You Don't Belong Here

My body shook, my palms were sweating, my eyes filled with determination. The lights went out and my foot eased onto the accelerator and I shot forward into the mass of cars. 22 of us hurtled towards the first corner, but only 19 of us came out. I had no time to see who didn't make it, because Sebastian Vettel, the defending 4 time World Champion came wheel-to-wheel with me. I swirved off slightly but managed to save myself. This caught Vettel off guard as he had to break before turn 2, otherwise we both would have gone spinning out of control. Up ahead something similar was happening. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton fighting for 2nd place.

Lap 42 and I'm still in the running, which has come to a big surprise for some, but an even bigger surprise is that I'm 5th! As you've probably already guessed, I'm a female Formula One driver.

My name is Peppi Parviainen, HP, from The Dudesons', sister. I'm 24 years old and I don't really like talking to people, especially Kimi Räikkönen. My friends are HP, Jukka, Jarppi, Jarno and Sebastian Vettel. All I'm going to say about why I hate Kimi, is because something happened quite a while ago when I was 19, when I first met him.

I jumped out of the car and ran to McLaren garage, giving Kevin a big hug. I had come 5th and he had come 4th. Ron walked over and patted us on the back and then Eric. Jenson walked over, once he retired from F1 at the end of last year he started presenting for the BBC.

Jenson: Well done you two, amazing start for your first race!

Kevin: Thankyou, I'm just so happy to be here

Peppi: Me too, it was awesome!

He asked us some more questions, we joked around a bit and then I finally got to go back to the motorhome. Me and Kevin walked there together, we were good friends too. I ran through the lounging area and received shouts of praise from mechanics and other McLaren workers. As soon as I closed the door of my room behind me, I took of my clothes and hopped in the shower, letting the hot water run over my sweaty body. I changed into high-waisted, blue jeans, white, button up blouse that I tucked in and boots. I was ready for the after party later. Chucking my McLaren coat and hat on to look more professional, I ran to where the press conferences were held and waited outside. I was quickly joined by Seb and Daniel, who came 2nd and 3rd. Kimi was coming over too, as he had come 1st, luckily we were let inside. That just saved me from an awkward situation.

Drivers Press Conference

Interviewer 1: Dieter Rencken, F1 Racing.

So Kimi, well done on your race win. Could you tell me a little bit about how the car felt?

Kimi: Uh.. Well it felt okay. I mean it wasn't bad..

Interviewer 2: Ted Kravitz, Sky Sports.

Peppi, can you tell us why you and Kimi don't talk? (I tensed up)

Peppi: So far I'm one of the most successful female F1 drivers and you want to know about a petty little fight? (This earned a few laughs)

Interviewer 3: David Coulthard, BBC.

Peppi, as you've just said yourself, you're one of the most successful female F1 drivers and it's only you're first race. How do you feel about that?

Peppi: Obviously I'm ecstatic that I've been given the chance to drive in Formula 1, especially in such an amazing team as McLaren! But I hope next year I'll see Susie on the grid

When the press conference finished, I came out smiling and laughing with Seb. But Kimi decided like he wanted to ruin that.. Typical.

Kimi: If it's such a "petty" fight, why are we still having it?

Peppi: You know damn well (I shouted as I walked away with Seb)

*Damn Räikkönen, why won't he just leave me alone?*