Rise Up

Chapter 18: Special Race, Special Result

Was I really ready for the race? Absolutely not.

Was I about to get in the car? Absolutely yes.

Will I fuck up again? Who knows.

In quali I was lucky to got in Q3 and ending with a positive P5, mostly because the many grid penalties taken by the others drivers. Fortunately our car didn't need big changes so we found ourself in a very good position, in the third row.

Finishing my warm up with Mike in the back of the motorhome, listening to the magic words of Hannah, who was used to give me the usual prep talk about self-confidence that usually worded as an energy booster, I decided that this time I would not be scared of the past, instead I would try to enjoy every part of the day, no matter what the result would have been. 

The team has been even more nicer in these days, not just to me but also with to family, above all my parents, that were more stressed than me, if possible.

 I was in the back of the garage getting ready, fixing the fireproof clothes under the suit, when Franz left the pitwall to walk to me. 

"Hey Kiara, I know you're trying to get focused right now but I just wanted to tell you that I'm so proud of you. I don't care about how many positions you will gain or loose today, I just care that you enjoy it all." Saying so, a bit doubtfully, I saw his getting a step closer, closing the distance between us as we shared a quick and unexpected hug, before going both back to our duties.

After saying bye to my parents, with another short hug and little kisses on the forehead, I walked to my car in the third row, next to Carlos' Ferrari.

Once there I didn't wait a minute longer and jumped in the car as I was already suited up, trying to focus just on the race and the upcoming and not on the many cameras and people around me.

After a while sat in the car, reviewing the track in my mind, I felt a soft pat on my helmet. Pointing my eyes up I saw Pierre crunched in front of me, all smiling. He pointed with a finger his own helmet in his hand, making me point my gaze on a little word printed in red on the back. Squeezing a bit my eyes, I read Anthoine's name and I decided that I would have done this also for him.

In just a bunch of minutes, the track got all cleared, the formation lap was completed, the crowd sat silent on the grandstands on the side of the starting line. Everyone was waiting attentively for the red lights to switch off.

"And here we go with the Italian Grand Prix, here at the Temple of Speed!"

***

"Kiara, how many laps do you think we can manage with these tyres?"

"Ehm, not many if we keep pushing like this."

"Copy, focus on keep behind Norris. We're gonna wait a few more laps for a possible safety car."

"Got it, Fred." Saying so we closed again the radio, putting all my attention back on the track. 

Exactly after two laps, I saw a few meters in front of me an unbelievable accident. 

Verstappen was basically standing on Hamilton's car. Once again we should thanks the halo as surprisingly both drivers were ok, although the awful and scaring contact.

"Box now, box." 

We pitted during the yellow flag to avoid losing too much time. They gave me soft tires and I was feeling more confident than before, as the car was quite strong on these set-up.

When I came out of the pitlane, in front of me there was no cars. 

"Fred, where are we at the moment?"