Falling for the Ferrari

Kangaroo Boy and The need for speed

Jade's POV

"Hello everyone and welcome to the pitlane here at the first day in Melbourne for the 2019 Australian Grand Prix" The camera firmly on Ted at this point, taking in a deep breath I prepare for the camera to focus on us both "as you know i'm Ted Kravitz and as many of you know, joining me this season is Jade Lauda" The camera now zooming out for both of us to become visible. "Jade, wonderful to have you with me this season, how are you liking today so far?" This is it. I shake back the nerves, I can do this.

"Thank you Ted" my voice coming out stronger than expected. "What a wonderful day it is here in Melbourne, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and I can hear the lovely sound of mechanics making their final preparations on the cars"

"Today looks like it's going to remain that way with a clear forecast and sunny skies, so given Jade you've studied mechanical engineering and watched pre-season testing, who do you think is going to dominate here today?" Ted asked, turning to face a little more towards me.

"It's difficult to say Ted, Mercedes have been dominant for 5 years now and with their blistering pace during the pre-season I would say they are certainly going to come out of the gates at full throttle, but that's not to say that they won't face some challenge from Ferrari who have also shown some dominance during pre-season testing and with Vettel looking to add a 5th world championship, you can bet there will be scuffles between the two teams" I reply, becoming more confident in myself with each word and seeing Ted nod along, I know i'm doing well.

Over the next 20 minutes Ted and I talk about the cars and the newest regulations, along with teams we believe will show dominance based on testing.

As we talk I feel a pair of arms wrap around me and hoist me up causing a small squeal to escape, turning around I see the goofy grin of Daniel Ricciardo, a driver I could always count on to ease my nerves.

"And here is Daniel Ricciardo who seems to be trying to steal my partner" Ted laughs

"Well I saw little J over here and finally decided to congratulate her" Daniel joked back.
"Well since you're here Aussie man and decided to nearly kidnap me, you can talk to us about how you feel about going into FP1" I laughed.

"I used to kidnap you all the time from the Mercedes garage and you didn't mind one bit" Daniel laughed causing Ted and most of the camera crew to smile and laugh "But yeah i'm looking forward to a new season, a new team and a new beginning at Renault, the car felt quick in testing so it will be good to get it out on track."

"And how about settling in with your new team. How are you finding that? Ted asked

"Yeah it's a really nice dynamic at Renault, everyone has a smile on their face and they work incredibly hard so of course I want to show off their hard work." Daniel answered.

"Australia, your home track, is it good to be home Kangaroo boy?" I joked.

"Absolutely 'Lippy'" Daniel joked back, a grin forming at my face from our nickname banter "I'm looking forward to giving it my all on this track and seeing what the car can do"

"Well thank you Daniel we better let you get back to your car and good luck in practice today" Ted spoke.

"Cheers guys" Daniel responded before pulling me in for a quick side hug. I turned back to the camera quickly before speaking once again

"Typical Daniel always has to squeeze in a bear hug" I joked

"You're going to make my job much easier if the drivers keep wandering over to us" Ted joked back. "We are going to pass off to Crofty and Martin as the first of the free practice gets underway."