My Formula 1 System

[25th Lap]

"This is a strange skill, how exactly do I execute Corner Chopping so I can disclose my opponent, grab a point, and level up further?" Luca asked, his hands firmly on his wheel as he navigated through the same street tracks of Monaco all over again.

[Retrieving Data on Corner Chopping...]

[...Data Retrieved]

[Execution of Corner Chopping:

–Approach a corner

–Brake late and firmly

–Aim for the apex

–Maintain balance and control

–Accelerate early

–Defensive positioning ]

Luca nodded as he took in the information. This step-by-step was something he did many times but with slight professional adjustments, attached with beneficial points.

Glancing at his side mirror, Luca could see Kristensen had totally lost the wits of his game, and Aaronson's orange-and-black car was looming behind him, probably determined to have revenge for the early lights out overtake Luca executed on him.

**How does the car feel? Current readings here show temperatures slightly elevated but within acceptable limits**

Luca glanced at his Operational Status, and it read 'Fair', something that might likely change with the coming laps. He took a quick breath and focused on the wheel beneath his hands. "It's holding up well, but I can sense a bit of strain at times. I know we planned for a pit around now, but should we reconsider?" Luca asked.

**Of course. Negative for pitstop now. We got a good rival behind you, can't risk that much. We'll keep an eye on the readings, while you see if you can manage the next few laps, maybe Aaronson might drop**

"Got it," Luca replied, his mind suddenly racing with the speed of his car as he considered situations ahead. The radio crackled dead, and he focused on Miles's hovering number 3, calling out to him. Luca was certain he could reach if fate just tilted in his direction.

[5th Position closing in]

"Calculate distance."

[Analyzing 5th Position's distance from host and Dallara (F2 04)...]

[5th Position is 4 sec away, host.]n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

[System's prediction is that that value might change, and drop to 5th Position's merit.]

Luca smirked as he begun the 30th lap, just after Miles zipped over the grid. "Let him come," he said. "He's trying to haul out the remaining power of his car before a pit."

[DRS disengaged, host.]

[Analyzing optimal entry speed based on current velocity, tire traction, and curvature of the bend...]

[Tire traction: 80%]

[Recommended speed for maneuver: 185 km/h]

Luca flicked for the brake pedal, his thumbs grazing all buttons at once as his gaze settled for the apex of the bend where he could see more civilian streets of Monte Carlo beyond the circuit. Aaronson's engine roared close behind, loud and persistent. Luca's mind raced with the determination to execute Corner Chopping for the first time, with Aaronson as the unfortunate target.

Luca braked late accordingly, his car's fairly used tires strained with might as they gripped the asphalt. He also adhered to the speed recommendation from his System. Every detail was critical: nothing more, nothing less. The bend was one of the few rare curves on the Circuit de l'Étoile, and Aaronson was primed to capitalize on it.

Luca's rear tires swung with the rhythm of the turn, while the front nosed smoothly toward the bend's apex, illuminated in a striking blue glow. The sharp sound of Aaronson's drifting tires filled the air, merging with the clamor of the sparse crowd behind the cage barricades. Their cheers added to the charged atmosphere, urging Aaronson to seize the moment and attempt an overtake.

Luca's car slipped back into the middle lane with calculated precision, balanced and secure, denying Aaronson any opening to exploit his slipstream, unless his car was not a SomberCore, and could easily recover from a drift. This instantly stripped away all Aaronson's momentum, his car having to decelerate rapidly as Luca forced him back to rhythm using Corner Chopping.

With a quick shift, Luca smashed the throttle as if his life depended on it. His car surged forward, the powerful G-forces slamming him back against the unforgiving leather of his seat.

"... Aaronson would need more than trailing to catch up with such an acceleration...!"

[Agility +1]

[Strength +1]

[Corner Chopping +1]

"Nice. I thought I really didn't do it well, at all."

[SYNC BAR: [][][][] 50%]

Halfway. Can't this thing fill any faster?! With it, I can zip past Miles like it's nothing!

[Ding!]

[Straightaway Chopping Skill Accumulating 1/3]

[Host would have to correctly execute Corner Chopping three times to simply unlock the subordinate skill–Straightaway Chopping.]

Luca smiled endlessly. "Now, that's an impressive aspect from you, System. Let me guess, Straightaway Chopping works the same way but for straights?"

[Yes, host.]

[Tires are in good condition, host. Fuel level at 65%. DRS is available. Engine temperature stable. Brake wear at 18%.]

[Telemetry shows smooth handling but indicates slight performance drop. Recommend an immediate pit stop to optimize tires and fuel strategy.]

Luca activated the communication system. "How about now?" he asked Mr. Moritz, noting the less-than-ideal performance metrics on his screen. The Operational Status had figures he found unappealing to his eyes.

**Yup! Ansel boxed three laps ago. You have enough space before Aaronson and Walding**

"Alright," Luca confirmed, focusing on the track.

**He's coming in!** Mr. Moritz alerted the pit crew.

Luca zipped smoothly through the halfway point of the 32nd lap, approaching the team garage with the calm precision of a seasoned racer. The roar of his engine echoed through the narrow lane as he entered the pit box, bathed in the glow of red fluorescent bulbs that symbolized Trampos's signature color. The pit crew was poised and ready, their movements synchronized and sharp. With seamless precision, Luca engaged Pitstop Prodigy, allowing the crew to execute a flawless tire change and refuel in record time.

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Within seconds, Luca was back on the track, regaining his pace. His face beamed with happiness as his Operational Status trickled high with green life.

[Stamina +1]

[DATA DISPLAYED IN REAL-TIME:

-Car Speed: 150 km/h

-Heart Rate: 110 bpm

-Operational Status: 85% (Good)

-Breathing: Calm & Steady

-Distance covered: 115000 m

-Time: 1 hr 2 min. ]

"…a few laps beyond the halfway point of Monte Carlo tonight, and the pit lane is bustling with activity. Oh—oh, Hahn has finally yielded to the warnings on his dashboard, and I can see him directing toward Trampos's garage. Remember, Addams hasn't pitted yet, while a refueled and recharged Miles Bellingham still holds 3rd. What's your take on this, Jon…?"

**Hahn is pitting, get ready**

The pit crew sprang into coordinated action again as Ansel, the pack leader, hurtled toward them with a car showing clear signs of wear.

"…it might not make much of a difference. Behind Bellingham, we have a fresh Rennick, followed by Derstappen, Walding, and Kristensen. Aaronson just entered the pit now. Pits can last mere seconds, and with two powerhouses like Hahn and Addams, they're fully aware of the stakes as they push their cars to the limit. Bellingham may be skilled, but I predict the leaderboard will remain stable for at least the next ten laps…"

"…but the viewers may see you eat your words, Jon, because the leaderboard is clearly poised for a shift. Addams can't risk a DNF—he's going to tilt, and it's plain to see Bellingham's rear wing deploying. No doubt about it, folks, he's been biding his time, and now that DRS activation is going to make all the difference…"

[Distance between host and 3rd Position is growing rapidly]

He's freaking speeding up. Luca clenched his jaw, unwilling to be overshadowed by Miles as the black-and-gold Dallara with the hovering number 3 edged further away.

Determined, Luca pressed harder on the accelerator, coaxing every ounce of speed from his car as he worked to regain momentum lost from the pitstop.

"…zipping across section 4's straightaway, just a few seconds behind Bellingham is Rennick, bringing along a pack of hostile wolves hungry for the podium. Hahn and Addams have completed their pits! Bellingham is now just a second behind Addams! Addams needs to accelerate! He can't! He can't! And they're approaching a street bend…!"

Luca's eyes narrowed as he watched the scene unfold in front of him. Bellingham, demonstrating razor-sharp instincts, had secured the ideal racing line coming out of the corner. Addams attempted to replicate the maneuver, but with cold tires that hadn't yet achieved optimal grip, he struggled to maintain control.

The roar of Monte Carlo's electrified streets rose like a tidal wave, the voice of the announcer booming over the circuit speakers. Even from within his car, Luca could hear it, deep and resonant like rolling thunder.

"…perfection. Bellingham has done it! Despite a minor scrape against the rear barricade, he's undoubtedly more content than Addams. Squadra Corse Jnr. has managed to leapfrog one of their rivals…!"

If Miles could pull it off, so could he.

Luca's determination burned as he aimed to exploit Addams' probable frustration, momentary disorientation, and yet-unsteady car. After pushing his car to maximum speed, Luca reduced it just in time to navigate the bend, his pulse quickening as Addams' now number 3 loomed within reach.

[5th Position closing in], the System alerted as Luca accelerated into the next straight.

"What? Who's that?" he barked, surprised that he was being hunted even as he pursued his own prey.

[Host hasn't unlocked Skills to read rivals' profile]

Luca darted a quick glance at his side mirror, squinting to identify who was closing in on him. A flash of blue and black caught his eye—the same colors worn by the car he was chasing.

"…Walding would definitely not let Rennick get anywhere near his teammate! After a grueling tight weave between Aaronson and Derstappen, Walding maintains his position as they enter the 40th lap…!"

[Host has unlocked Skills to disclose an opponent at a bend.]

[Host hasn't unlocked Skills to disclose an opponent on a straight]

Luca's eyes lit up with a mix of relief and urgency as sector 3's street 4 curved into the obscured horizon. "Calculate, please."

[Analyzing optimal entry speed based on current velocity, tire traction, and curvature of the bend...]

[...visual obscurity concerns added...]

[Tire traction: 80%]

[Recommended speed for maneuver: 100 km/h]

"That's low," Luca muttered, easing off the throttle.

[DRS disengaged, host.]

Luca tilted his wheel and his tires obeyed, screeching quietly as the chassis bent in alignment to the curve. Walding, the tenacious 20-year-old Bueseno Velocità Jnr. driver, clearly aimed to keep Addams, their main contender, untouchable while defending against any attempts from Luca. Luca could tell that was what the racer behind him had plotted in mind, because that was his job on the track tonight as well.

Aiming for the dark apex with brakes engaged confidently, Luca's instincts for Corner Chopping hopped in, and he flicked his ABS to prevent wheel lock in any way. Instantly, Walding responded just the way Luca had planned, and the Bueseno Velocità Jnr racer lost all momentum instantly, his deceleration and brake immediate.

[Track Awareness +1]

[SYNC BAR: [][][][] 62.5 %]

[Ding!]

[Straightaway Chopping Skill Accumulating 2/3]

"So, I did it well? Nice," Luca murmured, quickly checking his mirror. Walding was now a safe distance behind him, fending off Derstappen and Aaronson, who pressed hard for 5th place. Luca exhaled, thankful to have escaped the dangerous mid-pack chaos.

[41st lap]

[Stamina +1]

Luca activated his radio communication to Ansel. Tonight's mission remained paramount, and he needed assurance he hadn't let his team down.

**Yes, I still have P1** Ansel's voice crackled back, easing Luca's mind. **But your boy is a stain on my mirror**

"I'll get to him, don't worry," Luca promised, glancing at the top left of his display where his Sync Bar thrummed with energy. If only it could fill a bit more.

[42nd Lap]

"…an exhilarating race displaying sportsmanship and high-caliber maneuvering. The leaderboard features Trampos's Hahn in first, Squadra's Bellingham in second, and reigning F2 champion Addams holding third with Rennick looming just behind. It won't be easy for Rennick, considering Addams' prowess in defensive driving…"

"…Absolutely. Addams' track record is unmatched when it comes to maintaining his line. But it seems inevitable that a clash may happen, potentially shaking up the leaderboard as I had initially doubted. My sincere apologies to Bellingham… And look at Rennick, the 18-year-old edging ever closer, showcasing the fearless overtakes we saw in Germany and earlier in this very race. We might be in for the season's most thrilling battle yet—Addams' impeccable defense against Rennick's relentless outpace and flawless overtaking…"