World Grand Prix Championship 11 - series complete

[Farfadillis]

Ramírez knew that he hadn't done right. Maybe, he had wasted an opportunity there. He ended up as one of the worst drivers, after all. He wasn't happy with that, not at all. It was then that he came up with a risky idea that could maybe work. There was nothing to lose, right?
He decided to arrive uninvited to the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course the following day. The worst that could happen is that they wouldn't let him compete. But he decided to study the circuit first. He looked at it rather disappointed, it looked like a place where he'd need to be fast to win. With the exception of tha part between 3 and 8, that looked like his place to shine. He just needed to do well there and he might surprise some vilitan there watching him. Maybe even the right vilitan. He also knew he might need to risk himself a bit more, going at a slower pace wasn't any kind of advantage, except for him to corner better, something he already knew how to do.
After seeing it, he made up his mind, he needed to go slightly faster and try to take as much as advantage as possible where he'd obviously be able to, on the part between 3 and 8, which he decided to name "the forest". Obviously, this was a name only he would use.
He was on extreme disdvantage when compared to other drivers who knew how to use speed much more than him, who wasn't that used to it. Sure, he had been all good at the farf grand race, but could he do as well in the vilitan circuit?

(OOC: Consider this as an announcement of Ramírez arriving at the Vilitan Course without any invitation and asking to take part.)

[Licentiapacisterra]

“BOLLOCKS !!”

The loud cursing and swearing that continued for about five minutes after this outburst wasn’t a nice sound for most of the Folenisa hotel that Lukas Forbes was staying at to wake up to.

When he had finally calmed down, stopped cursing, and fixed the room up, he phoned his father.

“I’ve cocked it up Dad. Completely and utterly cocked it up.” He was greeted by a sigh on the other end.

“Trust me. You did fairly well, and you still have a chance to prove yourself in Vilita.”

“They’ll have decided on the Warku guy. They’ve probably only still got us going to be polite. He’s probably signing a contract right now.”

“That’s optimistic, isn’t it ??”

“I don’t give a shit if it’s optimistic or not, Dad. Nobody will want to sign me to a race seat unless they’re desperate.” He sighed. “What can I do Dad ??”

“Turn up in Vilita tomorrow, and blow them away. If you aren’t doing it for yourself, do it for me.”

“I will. Don’t worry about it.”

“Stay safe Lukas.”

“You too.”

[Boring Paradise]

Blog: Ryan Milner

---

In the Pit lane Before the 20 timed laps
Ryan Milner: Is the car up and running yet.
Bob Hughes: The car is up and running Milner. We have done our best that we can do so far.
Ryan Milner: Well I will need lots of good times or just be consistent all the way through, but I need to pull off a fast lap.
Jack Clark: I will be seeing your in your coach, we may be getting some deals form teams. All I need is you for that.
Ryan Milner: I will be there.
Jack Clark: Great.
The Mechanics Crew: Good luck.
Ryan Milner: Thanks Guys, I really appreciate it.
Bob Hughes: No lets get moving and make us proud.

Team Radio Laps 1-5
Ryan Milner: I am going for my first proper lap time.
Bob Hughes: Do your best out their we need that fast lap.
Ryan Milner: I will do that.
Bob Hughes: We need you to come in after lap 5 has been done.

After 5 laps and in the pits
Ryan Milner: What is my fastest time so far.
Bob Hughes: 1:42.182. You will need to improve on that.
Jack Clark: How is it going for you out there?
Ryan Milner: Fine. Anything important to tell me.
Jack Clark: Nothing Currently. Now go back out there and to your best.
Ryan Milner: I will try my hardest.

After 20 laps
Bob Hughes: You can come into the pits now.
Ryan Milner: I am coming in now.
Later...
Bob Hughes: Good try with a fastest lap of 1:41.383 which is 20th and you finished it altogether in 0:35:09.334 which was a very good time and made you 7th.
Ryan Milner: That is good enough for it now.

[Astograth]

Sotil Morua eased the car onto the straight and hit the throttle, hard. He needed a good time. This was lap 19, his second of this stint and surely one of the last in the session as the time limit neared. He fiddled with the break balance and glanced at his pit board, marked with an Astograthian flag, and fumed. MORUA - L20 - P26 - +1.9 it read; his fastest lap yet was still almost two seconds slower than the best of the group and left him 26th in the table, an improvement of one bloody spot. He stayed on the throttle, determined to make the best of his last chance.

Wasn't easy to set blistering pace with Stang Crax in front, however; the nature of the circuit meant he got in close with the Falcanian far more than he'd like and was forced to drive in dirty air on the narrow straights. He still seemed to be setting on course for a good time though, to make up for the difficulties he'd had with the handling and the tantrums he'd thrown over the car settings, but he waited all the while for a good opportunity to overtake Crax... and found it at the sixteenth corner.

Coming in off a straight and the fifteenth corner, Crax took the racing line on the inside while Morua took the risk and dove on the outside, but misjudged the distance and couldn't get ahead, instead being forced to ease on the throttle and cover his tyres in a nice extra layer of marbles. He felt like ripping off the steering wheel, but carried on and completed the lap a ways behind the Falcanian, another dysmal time in a dysmal session. He was furious as he drove into the garage. The way he saw it, he'd been given a shit car, a shit crew, a shit engineer, shit tyres and shit fuel to drive around a shit track that wasn't worthy of him.

Morua didn't need to degrade himself like this to appease some clueless team who didn't know talent when they saw it, and he told the crew exactly that before grabbing his things and getting out of Folenisa. If teams wanted to see him drive around like some snotty kid whose only prior experience is karting then he didn't want anything to do with them! He'd show them! Ha! Turn down all their conventions and stupid rules, he would.

So, naturally, he accepted the invitation to the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course the following day, becuase Sotil Morua is not a clever man. Or a consistent one, for that matter.

[Kelssek]

Gilles Desbois surveyed the pit lane. In his trouser pocket were Kelssek Pacific airline vouchers he was hoping to hand out on the spot to get a prospect to Outineau, but the decision was not a simple one. In theory, it was a simple set of criteria: someone who could make the most of the car's acceleration without burning up the left flange, which this year was giving one of those annoying phantom problems that resolved itself by the time the engineers got their mitts on it. From the telemetry data it was clear some drivers could get a lot more putting a lot less strain on the car. And hopefully get someone complementary to James Evans's strengths. Even if some might see it as minor for a lot of racing fans at home how the country's famous blue-collar manufacturing names did in the constructors' championship was a matter of national pride - which had complicated matters during the partnership with the Pacitalians.

He knew, or hoped at least, that when the prospective rookies got to Drummondville the Revél-Celestar facility would do the rest of the talking. The professionalism of the set-up, the airy and spacious front atrium, the gym and medical facilities, the workshops, the automated espresso machine.

[Weatherdon]

"Still can't believe it's a street circuit!" Marc exclaimed. He wasn't quite used to driving street circuits, as all of Weatherdon's Grands Prix were raced on the most illustrious private club courses; one's with looping curves, tight esses, and long straightaways. Hell, half of the courses had sharp hairpins, that would require you to slow down to absolutely nothing to go around without causing damage to your tyres, or worse, your car.

"Right, I know." Marc's brother-in-law, Jairo said. The two had been signed by Gryphon's Mount Engineering on the same day, and had raced side by side for the past two years. Over those two years, the two had developed a healthy rivalry, one that grew more intense after Jairo married Marc's sister Natalie. "However, you'll have to get over yourself. The trial will be 20 laps long. You'll have to do a 3-lap minimum before you pit, and then all your lap times will be added together. Of course, they'll rank you by your hot lap too." Jairo continued. He was kind of envious of Marc, getting to participate in a World Grand Prix. Marc had won the WFA Championship for this year, and Jairo had finished 38 points behind him, which was good for fourth. Overall, they'd taken the Constructor's Championship, valiantly holding off three-time returning champions, Sasaka Innovations by only three points.

As they walked into the garage, the engineers and team principal were standing around the car. "Good morning, Marc." the Chief Engineer said, and handed Marc his helmet. It was a new design that he would hope to use through the entire season; one that entailed blue "energy swirls" on a black background, and ended with the eagle from the Weatherdonian flag on top.

He put in the earpiece that would connect him to the pit crew, and then slipped on his helmet. He slid into the car, which fit his smaller, 5' 6" frame perfectly. Slipping in the harness, the radio crackled to life with the voice of the Chief Engineer. "You'll have to finish at least 3 laps each time you go out, so our strategy will be to do nine laps on the softs, to see how you feel, six on the super softs, to get used to those, and then the final five on whichever you feel better on, okay?" Marc nodded, and fired up the engine in his GM330. The engine roared to life, and the car lurched forward as Marc shifted into first gear. He clicked the pit lane button, and sped forward at 100 kmh out of pit lane.

---

20 laps later

As Marc sped across the finish line, the engineer's voice came over the radio once more. "Great run out there, you've finished third overall! However, your hot lap was 20th overall. That may make some teams cringe a little. We'll see if we don't get some offers here soon." The GM330 took one more slow lap around the track, and then pulled into pit lane. As it came to a stop outside their garage, the Gryphon's Mount pit crew ran out to wheel the car back in. As the jacks were lifted, Rangneri slipped up and out of the GM330. He slid his crash helmet off, and dropped it into the bucket seat.

[Blouman Empire]

An open letter to all Team Principals,

Allow me to introduce myself I am Daniel Freldra a 19 year old professional race driver from the Blouman Empire seeking to break into the international scene with a will to win and eagerness to support my team to deliver the best results possible.

I have been racing since I was 6 years old beginning in karts, when I was 8 I won my face title, the Fraycrant Karting Championship Junior Division I won the following year as well and second the following year. I moved into the Fraycrant Karting Championship and won on my first year against much more experienced drivers. At the age of 13 I was offered a spot with Team Milken in the Formula Dresden Championship. The Formula Dresden Championship is an open wheeler, single seater category using 1600cc four cylinder Dresden engines and has given me the opportunity to develop my racing skills and provide me with plenty of experience that I will be able to use to ensure I bring you the results you require. I won my first Formula Dresden championship at the age of 15 and won again at 17. I have since been a test driver for Team Prosilphone in the Bloumany Touring Car Championship, while I have only had the opportunity to race 3 times since this move, I was able to score points in all three occasions. As test driver, I have been able to develop our car and components to improve our position within the Championship and made us more competitive.

In terms of sponsorship I have two sponsors willing to provide funding to the team. The first is Royal Regarmar Airlines, whom is willing to provide $150,000 for a full year of racing and is willing to enter into talks for team sponsorship and provide a greater cash outlay. My second sponsor is Chief Clothing with $60,000 for a full year of racing. This will mean that should you choose me as your driver you will receive $210,000 with the option for more with a greater sponsorship deal.

I hope that you will consider me as one of your drivers, and I am eager to work with you and the team ensuring that I provide the best possible effort to provide the best possible results

Kindest Regards

Daniel Freldra

[Warkus]

Motorsports Live

Exclusive Interview with Ludwig Leviossa

We are joined live by Warku free-agent, Ludwig Leviossa and Motorsports Live editor, Markus Tea.

Markus Tea: It's nice to have you here. So, let's get this underway. What are your goals for the upcoming season?

Ludwig Leviossa: Uh, I'm not sure. I haven't even secured a seat yet, so I don't really know. I suppose i'll just do my best and give the fans and the team the result they deserve.

Markus Tea: Fair enough, have you been approached by any teams for a seat?

Ludwig Leviossa: Well, rumours spread quite quickly, don't they? I don't think it would do any harm to say that a team or two have shown some interest in me, but I have yet to be formally approached for a position.

Markus Tea: How about the trial at the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course? Would this confirm that you're looking for a seat there?

Ludwig Leviossa: That'll be an important event for me at this point, I need to perform to keep any teams interested in me. As for Vilita & Turori Motorsports, I can't say much at this time, but from what I've seen of them, they seem to be a very strong team.

Markus Tea: What's your opinion on the other free-agents? What do you think about people lining you up as Stang Crax's rival?

Ludwig Leviossa: They're all very competent drivers. I'm going to have to be at the top of my game to succeed in the trial at Vilita. As for Crax, he's an incredibly good driver and I feel he has much more to show us. While I don't want to make assumptions, I'm guessing he'll be one of my most challenging goals to overcome at the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course.

Markus Tea: Well, that's all the time we have tonight. Join us next time, where we show you how to organise a racing team for under $1000!

[Polar Islandstates]

FORBES EDGES OUT FAGERHOLM IN PREFERENCE RACE FOR SECOND SEAT

Despite some disappointing test results so far, Full Throttle understands that the new Obeveklig-Farautoo team is set to offer the second race seat to Lukas Forbes of Licentiapacisterra. Sources within the team have indicated to Full Throttle reporters that whilst home driver Johannes Fagerholm was being considered for the role, his own relative obscurity and lack of big sponsorship may have to consign him to the test position for the coming season instead, and that should he wish it, the third position is Fagerholm's for the taking. It is thought that Forbes' links to the Esportivan region could open doors for the team financially and commercially that may have stayed firmly shut with two Polarian drivers in the hot seats, and that Forbes' rallying pedigree was attractive to the team principal Alexsander Jordahl. Certainly, his consistency in his racing back in Licentiapacisterra has been proved time and time again, and with eight titles to his name between both the rallying and GP circuits, the O-F team would surely be signing someone whose reliability fits right in with the team tactic this season.

Catching up with Fagerholm after the testing, he certainly appeared open to the idea of staying with his 'home team', even in a test position, and talks are scheduled for after the Vilitan test regardless of other interest, with an option to step up to the second seat in the car should Forbes turn down the speculated driving contract.

The obvious barrier to Forbes and Fagerholm signing as hoped is of course, the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course Test, and a strong showing from either driver there could make their signatures rather more difficult to acquire than Jordahl had hoped. This is understood to be the reason for the offers coming now, as a way of jumping the gun and showing his cards early, hoping that honesty and forwardness will secure him the drivers he wants. Particularly, a relatively weak showing at the Liventian test for Forbes in particular is thought to have been an anomaly, and with the drivers psyching themselves up for the coming test, Jordahl clearly wants to nip the contract in the bud before Forbes posts times the likes of which it is clear the O-F team think he is capable.

Meanwhile, as the time until the first race of the season grows ever closer, technicians are continuing to tinker with the FE-X230 for any advantages in reliability, speed or cornering. New parts designed by the scientists at Neulandt-Urfstadt are on their way to the team's base in Torshavn and are thought to be able to squeeze a further twenty-four horsepower out of the engine when fitted, whilst lightweight carbon bearings are being fitted to the gearbox in a bid to neutralise a particular fault that the car has been suffering from in recent weeks.

Full Throttle caught up with lead driver Vitaliy Aaltonen at the team base last weekend to answer the rumours about his seat in the WGPC potentially keeping him from defending his Snow Challenge trophy, where he had this to say about the car-
"Well, certainly the speed is good. She can be a little light over the corners and we struggle with understeer from time to time, but I'm sure we can keep that under control. Without any outside influences I think we can safely say that we'd be on target to finish the majority of races this season, she certainly holds the tarmac well and things run pretty smoothly around here. Both Johannes and Lukas would be most welcome in the second seat, I'm sure, and I can't wait to get started."

[Asteran]

“Back end feels like it's stepping out a bit,” said Thomas Colson, as he struggled to keep his car on the track. His first day in the new CR3 wasn't going according to plan.

“Alright, Tom, bring it in next time by and we'll take a look. Marie, you're looking good. Ten more and bring it in for a telemetry check.”

“Copy that. And tell Tom to take it easy in the turns. These aren't tin-tops.” Colson gave a sarcastic smile to himself at the remark as he pulled into the garage at the Continental test track in Bristol. The pit crew waved him in to the garage area and started their work on the car as Colson climbed out of his car.

“Just the back end?” asked Pat White, the team's technical director. Colson nodded as the engineers climbed over the car to find out the problem. He walked over to the pit wall and found Jason Southwick, who continued to pore over data from the other car.

“We're checking it now, but I can't see anything in the data to see a problem. Marie, check your fuel mix, dial it back to 7. We'll have the crew check it out. Meanwhile, read over this,” Southwick said, handing him a tablet, “and we should have you back out in half an hour. Good job Marie, fastest in the first and third sectors. Five more should do it for now.” Colson walked back to the garage and sat down, reading over the data. The engineering director looked over the back of the car with the rest of the crew, before turning back to Colson.

“No problems with the car, Tom. We added a turn on the back wing and stiffened the suspension for you.”

“Thanks, Mikaela.” Colson looked back at the tablet and continued to look at the data from his car. His attention was diverted by Pitkanen's car entering the garage. He turned back to his reading as the crew began to work on her car.

“Tom, you have to be careful with these things,” said Pitkanen, removing her helmet and fire hood. “GP cars are more sensitive than your big GT. Don't throw it around, alright?” Colson turned to respond, but was interrupted by the entry of Southwick.

“Alright, Marie. I think he gets it. Let's go to the meeting room, we have some things to talk about.” The three walked out of the garage and up to the conference room overlooking the start line. “Okay. Good first session from both of you. Tom, you're learning well, but you still have to work out the handling issues. Marie, you've performed above our expectations, so good job.

“We've got a couple of sponsor sessions you're required to attend. RBK has a shoot on Thursday, while Fulbright wants you on Saturday for their annual awards dinner. Firesuits for RBK, evening dress for Fulbright.” The drivers groaned at the request.

“Finally, our test driver. The organizers had a test session that Tim attended. Here's their numbers,” he said, handing them the timesheets from the test. “Tim wasn't impressed with many of the drivers, but a couple caught his eye. So, we're thinking of offering the test seat to Nauja Panigoniak of Baffin Island. Any ideas?

[Greater Velkania]

(OOC EDIT: Whooooops! posted with my alt, this is hugely embarrassing! sorry for the mix-up, I'm The Chosen Caste of the House Cygnus)


7:32 pm on SSNOTDOTHOS-TV (Supreme-Sports Network of the Dominion of the House of Cygnus TV)

"Welcome to 'Ssnotdothos tonight', I'm Greg McCool broadcasting from the Cygnisian Convention Centre, where Edward Masterson will shortly be having a press-conference. Masterson had the 7th fastest lap of the pre-season test, making him Cygnus' only notably athlete. Oh, here he comes now..."

Edward stumbles up to the table on the stage alongside his racing coach and PR representative, he is wearing his signature dark and bulky sunglasses with his messy, long blonde hair slicked back. His appearance is greeted with applause.

He sits, puts on his smug smile, looks around, and asks the room "Why is it so dark in here?"

His PR rep whispers something in his ear, and he quickly takes off his sunglasses "Whooooops! Sorry folks, long night last night, did a lot of drinking, crashed my car on the way back to the liquor store, and I think I might still be drunk. Point is, I would like to apologize to the people of Manor Avenue for what I did to their post-boxes, and what I left in front of their Elementary School..."

His PR rep whispers into his ear yet again, and he inadvertently chokes on some of the 'Diet Bread-Bull' he's drinking "Haha, Whooooops! Sorry again folks, wrong press-conference! Now, who has a question about my awesome racing?"

"I do..." States an elderly reporter, "...Does it bother you that you didn't get your desired placing of, and I quote: 'at least 1st, if not higher'? Also, are you uncomfortable with the fact that your only sponsor creates Diabetes inducing bread flavoured sports beverages?"

"Your questions are boring, old guy. Let's get a question from someone that's not near death..." Edward replies as he scans the room for someone who looks more interesting; he then sets his eyes on a young female reporter wearing a grossly inappropriate push-up bra, "You, busty, make it interesting!"

The young female reporter replies, "What was your strategy in the race?"

Edward takes a pause and says, "First I drove fast, then I drove faster."

[Baffin Island]

As Nauja prepared to board her flight for Astograth, first stop in her tour following the surprise Liventia test, her phone lit up.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hi, honey. I know you're at the airport, I'll keep it quick. A couple of guys have been calling for you, talking about contracts and offers and third seats and what all. Someone from Astro-something and someone else from Asterisk, I think."

"Astograth and Asteran, maybe?"

"Sounds right."

"I'm getting on a flight for Astograth now, I'm glad they called. Did you give the guy from Asteran my number?"

"I figured it was O.K."

"It is!"

"So you did real well then? Your dad is so proud of you. Me too."

"I'm doing O.K. I thought I blew it, but I guess not. Gotta run, though. Love you!"

"Love you too."

And maybe I see one soon and hear from the other. Looks like Reggie might be right.

---

OOC: Nauja has two offers, one in-thread and one by TG. She'll confirm a decision tomorrow to give those parties a chance to follow up (and any later offers to come in).

[Vilita]

Drivers Converge at Mountain Challenge Course for Test Session

Vilitan Mountain Challenge Grand Prix Course
Acceleration: 8
Cornering: 2
Track Length: 3.14 Miles
Track Record: N/A

Vilita & Turori Motorsports invited 10 Free Agent Drivers to a 1-Day Trial session at the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course as a last look at the free agent market, not only for themselves, but for all teams with open driver slots ahead of the 11th World Grand Prix Championships.

In addition to the 10 invited drivers, Farfadillis flagged driver Generoso Ramirez also showed up at the Mountain Challenge course, commandeering the ride originally offered to Charmuny driver Donal O'Connell. While Ramirez was given the ride for the Morning and Afternoon sessions, O'Connell was still allowed to participate, hopping in the car after Ramirez to do a time trial run during that session.

The other drivers invited to the event included Falcania's Stang Crax, initially favored for the Vilita & Turori Motorsports seat until multiple sponsorship deals fell through; Alexander Tingis, the Eastfield Lodge driver familiar to all Vilitan motorsport fans after the rivalry between Tingis and Vilita's Gary Cook throughout the Nationstates Grand Prix Challenge that was based in Vilita.

In addition, Ludwig Leviossa of Warkus, who was impressive during the test session at Folenesia, Sotil Morua of Astograth, Lukas Forbes of Licentiasperra, Seamus Donaghue of Liventia, Johannes Fagerholm of the Polar Islandstates, Jordan Dalante Saceta of Calitma and Vilita & Turori's own iBen Toralmintii were participating.

The trial at the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course lasted for one day only, with a meet & greet over breakfast in the morning followed by two warmup sessions before lunch. Drivers will had the opportunity to suggest changes to the cars, which were leftover vehicles from the Nationstates Grand Prix Challenge, and not expected to be used by the Vilita & Turori Motorsports Team during the upcoming competition.

Falcania's Stang Crax stole the show posting sequences nearly 2 seconds faster over a 5 lap haul than any other driver, and getting better throughout the morning. Warku driver Ludvig Leviossa surprisingly struggled throughout the morning, unable to really put 5 consistent laps together.

MORNING SESSION #1
Fastest 5-Lap Average
----------------------------------

1. [FLC] Stang Crax
2. [FRF] Generoso Ramirez
3. [EFL] Alexander Tingis
4. [LIC] Lukas Forbes
5. [CLT] Jordan Dalante Saceta
6. [ASG] Sotil Morua
7. [LEN] Seamus Donaghue
8. [VIL] iBen Toralmintii
9. [PIS] Johannes Fagerholm
10. [WRK] Ludwig Leviossa

MORNING SESSION #2
Fastest 5-Lap Average
----------------------------------

1. [FLC] Stang Crax
2. [ASG] Sotil Morua
3. [EFL] Alexander Tingis
4. [FRF] Generoso Ramirez
5. [LIC] Lukas Forbes
6. [LEN] Seamus Donaghue
7. [PIS] Johannes Fagerholm
8. [CLT] Jordan Dalante Saceta
9. [VIL] iBen Toralmintii
10. [WRK] Ludwig Leviossa

MORNING SESSION - COMBINED
Personal Best 5-Lap Average (Either Session)
----------------------------------

1. [FLC] Stang Crax
2. [ASG] Sotil Morua
3. [EFL] Alexander Tingis
4. [FRF] Generoso Ramirez
5. [LIC] Lukas Forbes
6. [CLT] Jordan Dalante Saceta
7. [LEN] Seamus Donaghue
8. [VIL] iBen Toralmintii
9. [PIS] Johannes Fagerholm
10. [WRK] Ludwig Leviossa

The drivers then broke for a working lunch where they had an open forum to discuss the track and the vehicles, and how to improve their speeds prior to the time trial session that began following lunch. For Charmunny driver Donal O'Connell, it was all about information absorption as he still awaited his chance to step in the car for the first time.

Despite showing inconsistency in the morning, Ludwig Leviossa showed speed in the Time Trial Session posting the fastest lap of any competitor, faster even than iBen Toralmintii who practically wrote the book on how to get around the Mountain Challenge Course.

The real surprise however may have come from O'Connell, who hopped in the car cold and posted the third fastest time of the session.

TIME TRIAL SESSION
Fastest Lap
----------------------------------

1. [WRK] Ludwig Leviossa
2. [VIL] iBen Toralmintii
3. [ANC] Donal O'Connell
4. [ASG] Sotil Morua
5. [FLC] Stang Crax
6. [LEN] Seamus Donaghue
7. [PIS] Johannes Fagerholm
8. [LIC] Lukas Forbes
9. [EFL] Alexander Tingis
10. [FRF] Generoso Ramirez
11. [CLT] Jordan Dalante Saceta

The final 3 hour session following the time trials was simulated as a race with scheduled caution periods for drivers to bring the cars in for service.

The cream began to rise to the top. At the end of the session, Stang Crax pulled away from Sotil Morua to take the fast overall time and cross the line first, certainly forcing Vilita & Turori Motorsports officials to consider once again offering a slot to the Falcanian driver - if he could come up with the cash to help offset the costs of competing.

FINAL SESSION - RESULTS
----------------------------------

1. [FLC] Stang Crax
2. [ASG] Sotil Morua
3. [FRF] Generoso Ramirez
4. [WRK] Ludwig Leviossa
5. [LIC] Lukas Forbes
6. [VIL] iBen Toralmintii
7. [EFL] Alexander Tingis
8. [CLT] Jordan Dalante Saceta
9. [PIS] Johannes Fagerholm
10. [LEN] Seamus Donaghue

At the end of the day, however, the Vilita & Turori Motorsports team had not ruled out offering a contract to any of the 11 drivers that participated in the test session, noting that financial support was going to be critical to ensuring the team competes for a title, and they would still like to sit down 1v1 with the drivers interested in both the second race seat, and, in the reserve slot.

[Warkus]

"Argh, damnit, damnit, damnit! How the hell did I cock that up?!" yelled Ludwig Leviossa, returning from the test session at the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course. "Goddamnit, I can kiss goodbye any chance of racing now!" he continued. "Calm down, Ludwig. You've still got a chance." said Hans Wulf. "What the hell do you mean I've still got a chance?! No, I don't! Screw this, I should just forget about it!" roared Leviossa, with tears running down his face. "Relax, calm down. You still came first in the time trial session, and 4th altogether. Let's not forget how well you did in the Liventian test too." Wulf explained, "You still have a good chance for a racing seat somewhere. Rumour has it that Crax has some sponsorship troubles, you don't. We've got all the money we need. Crax also finished 19th for total time in the test at Liventia, so it's likely we're still in a decent position for a seat at Vilita & Turori, or anywhere else."

"But I came last in the morning session. Last. That doesn't make me look very consistent, does it now?" said Leviossa. "And? You just had a bad run, these are racing teams. They'll understand." said Wulf. "Looks, right now, it's all about negotiation. You and Crax look pretty even right now, so money and connections are going to make all the difference. I've already started contacting as many people as I can, including the teams." Wulf explained. The seemingly-random results that have come from both tests seem to revealed little, as many drivers have shown to perform in one situations, but fail in the other. Both sessions had ended, and time was running out. Teams and drivers alike needed to make their move, and quickly. It wouldn't take much time to know who would be racing for who, and the drivers that failed to negotiate properly would find themselves in the dust. "Time is running out, you need to pick a team. If you wait for the teams to make their move first, nothing will happen" said Wulf.

"After considering things, I want to race for Vilita & Turori Motorsports. They have such a nice atmosphere and it just seems like the team would suit me." answered Leviossa, coming to a decision and firmly standing behind it. "I was afraid you'd say that. That just happens to be the team with the most competition for a seat. That shouldn't be a problem, though." said Wulf. "So, what does that mean? Are you planning something?" asked Leviossa. "Yes, actually. I happen to know a few of the guys down there. I'll try arranging something so you can talk one on one. Right now, though, I'm afraid you can't do anything to improve your chances. Just leave this to me." saif Wulf, with a confident grin on his face.

[Licentiapacisterra]

Lukas Forbes was ecstatic. Despite a “cock-up”, as he put it, at Folenisa, he had bounced back in Vilita, and stunned the guys there by coming 5th overall in the morning sessions, as he pushed himself more than ever before. When he had relaxed, taken an ice bath, and put on a dressing gown, he phoned home.

“Dad ??”

“How did it go Lukas ??”

“It went great. I was consistent as expected, and I finished in the middle of the pack. Mind you, these cars were old, from last season, so I couldn’t push them as much as I might have wanted to. I made sure those guys knew that the cars needed to be better.”

“Typical you Lukas, criticising people who’ve been in the game much longer than you !!”

“I think that, after 8 straight titles across rally and GP, I know enough about cars to tell them what it’s like to be driving that old thing. Plus, they seemed quite appreciative.”

“Just be careful with that: some people won’t be as nice about your comments.”

“I know, I know.” Lukas chuckled, and took a drink from the can of lager next to him. “Anyway, that wasn’t why I called.”

“Why did you call then ??”

“...I got the call, Dad.”

All Lukas could hear on the other end of the line was screaming and whooping. “Lukas, that’s awesome !! Who ??”

“The second seat at Obeveklig-Farautoo. I’ve accepted, obviously. I think I was lucky to get the call at all, considering my performance at Folenisa.”

“You obviously impressed them Lukas. Especially if they made the decision to call you before Vilita.”

“I know, I’m ridiculously happy. I’m flying up to Franz Josef City tonight, and I’ll go on from there to the team’s base for the usual handshaking. Can’t wait to get a look at the car !!”

There was a slight pause.

“I’m proud of you Lukas.”

“Thanks Dad.”

“Be safe.”

“You too.”

[Falcania]

"How you feeling kid?"

"Julian? What's up?"

"Can't I call to congratulate you? You wiped the floor with those clowns. I've never seen driving like it. You're nearly as good as I was."

"Was, Julie. Not any more."

"What, you think I can't work magic any more? You near a PC?"

"Sure. Got my laptop."

"Go to the G-T website."

"... That's my face. You're sponsoring me directly?"

"What did I tell you? We've raised capital. A couple of redundancies, sure, but we have the money. I've called the Vilitans, let them know that we have some capital and we're willing to invest."

"That's amazing."

"It is! You're clearly the best driver, and we're getting the money to back it. You're getting that seat, son. There's just one more thing I want to do. One more phone call. Call it insurance. Now go and enjoy your truffles and champagne."

"Will do, Julius. Thanks! Thanks so much!"

"Laters, kid."

Julian Marquis hung up his phone, smiled, and dialed another number. International line.

"Hello? Am I through to Hans Wulf? Ah, Mr. Wulf, I wonder, how rich a man would you like to be by the time I hang up?"

[Ancharmunn]

The line rang for what seemed an age, yet again. This was the third call that Donal O'Connell had made to his agent during the evening. The first two had gone unanswered by Finbar Kenny and if he didn't hurry up this one would as well. For O'Connell the difficulty in contacting his agent had just about summed up the week for him. The pre-season test in Folenisa had seen him putting up a hugely disappointing performance failing to rank in the top twenty for either total time or fastest lap, let alone anything even respectable.

Then there had been the Mountain Challenge Course test event. Given the result in Folenisa he really needed to impress here, not just once but throughout the day and in every session. So Generoso Ramírez turning up from Farfadillis and usurping his drive for the majority of the day had done absolutely nothing to help improve his confidence or mood.

“You bloody useless eejit. Why didn't you tell me he'd be there?”

The wait for an answer had finally ended and before his agent had been able to mutter a greeting O'Connell fired a broadside into his ear.

“Woah, easy there. Who didn't I tell you would be there?”

His own sodding agent for a start, thought O'Connell, though for now he would mention only Ramírez. If nothing else it at least gave him a rival to aim to beat when the season came around. As long as he managed to managed to secure a race seat.

“Generoso Ramírez. He turned up and you won't guess what? The bastard only went and nicked my car and consistently posted good times. Me? I got to drive one session. You sent all the way to sodding Vilita to do one fucking session.”

“Ramírez was there? How was I to know, he shouldn't have been, he wasn't one of the ten invited.”

“Yeah, well he was. At least he managed to show though. Where the hell were you? You're supposed to be setting me up for a contract for one of the teams and I'd heard sod all from any of them before the tests. I'm hardly going to hear from them after some other bastard takes my drive for a test session and my agent can't even be bothered to turn up when there would've been opportunities to open discussions am I?”

“Relax Donal. Sure, better results would've done no harm, but really sometimes they don't matter too much. It's not always what you know, it's sometimes who you know.”

“What are you trying to get at?”

“Sure, I've not met with any teams yet, but I've been meeting with contacts. I reckon there might be something in the pipeline that could get you a drive, but look I've got to go. I'll explain it to you some other time.”

Before Donal could even attempt to get anything more out of his agent the line had gone dead. In a way it summed up his dealings with Finbar Kenny. The man was an unreliable tosser who appeared determined to only ever keep his clients updated in a cryptic manner. His methods may be somewhat unorthodox, but they got results. Or at least that's what this wannabe racing driver had been led to believe.

There was another issue for O'Connell though. It wasn't just a useless agent and rival drivers turning up unexpectedly that held the blame for poor results. They were simply excuses, the fault itself to a large extent lay with O'Connell.

Unlike what seemed a number of other drivers O'Connell had no interesting back-story. He was no tearaway turned around by racing, not someone driving for lost family or friends, he hadn't needed racing to break out of poverty, hell, he wasn't even some kid who'd been determined to race or a prodigy who'd won everything before him. He was just a playboy.

That was why he raced, and that was why he wanted to race World Grand Prix Championships. He wanted the high-life that came with being such a driver. The parties, the penthouse apartments, the women, the money, the, image, the glamour. All those and the other 'benefits' that being a top level racing driver brought.

“What'd you say your name was again mate?”

“Donal O'Connell.”

“O'Connell.... O'Connell? Nah mate, you're not down here, I can't let you in.”

“Oh come on. Donal O'Connell, y'know, the World Grand Prix Championship driver?”

“Nah, ain't 'eard of you mate. Look, if your name isn't on the list, you ain't getting in.”

He sure as hell needed to secure that drive one way or the other.

------

Meanwhile, over in a penthouse apartment over in Montréal, Cotdelapoms.

Owning a handball SuperLigue club certainly had it's advantages. For a while at least it had proved the place to be in Cotdelapoms, the nation's biggest celebrities had flocked to be seen at handball, and the movers and shakers of the league became people to be seen with. The Ancharmunn businessman Cole McCleary certainly enjoyed that aspect of owning Montréal Sasanachs and the elite social circles it had brought him into. There was however something that SuperLigue lacked. It had been an ambitious project, founded on the naïve goal of making handball the most popular and glamorous sport in the world.

Fast? Sure. Exciting? No doubt. Handball had many great qualities, but it was by no means the world's most popular or glamorous sport. As a result SuperLigue lacked that special something, that x-factor. It was still a place to be seen in Cotdelapoms for sure, and McCleary had attracted some big Charmunnry names to Sasanachs games, but on a world stage it wasn't quite there.

It wasn't like the World Grand Prix Championship for example. There was no SuperLigue match that came close to matching something like the Iturributan grand prix in the stakes of an event to be seen at and attendees to be seen with. Handball venues didn't have multiple helipads currently being in action with hugely famous VIPs constantly being ferried to and from the venues, and there was certainly no handball arena which you could sail to and dock a massive yacht courtside at.

These were the types of indulgences that Cole McCleary sought, but not only that, he was also a man with the money to make such desires come true. Buy a World Grand Prix Championship team? He could afford that. Trouble was he'd missed the boat for teams to be entered into the WGPC season, instead he'd have to board someone else's boat and join in as a sponsor of an existing team.

“So what, you'd use Dennevan to sponsor one of the teams?” asked Fearghal, an associate of McCleary's.

The initial response came in the form of a dismissive wave of McCleary's hand.

“Don't be daft. Dennevan, in the WGPC? It's a sodding supermarket, it's the wrong business for motor racing. It needs to be something with glamour, something special, with a certain level of exclusiveness about it?”

“Like what? With all due respect Cole none of your businesses really fit that bill.”

“Well, then I gain a business like that don't I?”

“Oh?” inquired Fearghal, evermore gaining interest.

“See, here's what I'm thinking. How do people travel, between countries I mean?”

“Airlines. TynealAir, Air Svalbard, VazAir, those sort of things.”

“Aye, load of crap, all of them.”

“You say that, but they're extremely popular. They're making hundreds of millions every year. Perhaps even billions.”

“Oh aye, they're popular alright, but who actually likes them? More often than not if people start a conversation about them it's to complain. Because they're crap. The seats are uncomfortable, they charge expensive prices for absolutely everything.”

“So?”

“So, there's a gap in there for an airline people actually like. One that flies to the suggested destination rather than one in the vague vicinity. An airline that includes meals in the ticket price, and good meals at that. An airline with helpful staff rather than one trying to hawk fucking scratch-cards every five minutes. A luxury airline. One that that proves to be so through associating itself with the glamour of the WGPC.”

“It seems a bit ambitious though. Starting an airline from scratch and sponsoring a WGPC from the off. It won't be cheap. Some of the prices I've heard companies spending to get into the sport make for hefty figures. Just how will you get in?”

Sitting back in his chair McCleary smiled, “Money, my friend is not a problem. We find out what over companies are offering the teams, and then offer more.”

“We?”

“Yes Fearghal, I'd like to congratulate you on becoming my latest venture's first employee. How does the role of marketing director sound?”

It was all very sudden, certainly Fearghal had been taken aback by it enough to be caught for words.

“Well?” inquired McCleary.

“Well, it does sound very exciting, but you've not even told me the name of this airline.”

Again, McCleary sat back in his chair and smiled.

“No, I haven't. It does sound like an ideal task for a marketing director. Now get out there and get the name into the WGPC.”

[Liventia]

OOC notes: Lukas Forbes confirmed as second driver at Obeveklig-Farautoo, with Johannes Fagerholm the third driver.

Anch's RP reminds me — for nations with Grands Prix confirmed on the calendar, you may (if you wish) include a title sponsor for your race, e.g. "ChocoMilk Grand Prix of Aels" or somesort.

[Astograth]

The afternoon sun beat hard on the tarmac of the Akialden Ducal Autodrome, surrounded by the vast flat countryside of eastern Astograth. Not a glamorous track by means, which was probably part of the reason it won't be hosting a World Championship Grand Prix this season, but it is still the site of some of Astograth's most traditional races. Lermendia was the birthplace of Lantzia and domestic motorsport, and the Akialden Ducal its temple. When not being raced on, Lantzia used it for testing its vehicles, including its top-notch sportscars, the most popular across the country due to heavy government subsidies; the existence of only a few other local automobile companies, all of which were dedicated to more reasonably priced cars, meant Lantzia could dedicate itself to more extravagant affairs.

Foremost among them, racing. They entered a team into as many competitions as they could, across any format or formula, achieving fame and success in the most prestigious of these: Formula Astograth. There was a chasm separating them from the World Grand Prix Championship, however, but selling a part of their soul to Yogutz was a small price to pay for competing in the most famous racing series in the multiverse. Lantzia thankfully retained their autonomy as far as most racing decisions went, and succeeded in designing and testing the L1 650 - at the Akialden Ducal - a few months earlier. This time it wasn't a car they were trying out, though the shriek of the LA 984s still pierced the smothering heat.

“Good time that, all things considered.”

“Aye, got a bit more wear in the tyres now.”

“Right. Well, we're done, tell her to bring the car in. Where's Marc?”

“Back straight. Good job on that lap, Nauja. Now box please, box.”

Yogutz Lantzia team principal Errando Katzuso patted the engineer on the back and got off his seat on the pit wall, quickly crossing the lane to the garage and taking out his phone. The owner, Urtun Sisko, took an active interest in the running of the various racing teams, being there to warmly greet the drivers and leave Katzuso with instructions before leaving by helicopter to attend an urgent meeting.

“Hello, boss, yes, Errando. All good. Times within the expected margins. Mhm. I'll see to it, boss. Yes, excellent. Right, have a good day.”

While the drivers got out of their cars, Katzuso went to the back to get things sorted out, bringing out the folder that contained the papers Sisko had overseen. Contracts, or at least first drafts of contracts, if they were keen on dragging out the talks. Only missing their signatures. The Rumiatzi Sentinel would have it all over the sports pages the following day: Marc Rangneri offered a drive seat by Yogutz Lantzia; Nauja Panigoniak the test driver?

[Farfadillis]

Not bad, not bad at all for Ramírez. Being ranked third, nevermind he didn't win. This wasn't a circuit that favoured him, a driver difficult to find, one specialized on cornering. He did pretty well, finishing third on the final race. The plan had gone perfectly, he abused the parts where he could take an advantage and went from last to third in some laps at the end. It did surprise the crowd. If he had finished first, it would've been much more surprising. He hadn't received any offer, but there were some rumours around. He was pretty sure that if he would get something, it would only be a reserve slot. He didn't mind that, he wouldjust analyze all options, he had none at the moment, so one reserve slot couldn't be that bad. Much better than ending up as free agent? That's for sure. He was pretty happy with what he had done, nevertheless. He was specially happy about his plan going well, but he felt bad for O'Connol. However, he knew that he had to think about himself, be the selfish man he had always been, that introverted guy that could corner perfectly, and that he didn't have to care about O'Connol, if the vilitans didn't want him, it had to be because of something....

[Liventia]

Reports: Carvenlo size up Morua

Folenisa, LIVENTIA— Reports are surfacing from Carvenlo Motor Racing headquarters that the Liventian World Grand Prix Championship team is looking at signing Sotil Morua.

Astograth-born Morua is understood to be the top choice on a shortlist of three drivers the former constructor champions are considering for their third driver test seat.

With the team's race partnership consisting of double defending drivers' champion Matthew Portland and his predecessor as champion Jai Kardaeri, the test seat at Carvenlo is highly coveted and what were once rumours are now becoming to look like actual possibilities.

Speculation suggests that Calitman Jordan Dalante Saceta and Warkus star Ludwig Leviossa — the only registered free agent driver with WGPC experience — are the other two names on the shortlist, although Morua is thought to be way ahead of both Saceta and Leviossa in Carvenlo's consideration.

In other WGPC news, Liventian racer Seamus Donaghue says he is hoping for a race seat this season after decent performances in the two preseason tests which have taken place.

Donaghue's options appear limited, with Revél-Celstar the last factory team to not already have been strongly linked with a particular driver for their empty race seat.

The 23-year-old's alternative would be to race as a WGPC Works driver in an inferior car, though the race experience might stand him in good stead for future seasons.

[Weatherdon]

World Grand Prix Update: Rangneri signs with Yogutz Lanzia in second seat.
by Miku Alaso, F1 Reporter
SILVER COAST, WEATHERDON

As the free agency is coming to a close, you start to see the driver offers crawl out of the woodwork. For those Final Gear readers who were worried that Weatherdon's driver, Marc Rangneri would not be getting an offer, you need not worry now. Marc will be signing with Yogutz Lanzia, a team from Astograth. Marc is currently in Astograth at the Akialden Ducal Autodrome, and is believed to have signed after a test session.

In a interview conducted by phone, Marc had nothing but good things to say about Yogutz Lanzia and their L1 650. "Obviously, it's a good car. It's actually quite a bit faster than my GM330, and a little bit better in the corners too. They were quite keen on bringing me in too; they flew me in and had me run some laps around their track. Provided a car, and a pit crew too. I'm quite excited to get a racing seat as well. We'll see how we go on the track, and hope we can bring home a bunch of points for Yogutz Lanzia!"

The World Grand Prix Championship season will start off with the Iturributa Street Circuit (Iturributan Grand Prix).

[Warkus]

Motorsports Live

Ludwig Leviossa makes a plea to teams

Warku free-agent Ludwig Leviossa has spoken to the media today, addressing his situation with the WGPC. Claiming that his agent has been unsuccessful in negotiations so far, he wants to turn to an unconventional method. This can only prove to spread the rumours about the agent, Hans Wulf, accepting a large bribe that was made to force Leviossa to concede competition for the second driver seat at Vilita & Turori Motorsports. Leviossa also states that he is perfectly willing to enter negotiations with teams, but especially hinting to the teams Revél-Celstar and Vilita & Turori Motorsports.

Leviossa has continued by discussing the recent trial at the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Circuit, and how he feels about his results. He claimed that he is not happy about his performance in the first session, but is glad he was able to rectify things in the second. He also said that he hopes a team will sign him, since he has been waiting for a long time and claimed that he is ready for the upcoming season. Despite being linked with numerous teams, Ludwig Leviossa has not yet been approached for a position.

Ending the talk, Ludwig Leviossa listed some of his racing achievements, and further discussed his desires to race in the WGPC. He has not yet ruled out the possibility of racing for one of the works teams, however, but mentioned that he would prefer a good contract with a constructor's team.

Perhaps what has forced Leviossa to do this has been both the suspicious lack of effort from his agent, and the inevitable end to the signing period. Time is running out, and teams have rushed to sign drivers. Ludwig Leviossa not being one of these drivers. Not only this, but the amount of seats available to him has diminished quite a bit, with the only teams left offering race seats being Team Revél-Celstar and Vilita & Turori Motorsports. Only time will tell whether Ludwig Leviossa will get his opportunity to race in the 11th World Grand Prix Championships, or be left in the dust and forced to wait for next season.

[Baffin Island]

IQALUIT, Baffin Island -- Local racer Nauja Panigoniak, winner of last season's Trophée des Champions, has signed a contract as the test driver for Grand Prix team Yogutz Lantzia.

Panigoniak, 19, is well-known in Baffin racing circles but has been invisible outside them. She started driving some time before her twelfth birthday, learning her craft on the streets around the capital before legal opportunities to race arose. At age 15 she won her first sanctioned race at Iqaluit, and more victories followed culminating in the Trophée des Champions. Her performance in Liventia in response to a recent WGPC invitation was no better than mid-pack, but that was apparently sufficient to draw the interest of two factory teams looking for a test driver for the 11th Grand Prix championship season.

At Yogutz Lantzia she joins Enaut Londoso of Ittuributa and Marc Rangneri of Weatherdon in pursuit of the constructor's title. Panigoniak has already started testing for her new team.

[Falcania]

Julian Marquis had done well for himself. He was one of those rare Falcanian souls who wept bitterly for the state of the environment in that country - largely because, on his travels, he had lived in some of the most opulent and beautiful places in the world.

So when he struck it rich, he got a private estate on one of the unoccupied territories in his native AO. A massive villa, fortified, with a good view of the coast, and a private staff of fifty. When Falcanians struck it rich, they didn't mess about.

Currently he was sunning himself by the upper pool - he didn't swim, practically no Falcanians could, but you had to have a pool - and listening to the WGPC news on his radio. Stang was uncomfortable - he knew that, it didn't sit well with the kid's honour to have had his unofficial manager bribe the rug out from under the opposition. But Julian Marquis was not most Falcanians, with high precepts of honour and noble conduct. He'd learned the hard way that nobody ever lost a fight by kicking a guy when they were down. There was one last piece of the puzzle, one last gambit he could play.

He picked up his mobile phone, and called an international line.

"Jontiiiiiii, you foggaaaaaaaa!" He leered down the line. "How are you doing, you piece of crap?"

"Ah Julian, good to see you've not changed. How are things at G-T? Still schmoozing Lizbit and Tarra?"

"That's a hell of a thing for you to say, Jonti. Remember the Christmas ball three years ago?"

There was silence.

"Come on, Jonti. The line dead at your end or something? Remember when your wife didn't see you getting off with her boss in the helipark, behind her helicopter?"

"Fog you, Julian."

"Her boss, of course, Marina Bolsix, one of the eight or nine most powerful people in the country?"

"No, Julian, seriously, fog you."

"Oh stand up for yourself, Jonti, you got caught shagging the CEO of Everleaf Industries. And it worked! I kept my mouth shut, and now you're a happily married man, with an eight-figure salary at what is now the biggest industrial corporation in Falcania. What's your title, VP of Motor Production? VP of Shagging the Chairperson?"

"Why are you doing this, Julian? What the hell?"

"I need a favour, Jonti. I could've just asked, yeah, but this is a biggie. No questions. Absolute compliance. You listening?"

"... yeah. Yeah I'm listening, Julian."

"Everleaf Automotive. Your gaff. Your slice of the Everleaf Industries pie. I'm right in thinking it did well out of the Jay breakup, yeah? I bet you got their Cornerstone Correctional Manufacturing Facility? The factory where the prisoners work?"

"Yeah, what of it?"

"So if I paid attention in maths class in school, you'll be turning out quite a lot of liquid revenue you haven't invested yet."

"And you want me to invest in you, is that it?"

"No! Sky above, Jonti, I'm not that much of a bastard. No, you're going to invest it in the kid."

"Stang? You want me to invest in your driver, is that it?"

"He'll have the biggest fuel refiner in the Free Kingdom sponsoring him, and the largest automotive firm. And a couple hundred million shiny corporate Talons to tempt the Vilitans out of the Warku bosom and onto our nest. Do you know how many people in Vilita drive cars?"

"No?"

"I'll tell you this, it's not as many as are going to after this deal goes down and they all come out and buy your crappy cars. Right, that's all. Have my people talk to your people. And sort it out sooner rather than later, yeah?"

He hung up. Silence around the pool. He was alone again.