Daniel was driving us into narrow countryside roads as if it was the motorway despite his McLaren 570GT almost scrapping the asfalt being such a low car. I was close to convincing him to take another rute but seeing his smile when speeding in such a beautiful environment made me not to. I just had to remind myself that he was one of the best drivers in the world and his reflexes were as good as humans can get.
The McLaren Technology Centre was certainly an interesting building. The complete crystal exterior contrasted with the green foliage of the English countryside, but lake in which the building stands tied it up all together.
- What do you think? It's beautiful right?- he said.
- Yeah, it's better than I imagined - I said while he raised a brow - not that I thought it would be ugly. It just exceded my expectations.
- You just wait till you see all the cars inside.
He scanned his pass to make us go through the bulletproof doors while security looked into my bag. The guards asked Daniel if I was his guest what he affirmed so we were allowed in. The 2021 cars were in front of the main gate being covered by huge cloths because the official reveal wasn't until next week but I could already tell they seemed closer to the ground compared to the 2020 cars. To the side were the cars that won Championships with McLaren so Hamilton's silver 2008, Mika Hakkinen's for 1999 and 1998 and iconic red and white Senna's for 1988, 1989 and 1991 and Prost's 1990. I had to recognise the rebranding of McLaren to orange was a good choice but that iconic colour combo of the 1990's will always be imprinted into my mind by the rewatching of the races with my father.
- I can't believe I'm in front of championship winning cars - I said in almost a mere whisper after almost an hour of looking at all the different cars.
- Yeah, they are beautiful. Would you like to see the simulator too?
- I thought non enterprise related people can't use that kind of equipment.
- You probably cannot, but if I trust you. You either are an Oscar deserving actress or you are clean of espionage intentions. So, what you say?
- Let's fucking do this! - I squeal and drag him to the elevator, he laughs at my childish behaviour.
We go up in it and cross over the exposition ward in a suspended glass bridge. We go through a few more corridors and enter the simulation control room where a few men were seated.
- Zak, Stella what are you both doing here? - asked Daniel to both men.
- Is it that weird that a race director works in the digital generation of the tracks for the new cockpit? - the man named Stella said - Who did you bring here Ric?
- A good friend of mine, may she try a few laps?
- I don't see why not, just no phones. For security you know - Stella said. I nodded and placed my phone in the table so that they knew I wasn't bringing it in - I'm Andrea Stella and he is..
- Zak Brown, president of McLaren Racing.
- Alexandra Arnoult Sirs - I said while shaking both of the mans hands. Zak Brown eyes were squinted at me examining every move.
- We only have the drivers suits and Daniel's is gonna be too big for you but Lando should fit better. You can change inside that room over there and the mic of the helmet will allow you to talk to us when you go in - Zak said. I mouth a 'thanks' and Dan gave me a thumbs up. I went into the small changing room and picked Lando's overalls with the number 4 on the back. His racing suit was a bit big on the waist area just like the racing boots were but the neon helmet and the gloves fitted just right. The bandages on my leg luckily did fit underneath the suit as well. I swiftly put everything on and entered the room escalating my way into the cockpit raising myself over the halo.
- Any particular track you want to drive? - Stella's voice ran in my ears.
- Red Bull Ring if possible, thanks - not a second later the austrian starting grid apparead in front of me.
- Brake pressure has been reduced to 70% and G forces have been set to a maximum of 5Gs. It's minimum the simulator can do but as you don't train for this it's gonna be super hard any way. If you can not do it you tell us and we shut it down, ok love? - Daniel said into my ear.
- Understood. I'm ready. Put me on some softs, I will do a couple of warm ups and then try to go for it. May I?
- Whenever you want Ms. Arnoult - Stella's voice responded.
A mere second later I was flying over the Austrian corners, my neck was struggling but my head was still afloat therefore I kept going. Thankfully the throttle was on my right side meaning that the pressure I had to exert with my right leg was very minimal. After a few mistakes here and there over the first laps I figured the exact ideal braking points for the car.
- I'm going for it this lap - I said while pressing the qualifying bottom on the steering wheel. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. And 10. All corners done. I didn't slide at all but I knew my time wasn't the best by any means - How was that?
- It was actually pretty decent for the first time... - said Daniel a bit confused.
- 1:05.278 which is more than decent. I would even say it's good. Do you think you could do better? Brake pressure is just at 90% in corners 4 and 10. You can push a bit more - Stella said in a mechanical tone.
- I'll try my hardest - I said while pushing the visor down. I did as told and tried pushing the brake pedal even harder than before while trying to still nail those apex - That's - I said out of breath - the best I can do I believe.
- That was so so good Sasha. 1:04.114. It's a good time even for me - Dan responded.
- Omg, that was so fun. Give me a minute so I can get out and change out of this - not even waiting for an answer I got of the car and took the helmet off. I left the racing suit back in its place and redressed myself in my own clothing and quickly left the simulator room.
- That was stelar Sass - said Daniel engulfing me in a hug.
- Ms. Arnoult. Have you ever driven a formula car before? Because that was an abnormally great time for a first time - Zak said looking me directly in the eyes.
- I have driven a lower formula car once in Spielberg, not professionally though. I'm an emergency nurse and I'm happy with my career choice. God knows F1 attention is not for me - I left a heart felt laugh and Zak cracked a smile.
- May I asked where you graduated from? - he asked.
- From Cambridge just this summer, sir. I'm in a hiatus until I decide if I want to stay in the UK or leave to work abroad.
- Interesting - he said a bit lost on thought - I'm gonna be honest here miss. We have a vacancy as the team nurse has decided to stay back in the UK with her family. I think you would be a good fit, young, full of life, well prepared and with an apparent interest in motorsport. As there is quite an urgency to fill this team position I'm sure Seidl would be happy to welcome you just now if you would like.
- I..I - I look into Daniel eyes and he smiled at me slightly nodding as well - I don't see why I could not go over there to chat about it.
- Great, Daniel knows where to find him. Lovely to know you - he extended his hand and I shook it and Stella's once again - See ya tomorrow Honey Badger.
- Till later boss - Daniel said after taking my hand in his and taking me out the the room.
YOU ARE READING
Run Over - 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙨𝙡𝙮
ФанфикSasha was looking for a a sign to change her life around... and it hit her like a tone of bricks Pierre Gasly fanfiction
