Chapitre 34: Chapter 34: The Test Race
The day had finally arrived, the moment to determine ART's second main driver for the upcoming F2 season. The atmosphere at the track was electric with anticipation, and the four drivers, Henry Calder, Luca Moretti, Matteo Ricci, and Damon Steele, were gathered in the garage, each preparing for the critical 10-lap test race.
This was more than just a race; it was a proving ground, a test of skill, strategy, and grit. For Henry, it was another challenge handed to him by the system.
The familiar system prompt appeared in Henry's mind as he sat in the driver's room, suiting up:
TASK: Secure the second main driver position at ART. Complete the race with a top-two finish. Bonus rewards for finishing first. Punishment: -20 attribute points across all categories.
Henry clenched his fists. The stakes were high, but he welcomed the pressure. He was determined to win to meet the system's requirements and prove to himself and the team that he deserved to be there.
Before heading to the car, Henry activated his Analysis skills to review the setup of his ART car. The virtual display in his mind provided detailed insights:
Chassis Balance: Optimal
Tire Degradation: Moderate wear expected after Lap 7
Aerodynamics: Favorable for high-speed corners but slightly understeering in slower ones
Next, he turned his attention to the other cars, using his skill to gain a general idea of their setups:
Luca Moretti's Car: Perfectly balanced with minimal tire wear, unsurprising, given his status as the team's number one driver. His car was a beast on the straights.
Matteo Ricci's Car: Slightly unstable in the rear during high-speed cornering, which Henry noted could be exploited.
Damon Steele's Car: Strong aerodynamics but heavier tire degradation expected due to an aggressive camber setup.
Henry shared his thoughts with Laurent, his race engineer, as they reviewed the data together.
"Alright, Henry," Laurent said, leaning over the monitor. "This is going to be tight. Damon and Matteo will likely push hard in the first few laps and burn through their tires quickly. Luca will probably play it safe, maintaining a steady pace until the end. Your best bet is to stay patient, conserve your tires, and make your move in the second half of the race."
Henry nodded. Laurent's calm demeanor always helped him focus.
"And remember," Laurent continued, "you've been working hard for this moment. Trust yourself. You're ready."
The preparation hadn't started that morning; it was the culmination of eight grueling weeks of preseason training. Earlier, Henry had gone through his usual daily debrief with Olivia. She had meticulously outlined his schedule for the day, ensuring he was mentally and physically ready for the test.
"You've got this, Henry," Olivia said reassuringly as he headed out. "Just stick to your routine. You've been consistent all season, and today will be no different."
His morning workout with Marcus had been another step in his preparation. Marcus pushed him hard, as always, but Henry had grown to appreciate the intensity. It was all part of the process.
As Henry strapped into the cockpit of his ART car, a familiar sense of calm washed over him. The cockpit was his sanctuary, a place where all the world's noise faded away, leaving only the engine's hum and the race's focus.
Laurent's voice crackled over the radio. "Okay, Henry, you're on the practice grid. This is it. Ten laps. Stay sharp."
Henry glanced around the grid. Luca Moretti was to his right, radiating confidence as usual. Matteo Ricci and Damon Steele were behind him, their eyes burning with determination.
Camille's voice came over the team's comms channel, addressing all four drivers. "Drivers, you have ten laps to prove yourselves. The second main driver will be decided based on your performance. Good luck."
Henry's heart thumped as he focused on the five red lights overhead.
"Alright, Henry," Laurent said, his voice steady. "Remember the plan. You've got this."
The lights began counting down one by one.
Five. Four. Three. Two.
As the final light turned off and the green signal lit up, the roar of engines filled the air, and Henry slammed the throttle.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone