Gasoline - [Charles Leclerc]

0.3

     "Enjoying the ride?". Charles put the radio to his lips when he drove next to Edrice on the Italian roads, on their way to the Nardo Ring. The circle circuit was in the outer ring of Lecce and the roads were rather calm here, probably because it was quite early in the afternoon. The three cars of Charles, Edrice and Jomana all had a radio system added for this episode, so they could communicate with each other. Also in cases of emergencies. "Pretty much, how about you?". Edrice asked, briefly glancing out of the window to see him driving next to her. The red Ferrari seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. Edrice had her sunglasses on, the bright sun shining directly into her eyes and the sun frame in front of her didn't help much since she was too small for it to block the light. "Could've been worse". She could practically hear the grin that curled his lips and she shook her head with a chuckle. "How about you, Jomana? Yeah, I'm great thanks". Sounded out of the radio.

It caused Edrice and Charles to laugh. "Sorry, but you're so far behind. Not that a Maserati isn't used to having Beemers in the rear view mirror". Edrice said, just as sarcastic as Jomana sounded and Charles grinned at the comment. "Just thirthy kilometres to go". Jomana informed and Edrice pushed her foot down on the throttle. Charles looked at the elegant way the car seemed to dance over the tarmac, swaying to cross lanes and end up in front of him. She pulled away from his Ferrari, that was clear, but when there were still some public cars around, he didn't want to put her or himself in a dangerous situation. Charles speed up as well, feeling the power of the car rumble beneath his seat when he followed the pitch black Maserati in front of him. The rear lights beautifully lit up when Edrice briefly braked before passing someone in front of her.

Charles figured that she couldn't have chosen a better car. Something about Edrice in that Maserati and her knowledge about the vehicle did something to his mind that he couldn't explain. The three supercars followed each other to the turn, all going off the highway when a road sign told them the Nardo Ring was close. They only had to drive a couple minutes before they seemed to be in the middle of nowhere of Italy, a big entrance of the Nardo Ring opened and some people of the circuit guided them inside. They parked their cars in the pitlane, a Lamborghini crew was busy with their cars in the garage. Charles assumed they weren't the only ones who were about to test some cars. "Let's get everything checked". Edrice said, leaning her hand on top of the car when she stepped out. He looked at her when she took her sunglasses off, her dark eyes glancing between him and Jomana.

"Such as tyre pressure and all. I wouldn't want to crash this beauty". Jomana answered and closed the door of her BMW. A couple mechanics walked up to them, they were the ones who were informed about their filming day here. "So, I assume you drive cars on this circuit more often, to test their top speed". Edrice started, pushing one of her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. "We do, yes. Not only to test their speed, also the balance of the car, the torque. This circuit is perfect for it, but not without any risks of course". One of the guys said. "And what will be a risk, for example?". Charles asked curiously, shortly looking over his shoulder to see if they were gentle with his Ferrari. "The asphalt isn't an even surface anymore. It will get bumpy when you're driving at a very high speed". The mechanic replied.

"It'll change lanes because of that and you'll have less control of the car. Definitely if it has a lot of horsepowers". Charles nibbled on his lower lip with a slightly nervous grin. "You still in, Charles?". Edrice nudged his side and he shrugged. "Palms are only a bit sweaty". He laughed and it caused the mechanics to laugh as well. "Ferrari has amazing crash tests, so I will live". He added and Edrice smiled. "Let's go on an exploring round first". Jomana suggested and they all agreed. The mechanics had made sure the cars were ready to drive at a very high speed on the circuit and some gadgets were taped to their cars to be able to measure the real speed they were driving. They all got helmets for extra safety before getting back in their seats. The Nardo Ring was wide enough to drive next to each other, starting a slow first round to get used to the feeling of driving a circle that never seemed to end.