It may feel daunting to be in the presence of a figure like Luke, but I try to work through my insecurities, not letting doubt cloud my judgment.
Once I’ve settled down and regained control, I head back to our spot and get ready for the race.
???
The race is flying by, and just when the standings seem to have evened out, rain begins rolling in over the track. Suddenly, everything is up for grabs.
Who will pit for intermediate tires?
Who will stay out and hope the rain eases quickly?
The intermediate tires are specifically designed for wet conditions.
All the strategists on the teams are calculating risks and assessing their options.
The BMW team takes a gamble and decides to keep Luke out while other teams start pitting for intermediate tires.
It becomes clear that BMW made the wrong decision when the cars behind start eating up the seconds Luke had in front.
I’m biting my nails and sitting on the edge of my seat, hoping he can hold on until he reaches the next lap when it’s clear he has to pit for intermediate tires. The car is sliding in the high-speed corners of the track, and when he finally makes it around and into the pit, four drivers pass him before he’s out on the track again.
“Can you believe that? BMW is messing up a championship lead so easily.”Andrew says beside me, and I just shake my head, hoping he will be able to regain the position.
Unfortunately, the rain intensifies, and they bring out the safety car, which means that no driver can overtake another.
“Unbelievable,” I mutter as they cross the finish line, with Peter Centimo winning. He’s a leading driver at Audi and is often described as the biggest rival to Luke for the championship this year. They are expected to be the two main characters in this year’s season—the golden boy versus the bad boy.
Unlike Luke, Peter has already won a championship, giving him the confidence of knowing he is capable. Luke has everything to prove, and even if it’s all relying on team strategy, this result will still set Luke back in the standings against Peter.
Now the season begins with Peter in the lead.
Luckily, the season has just started, so everything is still up for grabs.
After the race, chaos erupts in the media zone.
The race was an absolute shit show with the whole grid changing places as soon as it started raining.
The hot topic, of course,is the failure of the BMW strategy. Their mistake will set them back right from the start.
Everyone wants a piece of Luke, which means we’re not able to have our own interview with him.
It must be tough for him.
A strategy mistake, which is beyond his control, ruins his race, and then he’s the one who has to make time for media and interviews afterward.
It is part of his job, but I’m left with a feeling of hopelessness, as I’m unable to support him in any way.
???
When the day is over, we head out for our Star News Sunday dinner. The team usually goes out at least once a week to eat together, usually after the race. It’s like a family tradition, and it makes me miss home a bit more.
Still, it’s nice having my own little family away from home.
Even though I want to wait in case Luke shows up, I decide that a couple of hours won’t hurt, as he’s probably going to be busy for the next few hours anyway.
Chapter 11
LUKE
