KYOTO, JAPAN--Cat Devil Racing, despite being very quiet, have been very busy behind the scenes. This morning, a press conference with Sakura Ishiibashi and Kunimitsu Kino****a put some questions to rest.
Tetsuya Matsumora, Kyoto Expess: "With a flurry of teams confirming entries for 2017 already, what is Cat Devil Racing planning on doing beyond 2016 in the VRR IndyCar Series?"
Sakura Ishiibashi: "We've been hard at work, getting our ducks in a row and we still can't say much, but we will remain as Honda's factory team until at least 2020. Kunimitsu will remain as our number 1 driver. We're hoping Camyron will stay. He's been extraordinary behind the wheel for us and he's very dedicated to helping the team."
Shinji Nataru, The Japan Times: "You talked about Kunimitsu and Camyron, but what about Steven Gnash and Henna Venalainen? What is the plan for them?"
Sakura Ishiibashi: "Henna was offered a premier deal with Nissan as a factory driver. We didn't want her to go that way, but she was being offered an amazing opportunity and Nissan gained a very exceptional talent. Steven is someone who has vocalized more loyalty to Ferrari and with not much sponsorship, we're pouring money out of pocket into his car that we may not be able to do in 2017. He's not likely to stay with us in 2017, so we are actively looking for a third full time driver."
Peter Buchanon, New York Times: "Will the team be opening an Indy 500 ride after 2016, and if you are looking for a new driver, what kind of driver are you looking for?"
Sakura Ishiibashi: "A car for just the Indy 500 would come down to if someone insisted on driving for our team and had the sponsorship to fund it. We are not actively pursuing that after 2016, no. And as for our driver criteria, it first and foremost comes down to sponsorship. We'd prefer having another female driver in the team, and we want someone that will remain with the team for the long term."
Dmitri Ramastin, Dnevni avaz: "A question for Miss Kino****a if I may. You are the most senior driver in the team and one of the most senior in the VRR paddock. Is it important to you to find a driver that you can teach for the team, or do you want an experienced teammate?"
Kunimitsu Kino****a: "I think that either or are great, but I would prefer having a newer driver come to the team and be mentored. Being in Formula One for a decade, I've seen what happens when you put two very experienced drivers in the same team. It either works really well, or it falls apart. Having a young driver is more beneficial as that younger driver will be more of a team player at the start and will be able to grow to be a team player as they get seat time."
Dmitri Ramastin, Dnevni avaz: "Is there drivers in the paddock right now that you would want to see join the team in 2017?"
Kunimitsu Kino****a: "Yes. Sakura emphasized wanting a female driver, but there are plenty of guys in the grid that are relatively inexperienced that would be good for the team. Top of the list would be Devereux, Descoteau, and Larese."
Michael Williamson, Cincinnati Enquirer: "This question is for both Miss Kino****a and Mrs. Ishiibashi. Would working with teams like Coca-Cola Black Rose Racing and Polaris Motorsports be possible, and for you, Kunimitsu, would being teammates with Evangeline Porter or Stephanie Porter-Kelley be even remotely welcomed?"
Sakura Ishiibashi: "If it came down to mere survival, then yes, the team would certainly work with them. But at the moment, with all three teams considered 'giants', no.
Kunimitsu Kino****a: "I've raced against the Porter sisters essentially my entire career. Both are as skilled as you can find and the raw finesse they possess is something that gives me trouble. From a professional level, if it were to happen, it would be absolutely amazing because it would make the team nearly unstoppable. On a personal level, I would be reserved to the idea. We are friends outside the car, and having us as teammates would potentially kill that."
Already ordered another car from Dallara. 
