THE ROOKIE driver ✔

Chapter 3: Albert Park Circuit

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"We're back live from Melbourne, where the Australian Grand Prix has been an absolute spectacle! We're down to the final lap, and the on-track battles have been nothing short of thrilling. Matteo Rossi, the 19-year-old sensation from Scuderia Stellar Racing, is holding steady in P7 after a fantastic qualifying effort that placed him in P6. In just his debut season, the young Italian has been a revelation, displaying a maturity far beyond his years. Remarkably, in just two races, he's already outscored most rookies and even surpassed his predecessor's total points from last season. Can he maintain this position and bring home valuable points for his team? Let's watch these final moments unfold!"

The camera zoomed in on Matteo's No. 7 car, its sleek curves catching the golden glow of the late afternoon sun. He navigated the twists and turns of the Albert Park Circuit with precision, each movement of the steering wheel calculated to perfection. The roar of the engine was almost deafening, but inside the cockpit, Matteo was in complete control, his focus unbreakable.

"Up at the front, the battle for the podium is heating up," the commentator continued, his voice tinged with excitement. "Antonio Vargas, Rossi's experienced teammate and three-time world champion, started in P3 and is currently holding on to P4, just behind the reigning champion Louis Dupont in P3. Dupont, in that familiar Celestial Apex Performance Racing car, has been relentless all race, showcasing why he's the current world champion. But let's not count out Jack Thompson of Nexus Racing, who's leading the charge in P2, and Takeshi Nakamura from Premier Vanguard Engineering, who's been nothing short of spectacular today, holding onto P1 despite immense pressure from behind."

The camera switched to the front of the pack, capturing the intensity of the top three drivers as they battled for the podium. Thompson was pushing hard, looking for any opportunity to challenge Nakamura for the win, while Dupont, ever the strategist, was lurking close behind, ready to capitalize on any mistake.

"And there's Antonio Vargas, doing everything he can to close the gap to Dupont," the commentator added. "He may have missed out on the podium today, but he's still driving like a champion, giving his all to bring home those crucial points for Scuderia Stellar Racing."

Matteo's hands gripped the steering wheel, his eyes laser-focused on the track ahead. He was acutely aware of the pressure from Williams behind him, the English driver pushing hard to snatch P7. But Matteo was determined to hold his ground. He'd worked too hard to let this slip now.

"Rossi is coming up to the final few corners now," the commentator's voice was electric with anticipation. "He's managed his tires well, defended his position brilliantly, and it looks like he's going to bring it home. The young Italian has had a good race today, scoring some good points for  Scuderia Stellar Racing." !"

Matteo rounded the final corner, the checkered flag waving in the distance like a beacon of both victory and what could have been. His heart pounded against his chest as he crossed the finish line, securing P7. The adrenaline surged through him, mingling with a bittersweet sense of accomplishment. As the realization of his position sank in, the familiar voice of Max, his race engineer, crackled through the radio, cutting through the noise of the roaring engine.

"P7, Matteo! Good work! That's more points in the bag for us," Max's voice came through, brimming with enthusiasm and encouragement.

Underneath his helmet, Matteo managed a tired smile, though a hint of disappointment tinged his reply. "Thanks, Max. Not bad, but I was hoping for more. Let's keep pushing—maybe I can bring home a better result next time."