[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 120

The dazzling sunlight was so bright that it obscured our vision on this perfectly clear day with not a single cloud. We were moving towards the circuit where we would test the two race cars loaded on a massive trailer.

“One car has the suspension system applied, and the other is a race car without it. Aside from the system, both are exactly the same race car.”

“To give you a brief explanation about the system…”

Inside a vehicle resembling a luxurious limousine, Won-jin and Enrique began their briefing. There was a lot of talk, but nothing strayed too far from the explanations provided earlier. The noticeable change was that our opinions, mine and Leclerc’s, were actively reflected.

If we consider it in terms of accuracy, the opinions of the engineers who play with numbers should take precedence. However, driving, much like music and art, has no definitive answers, so our style was adapted to the system.

Knowing that this would yield better results, we did so because we trust the drivers.

Each time we passed the laboratory where the bodies and minds are devoted to one race car, my shoulders felt heavier. The stronger the smell of ‘exclusivity’ emanated from the results meant solely for the two of us, the more I felt my shoulders wanting to sink.

The desperate hopes extracted from bl**d and sweat were directed solely towards us.

Thud. Today, yet another dream to carry had been added. It didn’t matter much to my already heavy heart, but…

I cared more about them than myself. While they were the ones creating the race cars, when we entered the circuit, they were merely investors who would watch the race anxiously and nervously, fretting over their hopes.

I keenly felt their emotions and realized once again.

Everyone was moving for Leclerc and me.

Soon, Enrique’s voice pierced my thoughts.

“Originally, we should have prepared a total of four race cars, set up just for the two of you, but since we only have two available, I’m asking for your understanding today. Once the system is successfully established, two will be sufficient.”

Originally, there should have been one system without the set parameters tailored to me and one with it for Leclerc. The same went for Leclerc; two race cars were needed—one applied, one not—for a total of four. This was only natural, as accurate data needed to be extracted for comparative analysis.

Of course, Ferrari, with its financial prowess, had enough race cars. However, as research, development, and improvement tasks were continuously underway, there were not enough race cars available for testing, let alone withdrawing four. Bringing out two was the maximum.

Director Minoto, who granted the testing approval, also firmly stated to only take two.

Nodding, I responded, conveying that I felt the same way.

“It can’t be helped. Today we’ll just check the system’s performance, and starting next time, we can extract individual data. So don’t worry about it.”

“Then, I’ll ask for your cooperation for today. Drivers.”

It would be great if the race cars had a k*ll button to shut down the system…

According to Enrique, the system is directly applied to the main command, so if we were to remove it entirely, it would be okay. However, he said turning it on and off was impossible.

Since there was no equipment to modify the main command at the circuit, I guess we had to deal with it today.

“Let’s end the work talk here… What should we have for lunch?”

“Lunch… lunch, huh?”

“Wow, that’s a tough one to contemplate!”

“Oh, I want to eat my mom’s soybean paste stew with rice. Right, Hyun-a?”

After concluding our work-related conversation, we engaged in lively discussions while progressing towards our destination, synchronizing with the approaching spring. The cheerful atmosphere enveloped us warmly, like the gentle sunlight and floral scents.

Leclerc, Enrique, Won-jin, Jihyun Lee, and I, along with the engineers and drivers, had rapidly grown close within a short time. Being the only younger generation in Ferrari, which had a higher average age (although not currently), played a significant role.

Most importantly, our personalities and values aligned well.

Among the five of us, none were lacking in passion, and no one had given up hope. With unconditional belief in each other and the Ferrari team, we boldly walked the pilgrimage towards victory. It could almost be described as a matter of faith.

For those bound by faith, there is always a companion. We were companions and collaborators for each other.

And when it comes to faith, the more beliefs that gather, the stronger the power becomes. This too was true for us.

To put it simply, productivity had doubled.

“We have arrived.”

Enzo e Dino Ferrari Racing Circuit. Also known as Imola Circuit, named after the region, it was Ferrari’s official home circuit where this test drive would be conducted.

While the Monza Circuit was also a candidate, it was decided that the Imola Circuit was more suitable for testing the driving performance related to the suspension due to the cornering and track layout.

The headquarters was about two hours away from Monza, while Imola was around one hour closer.

This tourist destination, which would normally be crowded with people, had a relatively quiet atmosphere for a weekday morning.

“I’ll get the cars out and set them up. In the meantime, drivers, I will contact you, so please warm up your bodies. Others, please follow me.”

Enrique moved inside first, accompanied by other engineers and mechanics. Dozens of people lined up behind him. It seemed like an over-investment, but since a detailed inspection and setup was needed even for a single lap, the number of people deployed for him was quite considerable.

In a sudden situation where only the two of us were left behind, I looked up at the entrance of the circuit. The iconic red color painted on the tall walls calls to mind Ferrari instantly. Next to the entrance, a bronze statue in the shape of a human figure stood.

Waving the Austrian flag, wrapped like a cloak from shoulder to calf, it held a steering wheel triumphantly like a trophy.

It was a legend and a champion who met d*ath at this circuit.

“Ayrton Senna…”

Ayrton Senna. The legendary champion of F1. A skilled and virtuous individual who embodied the qualities of a world champion. His professionalism and exemplary life outside the circuit always positioned him among the top candidates for the greatest F1 driver of all time, regardless of career.

Even though his career was cut short, many regard Senna as greater than Schumacher or Hamilton, so his greatness hardly needs further elaboration. When he passed away at the circuit, Brazil held a national funeral for him.

So why was he waving the Austrian flag? There’s a sad story behind it.

The day before Senna’s d*ath, during the peak of his active career, he was participating in the qualifying round of the Imola Grand Prix with other drivers. During a fierce qualifying session, an incident occurred in which Roland Ratzenberger, a driver for F1 Simtek, died due to an accident.

It was a shocking event that none among the F1 officials or viewers could mask their horror, and Senna, known for his strong professional ethics, felt the same way.

Overcoming the sorrow, Senna secured pole position in qualifying only to tragically become the second victim of the Imola Circuit the following day.

At the time of the accident, he had the Austrian flag in his pocket, prepared for the podium, to honor and celebrate Ratzenberger’s achievements.

It was there.

…That is the sad and moving story behind the statue. Seeing the statue in that form, it seemed that a similar event had taken place in this world as well.

I’m reminded of how unfair it is for tragedies to repeat.

“Rest in peace…”

With respect, I offered my greetings to Senna of this world as I followed Leclerc into the circuit.

“Wow… Is this Imola Circuit? This is it?”

Entering the circuit, I couldn’t help but admire it. The completely modernized, high-end Imola Circuit bore a significant gap from the Imola I remembered.

As if to show the scale of a global enterprise, I wondered how much money had been poured into it. From various facilities to grandstands and the condition of the circuit, nothing seemed lacking in quality.

Leclerc, perhaps having visited frequently, merely watched me with amusement.

“It’s transformed beautifully, right? Monza is the same, and it’s said a lot of money was spent on the Imola Circuit too. After For One became a hit, circuits around the world have turned into tourist attractions.”

“That’s true.”

Well, the Yeongam Circuit had also undergone a remarkable transformation, so this level of investment could justify it as Ferrari’s home circuit.

Moreover, as Leclerc mentioned, thanks to For One’s surge in popularity, tourists visiting the circuits increased exponentially, even leading to travel packages like “World Circuit Tours” that were based on the various circuits.

“Then, shall we take a lap around the circuit?”

“Sure. It will take some time to set everything up, so warming up while walking isn’t a bad idea.”

After finishing our sightseeing, I entered the circuit with Leclerc. Just like race cars need to warm up, our bodies needed it too, and I wanted to see the circuit firsthand.

Breathing in the dazzling morning sunlight and cool air, I walked with Leclerc along the circuit. Despite the high-end exterior, it seemed like they intended to maintain the old legacy.

The configuration of the circuit had not changed, with the elevations, steep drops, sharp turns, and consecutive corners all still there. However, I really liked the occasional straight sections that ran coolly.

The Imola Circuit was indeed a fun circuit where dramatic battles for position and overtakes frequently occurred.

By the time we completed a lap around the circuit, I glanced to the side. More accurately, I looked at Leclerc.

I found it fascinating to realize that I was here together with Leclerc. We had built a profound bond as drivers on the same team in a past life, and now we were here together as teammates once again…

This must also be destiny.

Soaking in the blissful weather and this fateful situation, my smartphone alarm rang.

Beep-!

[The race cars are almost ready. Please come in 10 minutes. / Sender: Enrique]

It was a notification that setup was nearing completion.

“Hyun-a. Let’s go. They said everything is almost ready.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Yes, let’s go together.

This life is about going together.

Whether it’s the podium, happiness, or the victory beyond.

The meaning lies there.