing team seems like family. I've been with them since 1995 and, obviously, without Player's and Jerry Forsythe, I wouldn't be where I am today. So it was with sad emotions that I did it, but with excitement for the future. GdF: It was very tough. I developed a great relationship with Derrick [Walker] and the whole team. We've been working on this project for three years and, obviously, the timing of the whole thing was really important. This was a unique opportunity that presented itself to me. Derrick is working on some very exciting plans, but the timing just wasn't right. DP: Despite its great histor¢ Marlboro Team Penske seems to have lost its way in recent years. Do you consider driving for them as a gamble? GM: I've been involved with Roger since 1994, when I first tested his car. When it was time to look at what other options were out there, I looked at Roger and saw the fierceness and competitiveness in his eyes and how he's attacking the next couple of years. I don't look at it as a gamble. I look at it as a challenge. One of the reasons I looked to Roger was, sure, he's one of the world's most successful businessmen, but he's still a racer, and I know he's not happy being where he is right now. GdF: It's certainly going to be a challenge. Basically, it took me one meeting with Roger to understand that his commitment to success is humungous. He wants to win very, very badly, and he'll do whatever is necessary to turn the situation around. Plus, one cannot underestimate what it means to drive for this team. The Penske name, it's a great name in motorsports, not only in America but worldwide. It's something that you can tell your grandchildren proudly; that you were once a racing driver and you drove for Penske. I would compare it on an emotional level as almost like having a ride with Ferrari. UP: How much did the fact that each of you knew Roger was negotiating with the other guy influence your decision? GtlF: It was a big factor. Without any false modesty, nobody's going to sign Greg and myself just for a joke. It's obviously a very serious commitment. So again, that springs from the fact that Roger's commitment to win is such that he will do whatever it takes. GM: I think that probably got us both excited. As far as driver combinations go, I think it's a strong one. DP: What different strengths do you each bring to the team? GM: Where do you want to start? I bring some of the speed and setup to the ovals, and Gil has been extremely quick on the road courses and street circuits, so I guess that's going to be his forte. I think different packages allow people to show different skills, and I think combining those two resources and having each other's data...that's going to make our driving combination extremely high. On the other hand, we get along well personally. GdF: Greg has obviously had success in the past, so that's an experience he can bring to the team. As far as the way he goes about his business, he is extremely talented and I think he is very dedicated. Put it this way, the work that he would put into the team as far as the development goes is not something that I would have to re-do. So in that sense we're going to be able to add our work through the year. Greg will pick it up and take it to here, then I'll pick it up and take it farther, then Greg will take it farther again and so on. And on a personal level, I have a great relationship with the guy, so I think that's going to help a lot. Portrait by Doug Garrison DP: You've both enjoyed success with your current race engineers. Are there plans for them to join you at Marlboro Team Penske? GdF: I have a great relationship with Bill [Pappas] and Chuck [Matthews]. I've been working with Bill throughout my CART career and I certainly would like to continue working with Bill and Chuck, but that's a decision they would have to make. I don't employ them. Derrick employs them. They have a great relationship with Derrick and I don't even know if they are available. I'm not one to force-feed anything or anybody. I would certainly like to continue working with them and I'm certain Roger would take that into consideration it the opportunity came along. GM: The answer lies with Steve [Challis]. He just recently moved to Indianapolis with his wife and kids. I'd love to take him with me if I could, and I'm sure Roger would like to have him on board because Steve and I are a team. We've been together since 1991. It would be my dream to have him come with me, but the ball is in his court. DP: Each of you is familiar with elements of the technicaf package that Penske does not currently use: Reynard chassis and, in Greg's case, Firestone tires and, in Gil's case, Honda engines. How much influence will you have on next years technical package? GdF: I have good relationships with Reynard, Goodyear and Honda, and as far as Roger goes, I know he is reviewing everything, equipment included. I will certainly express my opinions about the way way I feel in terms of how much respect I have for the people I've been involved with, and sometime in the future he'll be putting the irons to bed. But that's not right now. GM: We haven't talked about it. Gil and I are both leaving that up to Roger. I'm sure we'll have some consultation an it but, in the long run, it comes down to who has the horsepower-and that's Roger. • October/Nnvember 1999 ChampCar 29

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