Hearts on the track

Cap. Eleven

I was back in Monaco after an eventful weekend. It had been a few days since the Grand Prix ended, and the entire team had been working tirelessly to improve the results. It was 9 a.m., and I was at the Ferrari headquarters, feeling the palpable excitement in the air as the project for the new simulator had finally been completed. At least the first version. After presenting the project, Ferrari provided us with a generous budget for its construction. If everything went well, another identical simulator could be built in Italy as well. The initial project presentation was about to begin. Alex and I had stayed up late to prepare the presentation, for the team, and the anticipation mixed with a certain nervousness.

From the corner of my eye, I see Alex entering the large room with two coffees in hand. Unlike his usual attire, he was dressed formally, looking sharp. I could tell that this project had become important to him, and if it went well, it would be a major step in our careers.

The meeting room was filling up with all the team members, eagerly awaiting our presentation. I feel my pulse quicken, but Alex, always confident, gives me an encouraging look. "We've done an incredible job. Let's show everyone what we're capable of," he says, with a determined smile.

I take a deep breath, gathering my own courage, and we walk together to the front of the room. Expectant gazes are fixed upon us, and I know that this is our moment to shine.

"Good morning, everyone," I begin, my voice sounding firm. "We would like to present to you our new simulator. A project that we have tirelessly worked on, aiming for an even more immersive and realistic experience."

Alex connects the computer, and a bright PowerPoint image is projected on the screen in front of us. Expressions of admiration and interest spread across the faces of the team as they lean forward, curious.

With enthusiasm and confidence, Alex and I explain the features of the simulator, highlighting how it can be used for more efficient training, detailed immediate performance analysis, and even testing different race strategies. The cutting-edge technology, combined with the enhancements we have developed, brings the virtual track to life. Virtual reality is not limited to just a screen and eyes but to the whole body as well. Every word he speaks is a testament to our hard work and dedication. As he speaks, my heart fills with pride. Every line of code, every meticulous adjustment we made, is now being recognized by the entire team. It is an indescribable feeling of accomplishment.

After the presentation, the room fills with applause and compliments. Expressions of admiration and satisfaction are visible on every face. I feel a sense of relief mixed with happiness, knowing that our contribution has been valued and recognized. As the team approaches to congratulate us, I exchange a grateful look with Alex. Our joint efforts have been rewarded, and, more importantly, we have shown that we can bring innovation and value to the team.

Amidst hugs and words of praise, I feel a sense of belonging and fulfillment. This experience has not only strengthened my confidence in my abilities but has also made me realize that, regardless of challenges and adversities, I am exactly where I belong.

We lead everyone to a small adjacent pavilion, where, together with a dedicated team, the simulator itself has been set up. It is a completely soundproofed pavilion with soft artificial white light. There is a viewing room, shielded from the simulation space. Carlos and Charles have agreed to give an opening demonstration, and the anticipation is high. As the team settles in, I prepare to explain how the simulator works. I enter the room and put on the ear protection headphones with a microphone that allows me to speak into the viewing room. The drivers are just finishing putting on their race suits, specially made for exclusive use in the simulator. The suits incorporate cutting-edge technology to provide access to various data.