An extreme battle for P1 could begin there and then between Luca and Aaronson as they dove into Turn 2, keeping good driving delta, the other drivers moving in sync like a snake.
Kristensen, now a second behind Luca after being pushed back, was still recovering from the rapid launch.
For a brief moment, he had expected Luca to receive a penalty for jumping the start before the lights disappeared, but no such penalty came. His team engineers quickly reassured him that Luca's burst was fair and was right on time.
Determined not to lose another podium spot, Kristensen became fully aware of Miles closing the gap.
He had no shot at the final trophy—neither did Retona—but that didn't mean he wouldn't fight for a win or a podium finish just like he had in Qatar.
Every driver had something to gain: bonuses, pride, and personal achievements, even if no trophy awaited them.
