Shifting Gears || cl16/ln4

Gear Six

Saturday, Quali Day

I was in my garage, waiting to get into the car for Qualifying. After the third practice session, we went through all the data I gathered and were now ready for Qualifying. My mechanics prepared the car for the crucial session ahead. Scarlet wished me luck, before my mechanics signalled that it was time to get into the car. I put on my new customized helmet for this season. Designed with delicate butterflies, it symbolized more than just a design choice; it embodied the essence of freedom that fuelled my passion for racing. My number 24 was also printed on the side of my helmet, declaring my presence on the track.

As I settled into the cockpit, the familiar click of the safety harness resonated. The engine roared to life, eager to embrace the track. I navigated the garage exit and drove off towards the track. After my warm up lap, the moment arrived to unleash the full potential of the car. I started to drive my fast lap, as Jack's voice crackled through the radio, delivering real-time updates, "For now you're P4, keep up Willow." My response echoed over the communication channel, "Copy that. Who is ahead of me currently?" I waited for Jack's response. "P1 Verstappen, P2 Leclerc, P3 Norris."

My position at P6 in Q1 secured my spot into Q2.
With just two minutes remaining Jack's timely updates fueled my determination. "Okay Willow, two minutes left, you're currently P7." As the seconds ticked away I drove my car with precision, to secure a better standing. After driving my last lap of Q2, I surged ahead, claiming P4. Jack's voice resonated through the radio with affirmation. "You made it into Q1. Good Job, Willow. Come back to the garage now." I drove back to the garage, so my mechanics could set up everything for the showdown in Q3.

As I navigated the circuit, the gravity of the upcoming challenge hung in the air. Pole Position, the pinnacle of achievement. The quest for the P1 spot intensified the competition on the racetrack. Midway back to the garage, curiosity tugged at me.
"Did Lando make it into Q3?" After a short pause from Jack, he answered, "Yes he did," which brought a sense of relief. The realization that both Lando and I secured a chance for Pole Position made me let out a chuckle.

Having set up everything in the garage, I returned to the racetrack, ready to weave my way through the twist and turns once again. Embarking on my warm up lap, the other drivers started to set their fast laps now. Embarking on speed, I also started my fastest lap. Jack's voice cut through the adrenaline-rushed atmosphere, guiding me with precision. "P5 Willow, you still have time to improve." Determined to seize the opportunity I responded, "Copy that. I will push." I started another fast lap now, driving through the curves and straights.

Approaching the finish line, the radio crackled to life with joy in Jack's voice. "P2, Willow! P2!!! Good Job!!! You'll start in the front row tomorrow!" Hearing that made me laugh and cheer. "YES! LET'S GO! WOOHOO!" Jack and I shared a moment of joyful cheer. Suddenly curiosity got the best of me again,"Who is P1, Jack?" A brief pause enveloped the radio, and then Jack delivered the news. "Lando is on Pole. That means we have a front row lockout!" The realization of a front-row dominance in the first Qualifying of the season, felt surreal. The following list unfolded as Jack continued "P3 Verstappen, P4 Leclerc, P5 Carlos and P6 Lewis" A sense of satisfaction washed over me, knowing that I had out qualified Charles. I can't wait to see his face after I beat him tomorrow.

Parking my car in the 2nd Place spot, my eyes shifted to Lando, who was already out of his car, helmet off and racing towards the team. I also got out of the car, taking my helmet off and congratulating Max. As I made my way to the team, Scarlet greeted me with pride, her excitement evident, as she jumped into my arms. "I am so proud of you, Willow. You were great out there," she said proudly. Laughing happily, I continued thanking the team.

Amidst the cheers and applause from the crowd, Lando turned towards me, a radiant smile on his face. Without hesitation, he enveloped me in a tight hug. Returning the embrace by putting my arms around his shoulder, I whispered into his neck, "Congrats Lan, I know we will win this tomorrow." He whispered back, "Congratulations to you too Willz." Eventually, duty called and we had to make our way to the interviews for the Top 3. Watching Max giving his interview, I knew my turn would follow. The anticipation for the spotlight was exciting as the achievement settled in.