The roar of the engines filled my ears as I blasted off the starting line. The ART car surged forward, its tires gripping the asphalt like a predator launching at prey. Adrenaline coursed through me, sharpening my focus. Laurent's voice crackled over the radio.
"Good launch, Henry. Stay tight on Matteo into Turn 1. Damon's ahead, but don't push too hard yet. Let's get through this clean."
Matteo Ricci was just ahead, his car snaking slightly as he fought for control in the initial acceleration phase. My instincts kicked in, and I darted left, then feinted right, trying to force him into a defensive line.
Lap 1: Establishing the Pace
"Careful, kid. Matteo's rear-end stability isn't great. He'll struggle in high-speed turns," the system chimed in its usual sharp tone. "Exploit that weakness. Not that I need to tell you, of course."
I ignored the snark and focused. Heading into Turn 3, I braked late, my tires screeching as I carried more speed than Matteo. He went wide, and I shot down the inside.
"Beautiful move, Henry," Laurent called. "You're clear of Matteo. Damon's up next."
"Copy," I replied, settling into a rhythm as Matteo faded behind me. Damon Steele's car loomed ahead, kicking up sparks as it scraped over the curbs.
Lap 2: The Chase Begins
"Damon's playing aggressive," Laurent warned. "He's pushing those tires hard. Stay close, but let him chew through his grip."
I tightened my grip on the wheel, adjusting my line to match Damon's pace without overexerting my tires.
"Smart move," the system remarked. "Still, he's faster than you right now. I'd say 0.3 seconds per lap. Would you like an inspirational quote to boost morale?"
I chuckled despite myself. "No thanks. Just keep feeding me data."
Lap 3: Feeling the Pressure
Damon's car twitched through the chicane, a clear sign that he was struggling with rear-end grip.
"Henry, Damon's sliding a bit through high-speed corners," Laurent noted. "If you can keep this pressure up, he'll be vulnerable in a few laps."
"Understood," I replied. I shadowed Damon, staying just outside his dirty air while planning my next move.
Lap 4: A Tightrope Walk
The gap to Luca Moretti was growing. He was already pulling away, his car a dot in the distance.
"Focus on Damon," Laurent encouraged. "Luca's in his own race right now. You'll have your chance to reel him in later."
Meanwhile, Damon's car continued to teeter on the edge of control. In each corner, he braked later and harder, clearly feeling my presence in his mirrors.
"See how he's getting sloppy?" the system noted. "His confidence is cracking. Not that it takes much."
Lap 5: Consistency is Key
Halfway through the lap, I started to feel the rhythm. The car was responsive, the tires gripping well, and my confidence grew. Laurent's updates kept me grounded.
"Your pace is solid, Henry. You're matching Damon in the sectors where he's strongest and gaining on him in the tighter turns."
"That's all I need," I replied.
The system chimed in. "Did you know Damon once called you a 'fluke' during an interview? How poetic it would be to pass him."
I smirked. "Let me work on that."
Lap 6: Damon's Defense
Damon was clearly aware of my growing pace. His defensive lines became sharper, cutting off potential overtaking spots. It was frustrating, but I couldn't afford to lose my cool.
"Don't get reckless," Laurent cautioned. "You're in a good position. Just keep the pressure up."
"Understood." I stayed patient, waiting for Damon to make a mistake.
Lap 7: Tire Tactics
"Henry, your tire wear is minimal compared to Damon's," Laurent informed me. "If he keeps driving like this, he won't have much left in a few laps."
"Good. Let him come to me," I said, focusing on maintaining my lines and conserving my tires.
"Impressive restraint," the system said dryly. "For a rookie, anyway."
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Lap 8: The Turning Point
As we entered the chicane, Damon locked up slightly, his tires screeching as he overshot the apex. It was a small mistake, but it gave me hope.
"Did you see that, Henry?" Laurent called.
"I saw it," I replied, my focus narrowing. Damon was cracking, bit by bit.
Lap 9: Closing the Gap
I was practically glued to Damon's gearbox now. The dirty air made handling trickier, but I adjusted my line to compensate.
"Henry, 0.4 seconds behind," Laurent updated. "Keep it clean. You've got this."
"Yeah, yeah," the system interjected. "Or, you know, don't mess it up."
I smirked. "Helpful as always."
Lap 10: Laying the Groundwork
Damon braked late into Turn 7, his car sliding slightly wide. I tucked in behind him, waiting for my opportunity.
"Alright, Henry," Laurent said, his voice calm but firm. "You're faster in Sector 2. Use that to your advantage."
The system chimed in. "Remember, patience is a virtue. Not one I personally possess, but you should try it."
As we completed the tenth lap, I knew the time to strike was near. Damon was faltering, and I was ready to pounce.
As the tenth lap ended, I tightened my grip on the wheel, my focus sharper than ever. Damon was right there, vulnerable and within reach.
But I could feel it. The race was just beginning.