THE ROOKIE driver ✔

Chapter 16: Circuit Park Zandvoort

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As the lights went out, Matteo shot off the line from his P5 starting position with a surge of determination. The roar of the engines enveloped him, a thunderous symphony that made his heart race even faster. The cars around him jostled for position as they charged towards the first corner, and Matteo's focus was razor-sharp. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, preparing himself for the mayhem that was about to unfold.

"And we're underway here at Zandvoort!" The commentator announced with enthusiasm. "Matteo Rossi getting a solid launch from fifth—he's looking racy already. But watch out for Louis Dupont up ahead, starting from pole, and don't forget about Antonio Vargas, who's in second."

The first few laps were a whirlwind of speed and strategy. Matteo knew he had to push hard to climb up the field, but the pack was dense, and every move needed to be precise. He scanned the cars ahead, watching their every twitch and turn. On lap three, he spotted his chance. The driver in P4 left a narrow opening on the inside as they approached Turn 3. Matteo didn't think twice; he lunged into the gap, his car squeezing past the other with barely an inch to spare.

"Rossi dives up the inside of Torres into Turn 3! What a move! The young Italian is absolutely on fire today. He's showing everyone that he's back in top form after a challenging summer of recovery. Spending that time rebuilding with his team has clearly paid off—his strength and focus are shining through. He's handling that car beautifully, even with all the pressure on him. But let's not overlook Torres—he's been outstanding this season, and Global Dynamics Racing will be counting on him for big points."

"Nice move, Matteo," Max's voice crackled through the radio, calm but with a note of approval. The encouragement was a small but powerful boost.

With one position gained, Matteo's eyes were now locked on P3. Sven Johansson driving for Global Dynamics Racing was right ahed. The sweade was quick, no doubt, but Matteo had an edge in the twisty middle sector. He closed the gap steadily, analyzing the car's lines and searching for any sign of weakness. On lap six, as they approached the sweeping Turn 8, Matteo noticed it. The driver ahead had gone a bit wide, just enough to open a door. Matteo seized the opportunity, diving through on the inside with a precise and smooth move.

"Rossi takes P3 from Johansson! That's another beautiful overtake, Johansson won't be happy with that. Global Dynamics Racing might need to rethink their strategy if they want to keep up with Scuderia Stellar today."

"P3 now, Matteo. Keep pushing," Max's voice came through again.

Matteo nodded to himself, even though Max couldn't see it. He tightened his grip on the wheel and focused on the road ahead. The battle wasn't over, not by a long shot. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him, each lap bringing a new desperation in Matteo. With the crowd roaring and the track stretching out before him, Matteo felt a surge of energy. He was ready to give it everything he had.

"P3 now for Rossi, and he's setting his sights on Oliver Williams in P2, But Williams is no slouch—he's been consistently quick all weekend. Celtic Racing has a strong lineup with O'Connor and Williams, but can they fend off the charge from Scuderia Stellar this weekend?"

But the toughest battles were yet to come. Up ahead, in P2, was Oliver, while in the lead was the reigning world champion, Louis Dupont, car number 1. Matteo could see Louis's car in the distance, and he knew getting past him would be no easy fight. Louis was a fierce competitor, and he wasn't going to give up the lead without a fight.

First, though, Matteo had to get past Oliver. Even if the two had become close friends outside of racing, on track, they were still rivals. Matteo knew Oliver wouldn't make it easy for him. As they approached the final corner of lap nine, Matteo lined up his move. He got a better exit onto the main straight, using the slipstream to close the gap. As they neared the braking zone, Matteo pulled out to the side, braking late and sliding past Oliver into P2.