The Formula 1 Series - Part I: Liz & George

Friday Practice

Friday's practice was boring for the girls, as it was not that different than Thursday's.

I tried to see the physiotherapists of Ferrari, but could not get a hold of them both. I at least learned that each physiotherapist here works for only one driver. Seems to be a nice job – working and focusing on one athlete, trying to really work on his strengths and weaknesses and be part of the success. Most definitely a better job than mine currently.

My boss seems to not really appreciate my effort. Despite most athletes in our practice have slowly transitioned to me, he does not see my talent for this sub-specialty of physiotherapy. Though I have literally taken courses now and can call myself a professional in this field. I think he just doesn't want to increase my payment. However, the payment is not really that important to me – I simply want to be allowed to advertise myself as professional sport physiotherapist.

The results from practice were kind of consistent with the day before, though Russell's problem with gear shift seemed to be solved and nobody crashed. The girls were bored and took of to get some food in the nearby restaurants on the track. I said, I would try to get a hold of the physiotherapists and they should not wait for me, as I am not hungry and will find my way back to the hotel alone. Naomi grinned at me but did not say anything and I behaved as I have noticed nothing and nothing to hide.

I indeed waited for the physiotherapists a few minutes, but it seemed to be cursed for me to meet them. I then slowly walked outside the Ferrari garage and made my way up the paddock. I mean, I did not have to go far to pass the Mercedes garage, but it felt like a long walk. Each step I thought about turning around and going to the restaurant to my girls. I was so hesitant, it was truly exhausting taking each step. I finally made it to the garage, though part of me didn't want to arrive ever. I looked around, but could not find a familiar face. Oh god, I hated these kind of situations.

"Okay let's count 60 seconds and then I can say I gave it a fair chance." I thought to myself.

So I counted in my head and looked around. I saw a few mechanics rolling around tires and parts of spare parts of the car's body. The Wolffs seemed to have taken off already and Lewis as well, as I have seen him giving an interview earlier somewhere off the paddock. Probably George was with him there as well. Probably I have waited too long. Saturday I cannot come here. It would be rude to demand his attention during qualifying. As I realized this I felt total disappointment. In myself. Naomi would say this is typical for me. Waiting until any opportunity is gone. I got really angry with myself and felt really lonely.

"Why are you looking like coming to my garage is a true penalty?"

I turned to the side. I must have not seen him coming while I was pondering about my loneliness.

"No, no! It's not. Thanks for the invitation. I was just lost in thoughts." I tried to play it down.
"Bad ones, huh? But I am here to enlighten your mood. Are you ready to meet someone?" he asked and seemed to really look forward to it.

"Yes I was wondering who you mean since the party." I admitted.

"But why haven't you stopped by yesterday then? I could barely concentrate today and thought if my comment about your drink was indeed to much." He said and sounded more and more shy.

"I am sorry, if you lost any bit of your precious concentration due to my lack of attendance to your garage." I teased him. "But actually, I thought after your problems yesterday the least you want in your garage would be a girl to show around."

He first didn't say anything. He was just looking at me. With his big blue eyes I felt uncomfortable immediately and him being that tall did not make it any better.