Range Canydd's Formula-1 Adventures (English Version)

Part 3: The First Race

2 March, 9:54am.
Sakhir, Bahrain International Circuit

Range woke up quite late today and only because he was woken up by Dan Ricciardo.

- Hey wake up!

- Let me sleep, eh? - Range scratches him.

- You're ticklish, aren't you?

- No way)

And already in bed there was a real battle, which indicated a fight between Daniel and Range, both RB drivers.

17:00, half an hour before the start.

The Brit had already made friends with several other F1 drivers in the pre-race period.

- Come on, your F2 career is even better than my entire Formula-1 career! - said Alpine driver Pierre Gasly with a laugh.

- Maybe so, but you're not just a friend to me now, you're also one of my idols," said Range with confidence.

And there's a reason why Gasly has become an idol for Canydd. He signed a contract with Alpine last year, which was almost the worst decision he ever made. But despite the fact that their Renault engines were always "bombing" and he teamed up with the worst teammate in the team - Esteban Ocon, who would sacrifice the race of the other, just not to let his partner go ahead, the Frenchman withstood all this pressure and still ahead of his compatriot in points.

- I wanted to have such nerves of steel... He didn't beat you, did he? - asked Range.

- Mon dieu, no) And anyway, we have to get ready!

- Then I hope to see you behind me!

- Don't get your hopes up.)

As soon as everyone got into their cars, David Croft's voice was heard:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've waited so long for this and we've waited! The 2024 Formula One season! I'm already hoping there will be a championship fight, otherwise I'm bored watching Max Verstappen dominate..."

"It's kind of weird when it comes to dominance, but okay..." - confused Range.

"Anyway, here's the starting grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen on pole, Carlos Sainz second in the Ferrari, with Lando Norris and George Russell closing the second row, and third row behind Hamilton and Pérez. And it's a surprise to see RB rookie Range Canydd in the 7th starting position. A successful qualifying for the debutant..... Warm-up lap is over, spectators, here we go..."

- "OK, a successful qualifying already gives me a chance to prove myself and maybe even score points in the first race." - thinks Range.

However, realising that the Ferrari, Alpine and Kick Sauber cars would be starting behind him made him a little nervous.

- "Right, don't even think about it. Everything is going to be fine. Just focus."

For now there's just him, Range Canydd, and his RB VCARB 01 with the number 19 on the nose.

Five red lights are on.

Range stares at the lights.

"The lights go out and away we go! Max Verstappen has made a good start, but look what Lewis Hamilton's doing! He's up to third place almost straight away! What a start!"

Meanwhile, Range, having nearly crashed into the McLaren of Lando Norris ahead of him, manages to steer clear and is side by side with Pierre.

"F[cking sausage..." - hisses Range.