Mystery in Red

Chapter XIII - First strategy

18. Mar – Qualifying Day

The next day I woke up early by the alarm of my phone. Fortunately, I had some sleep that night. The previous day was full of emotions, and I was still feeling a bit tired. I laid on my back in my bed and stared blankly at the white ceiling. The whole stress over my first steps in the "art of the Strategy" – how Vasseur is calling it, was going to ruin not only my look, but also my nerves. It would be good if I was stressed just because of the work, but the relationships with my colleagues and people around the paddock were making my life even more complicated.

After a couple of minutes spent overthinking, I finally decided to get out of my bed and begin preparing for the day. I took a quick refreshing shower, then changed into my Red uniform and made my daily routine.

When I was done with everything, I've decided to write a brief message to Charles and Carlos. I notified them separately that I am leaving for the circuit, then put on my high – heeled boots and after the quick check of my braid and make up, I walked out of my room.

I didn't stop for breakfast as usual. Since I was here in Saudi Arabia, I was missing the meals more often than when I am at home. I knew coffee wasn't food, but I haven't got the time to eat, also the nuts at my minibar were enough to satisfy the hunger after a long day at work. Fortunately, here was sunny and hot, and that was helping for my "photosynthesis" during the day.

I went directly to the circuit. Vasseur and Mekies were waiting for me because they wanted to get some overview on the analysis of the last two Free Practices. I had to be right on time for the meeting with them. The drivers, not only from my team, but also from the others weren't still at the paddock, so I was one of the first to arrive there.

While passing through the turnstiles, I noticed that many people were recognizing me, also some Ferrari  fans from the public in front of the gates, started discussing me. I was becoming a public figure and the thought of being under the spotlight was making me a bit nervous. Hopefully, Ravin Jain could make good strategies, because if people got disappointed with Scuderia Ferrari, it will be a black point near mine and the name of the Chief Strategist.

When I arrived at Vasseurs office, he was already there with Mekies, speaking quietly in French. As always, I entered through the widely opened door as I was at home and interrupted their conversation.

- Good morning, my bosses! – I greeted them, and they looked at me with surprise.

- Don't you know how to knock? – asked me Mekies outraged.

- Of course, I do! – I turned around and knocked on the door frame. – But that's too old-school. I prefer the element of surprise in my appearance. People's faces are priceless then, especially when they don't know how long you have listened to their conversation and what have you understood.

The team principles looked at each other worried and swallowed hard.

- Did I interrupt something top secret, that I wasn't supposed to know? – I asked and sat in the armchair in the corner next to the windows.

- No, not at all – shook his head, Fred. – Actually, we were discussing the possibility of giving you a chance to prepare today's strategy.

His words left me open – mouthed. My heart immediately skipped a beat. They finally were about to give me a chance to show my abilities. This day was a little step for me but a big step for the Scuderia Ferrari.

- That's really coming from nowhere – I looked at them with narrowed eyes. – I still can't belive it! You want me to make the strategy for the FP3 and the Quali?