World Grand Prix Championship Season 16: RP Thread

[Aboveland]

Hodori was unlike many other nations on the WGPC calendar. As an opening race the location couldn't have been more perfect; maybe it was just him, but to Terho the air in Hodori had an intoxicating motorsport-driven buzz to it, as if stepping into the country slapped you across the face with its racing heritage, leaving behind a pleasant sting. Terho's own career as a driver had bled into the local Hodoran stage as well, with an ill-fated season in the domestic production car based rally series having filled the off season vacancy between his world title and the start of his second season. While the rallying memories he held in the archipelago weren't reminiscent of the dominance he'd asserted in the Nordic Rally Championship years prior, he'd won both of the previous Hodoran races at Yakumicha circuit, a winning streak he'd like to repeat at the new look race.

Terho brimmed with confidence as he strolled down the paddock towards the TRÆ garage. He was alone, Edvin having walked off to settle boring team paperwork hullabaloo that Terho was entirely detached from. He greeted his mechanics to the left of the car and continued a few more steps forwards, making sure to take slow, heavy strides to make the cement floor squeak, until he was right up against Nanna's rear diffuser. She (gendered from her codename Chassis XX) was simply a work of art. It was racing excellence and expertise in its maximum expression, the result of all the little steps and decisions along the way culminating in one machine, all the blood, sweat, tears and pure genius poured into a melting pot of perfection, each portion different to each other. It was not just a car, it was a symbol of cooperation. And to Terho, she was his baby.

The airhorn rang out around the TRÆ garage, sounded by one of the goofier engineers on the team, signaling the start of the first official test session of the year. Terho frowned slightly and cocked his head downwards as he headed for his duffel bag in which he'd crammed his gear. With an almost choreographed rhythm, he readied himself for the start of the racing season. Zrrrt rose his overall zipper, covering his fireproof garments; fwoop whispered his balaclava over his ruffled dirty blond hair; friit sounded the wrist velcro around his new smelling racing gloves, his fingers inching their way towards the tips of their pockets a crunch at a time; click went the clip of his helmet under his chin and onto his HANS device and clack dropped the reflective visor before his eyes. He clenched and spread his fingers twice before raising his face towards Juracai, his teammate, who'd changed just in front of him as well. Terho nodded, unsure if he'd been acknowledged behind both visors, and stuck out his arm for a handshake, receiving a vigorous tug. He made his way towards Nanna and slid right in, fastening the harness securely against his body. Edvin leaned into the cockpit right after the engine fired up with a wail.

"Ready, champ?" Edvin said, purposefully being cheesy, with a slight smirk.

"I was born ready, bitch," Terho replied, barely containing his laughter in his first break in attitude in days. The two clasped their hands together before Terho revved up the engine and dropped the hand clutch, squealing out of the paddock onto the pitlane instantly refocused. Edvin, unable to disguise his excitement, leaned out of the shutter gate in the paddock and stared down the pitlane before his lifelong partner-in-crime disappeared over the track's undulations. He pumped his fist out of sight from the rest of the team. You show them, Terho. he thought.

[Filindostan]

Villacosta Residence
San Marco, Filindostan

(OOC: Convo below occurred before the second preseason testing.)

It was almost late at night, and Rusty preparing to sleep after arriving back home from the private test at Mattijana. He requested to go back home first and then catching up a flight once again to Mattijana to meet up with the team for the second test at Savojarna. Also, he went there to prepare his things as he starts to live in Mattijana for one full year at least for the WGPC season. His phone rang. His father was calling.

"Hello, pa?"

"Hello?"

It took exactly a minute for Rudolf to answer his son's initial conversation.

"Hi 'nak!"

"Hey dad, see you at Savojarna."

"Why? You have found a team?"

"Yes. It's the MRT team. I'll be a number 2 driver there."

"At least you got into a competitive team"

"Okay pops, why did you call?"

"Uhm, I was going to call you for suggestions on who can be our second driver, but, we already got one, so, take care then, good night, and see you then in Savojarna?"

"Okay. How about my helmet?"

"Oh the helmet? You'll get it before the testing session starts."

"Okay. I'm sleeping now. Good night and see you at the track."

---

Somewhere in Yarkovo, Savojarna

Rusty arrived with the team in Savojarna for their pre-season testing. A day before the tests, he immediately went to Masato to get his helmet. They met up in a Savojar restaurant where to have a simple dinner and discuss things related to Rudolf and the KISMO team. He did not expect to see Kyoko also in their table.

"Oh, hi Kyoko."

"Hello, Sir. Nice to meet you here."

"Well, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, just forgot to get the helmet from Masato, He told me to go here so that he can give me my helmet."

"Okay. Masato told me that he will be arriving in an hour, so let's order what we should eat."

The two started to eat dinner in the restaurant, seating across each other. While eating, Rusty kept glancing on the face of Kyoko, 2 years his junior. He still had a crush on her despite him strongly doubting her racing abilities. Kyoko on the other hand, focused on her food, just as she was very focused on her racing career that she does not notice Rusty's feelings for her. She, however, caught Rusty looking at her, sternly.

"Is there anything at my face? Seems you're looking at me so tensely."

"...uh, no, Kyoko, sorry." His face seeming very red with embarrassment.

"Hey Rusty, Kyoko."

"Masato! You're here."

I have brought your helmets with me. Have a look at these goodies!

"These look awesome! Looking forward to use it this season." Rusty said with a very good impression.

"Sir, thanks! You should start eating now." Kyoko reminded her chief engineer to eat.

The three started eating until Rusty decided to go back to his team for the test tomorrow, leaving Masato and Kyoko on the table.

"So, have you noticed?"

"What?"

"The guy wants you."

"Hm, I shouldn't focus on that one and we should focus on getting KISMO on the racetrack."

"Well, you can take a break from those sometimes. You know? Too much thinking is not also good."

"Maybe."

The two left and joined up with the KISMO team for their testing tomorrow.

[Sorlovia]

Coffeehouse somewhere in Vangaziland

Gregori found the quiet coffeehouse to be much to his liking. He'd developed a taste for such places since arriving in Vangaziland and had become quite the coffee drinker. No doubt the VMR executives would be most pleased with his placing in the Yarkovo International Circuit practice run but he found himself wanting to place even higher. Fifth was good, but third or even second was better. Perhaps if he trained even harder and pushed his car that much harder he could even secure a first placing for VMR. Placing fifth had whetted his appetite and he now found himself hungering for faster times and better placings. His ambition had peaked and he'd become even more determined to do as well as he possibly could.

The roar of the engine. The flash of the other cars as he tore past them. The sizzlingly thrill that ran through him every time his race times got better. It really was like a drug. He found himself wanting to get faster and faster times. To push his car as far as he possibly could in pursuit of that elusive first position. Racing and a love for speed had been in his blood ever since he'd first stepped into a car. From those heady early teenage years he'd spent racing around the back streets of Solnichniy in his self-customized car with dreams of one day making it as a professional racer.

"I can get faster" he thought as he took a sip from his mug "tweak the car a little. Improve the thrust."

But even the most passionate racers needed a break from time to time. The long hours spent on the practice tracks or in the racing garage left you exhausted. Sometimes you need to get away for awhile to relax. In order to continue functioning at peak performance a racer needed to step back and take breaks once in awhile. Go out for a drive, go out for a meal or simply sit and enjoy a good book. A driver could wear himself out from pushing himself too hard without breaks in just the same way as his car. So, he'd set out in his Vannish Motors Ghost for a drive through the hills and country around the Imperial Proving Grounds.

He'd found the "Golden Bean" coffee house purely by accident. It sat tucked away on a quiet rural road on the edge of a small rural town. He'd taken a liking to it at first sight and he appreciated its quaint charm and quietness. There was something incredibly relaxing about simply sitting with a nice cup of coffee and a newspaper. He'd get back to training and working on his car soon but for now he needed a breather. Time to relax and prepare for the races ahead.

[Aji No Moto]

Joshuyo Square
Joshuyo City, Aji No Moto

It was a busy day at the nation's capital, where the office of the Prime Minister is located. The road that encloses the said park is very suitable for street circuit racing - the roads are sweeping, partly enclosed in a circular road, and is planned to be built to a non-permanent street circuit for Joshuyo City to host a round of the Formulajinomoto.

People from different cities flocked the park, the majority of them having no idea on what is happening today. The city major have just said that there will be some event and freebies from the event's sponsors will be given or raffled to lucky winners. Little did they know, as with a few that were aware of the event that Kissan Motorsport, commonly known as KISMO, will have an official car launch later by dusk. It was because the roads that form the path or track leading to the front of the Joshuyo Square are filled with KISMO sponsors such as Ismart, Jaganya Nutrition, Treaters, Ayakashi Energy Drink, and other Ajian sponsors, along with the KISMO and Kissan logos.

As the afternoon came, background music from the Ajian artists, along with EDM genre music start to stream around the Joshuyo Square, and during that time, two trailers, colored red, gray, and black, arrived at the rear part of the establishment across the square. When the trailer came to a stop, two vans also came to the parking spot, which had the members of the team inside. They entered the building, with two of the team members, one male, and one female, holding their helmets with the HANS device attached to it, and were in white tops and racesuits.

It was almost dark, and the floodlights lighted up the streets when a video package started hitting on the huge screen, showing the sneak peek of the car on a rumbling engine background, along with the team's sponsors showing after the thirty second video. A live feed then appeared on the screen, pointing to the opening of the first trailer. The sound of the two engine rumbled, amplified by the fact that the car was enclosed in the trailer. The first car, having the official livery of KISMO to be shown to the live audience to the first time, had the number 7, the letters 'ELI', and the Ethane flag on the side along with red camera mount, and another car followed, this time, a yellow camera mount, the number 22 and the letters 'FUJ'. and the Aji No Moto flag along on the side. The two cars went opposite directions, coasting along the road track leading to the facade of the Joshuyo Square. After two minutes, the cars were levied up to the stage, facing each other, and when the two cars went stationary to the stage, the two drivers took off their helmets, and a squad of seven people, lead by Tsutomu Sugiyama, CEO of KISMO, and Rudolf Ibuna, team director and principal of KISMO's WGPC program. went at the middle of the stage to pose along with the cars. The music stopped, along with loud chants of 'KISMO' and a minute's worth of applause.




The hosts of the program approached the stage to interview the team, when Ethan and Kyoko, the two drivers of the team, left their cars and joined the team. Tsutomu first greeted the fans and spectators in native Ajian language, and then proceeded to talk about how he was proud of the team from building the car, to getting to the pre-season testing at the upper-to-mid echelons of the timesheets. Rudolf added his insights to the upcoming season, and did not forget to thank the sponsors. The drivers were able to greet the spectators and thank them for coming to the event. After the interviews, a short video package was shown to the public in the screen, showcasing the two drivers of the team.

The program ended with no major fuss, but the petrolheads were quick to point that there were still missing sponsors in the car - particularly the tyre suppliers. They were quick to ask these questions, along with questions regarding the possibility of Aji No Moto hosting a round of this WGPC season. (RP to be covered post-qualifying)

---

Before the team launch, Tsutomu had a brief discussion with Teruko and Rudolf regarding their tyre situation. The CEO was not happy with the tyres after it almost caused trouble again to the sessions of both Kyoko and Ethan, with the former having to take 10 minutes off the track to fix a part which was impacted when her soft tyres went down. She recovered from this though to set the second fastest time of the preseason testing at Savojarna.

TSUTOMU: "Guys, we need replacing tyres. I don't need waiting a crash happening. Okay?"

TERUKO: "Will we not try the Leeminho Tyres?"

TSUTOMU: "I hear bad reputation about those. We testing it with WGP2 team if they are truly credible."

RUDOLF: "I have a suggestion. Why don't we take Tropicorp?"

TSUTOMU: "Why you didn't tell me this early? You want out of the team?"

RUDOLF: "That's an old joke, geezer."

TSUTOMU: "Joke or not, Teruko, can you take care of this?"

TERUKO: "Yes, as soon as possible."

RUDOLF: "Apparently we still have to run at Hodori with our current tyres, we would have to send them their medium and hard compounds for Ethan and Kyoko. Especially the latter."

TSUTOMU: "I don't mind. We get Tropicorp Tyres from Race 2 onwards." OOC: Request letter to come, either post-qual or post-race.

RUDOLF and TERUKO: "Sure."

[Former Citizens of the Nimbus System]

Grand Prix of Hodori
Pre-Practice

It would have perhaps been unnerving for the India Force team to emerge into their garage for the first time to the sight of a legion of Nexus Racing engineers taking photographs and mentally mapping their new car’s features. Still, this is the Nimban way - assimilate inspiration and build upon it - even if this specific instance is a rather extreme manifestation of that.

Much analysis will be needed over the coming week. In the meantime, the Nexus Racing garage at Dashoze Circuit prepares for the first race weekend of the season.

Gertrude Thompson watches barely an hour before the practice session begins as the new, red-rim soft tyres are brought out. She smiles. “Lucia, nice job on those wheel covers! Alright, everyone, let’s get these on and run the tests! Time to get back into the rhythm, people!”

The members of the engineering and design team scramble to their prescribed positions, the tyres for once being manually attached to Ryker Lane’s Chase Cutter before it is lowered down by winch onto the chassis dynamometer built into the garage’s floor. Once in place, those around the car secure it in place with a not-insignificant number of clamps, attached to sturdy steel struts that rise up from beneath the carbon fibre. New braces for the ferric pillars, in preparation for the increased sheer stress of a multi-directional convertor, are folded out and also secured.

Nods are given and Gertrude speaks. “Hodori pre-practice testing. Begin stage one.”

“Imagination compressor is functioning as normal. Piston armed... Valve is open. Confirm flow to tank.”

“Flow to tank confirmed!”

A few, tense seconds pass.

“Tank filled! Testing Imagination pressure… Pressure is normal!”

All eyes turn to Gertrude. “Stage one complete. If we’re all ready… Proceed to stage two.”

“Bringing array online. Piston armed; opening valve. Confirm flow to array.”

“Flow to array is confirmed. No problems apparent.”

This is the second-most dangerous part. The struts haven’t failed before, but there is always the risk…

“Static Imagikinetic convertor - commence pseudonervous interaction!”

There is a clunk as the Chase Cutter burns with Imagination’s bright blue light and strains against its bonds, struggling to surge forth out of the garage.

“Interaction successful! Confirm thrust vector!”

“Sensors indicate thrust vector is within safe margin of error.”

Gertrude merely nods. “Stage two complete; proceed to stage three.”

“Imagielectric convertor - commence pseudonervous interaction.”

There is a sudden whirr of ever-increasing pitch as the tyres spin up, growing faster and faster as the motors receive power.

“Interaction successful. Confirm rotations per minute and total sensor activation.”

“Confirmed - on both counts! The former is within its margins and all sensors are active!”

Now for the most dangerous part.

“Stage three complete; proceed to stage four.”

“Dynamic Imagikinetic convertor - commence pseudonervous interaction.”

The tension in the room is palpable as the UHSGV-2’s light strengthens to its true brightness.

“Interaction confirmed.” There is a moment of hesitation before Virgil speaks again, this time with anxiety. “Begin directional adjustment.”

There is another clunk as the Chase Cutters’ front tyres turn slowly to the left and one half of its Imagikinetic force is focussed diagonally rather than forwards, the struts loaded with a magnitude of sheer stress that they have never felt before. Every member of the engineering team understands the strain that these are under - strain that they weren’t originally built to deal with.

The direction of the force is adjusted further and further to the left, then, after a few seconds, back to the right again.

…

The struts hold.

A collective, tangible relief passes through the room, so much so that Gertrude laughs slightly as she wipes the sweat from her brow. “Stage four complete; proceed to stage five.”

“Imagithermal convertor - pseudonervous interaction commencing!”

And the tyres light up blue.

“Front left, front right, rear right, rear left - all successful! Confirm heat patterns -”

“Are consistent with previous testing and within margin of error!” Lucia practically shouts in jubilation.

All eyes once more focus on Gertrude.

She grins, pressing a button on her console. “Deactivating array; retract pistons and close all valves. Test complete.”

A collective cheer of equal parts relaxation and exultation rises throughout the room, the engineers and designers of Nexus Racing clasping hands, slapping each other on the back, embracing, at a job well done.

Gertrude’s grin broadens. Let the other teams challenge us. We’re ready for them.

[Esmerel]

Dashoze Circuit, Dashoze, Hodori
Friday, 16 February 2018
30 Minutes To Practice

"Okay, Talia, let me get this straight. All of a sudden there's a thirteenth team, without much in skill, and the Aelsh race has been canceled, again?"

"Exactly. Liventia were hoping to have the thirteenth team on the grid, so when it went to the region of India it got royally pissed off."

"Damn. We haven't even STARTED and already there's controversy. Hmm. I guess there's a thirteenth team now. Not much we can do about that."

"Jean? We need to do a systems check. Get in the Chase Cutter."

"Got you, Darrell." Jean hopped in and began testing certain parameters.

"HUD online, check, tyre temperatures, check, engine on and not exploding, check, kinetic field, check, coffee machine... Wait, this thing has a coffee machine?"

"Oops. Must have been a pasting mistake. No, there isn't a coffee machine."

"Alright then. Other than that, we're good."

[Audioslavia]

Alec leant over in his seat, pushing his smartphone in front of Alex Dimitrianov.

"Can you believe this? They're cancelling the Talbott grand prix. I mean, damnit, I used to win races there. I've stood on the podium there. I was absolutely going to blitz that race next week"

Alex frowned at the phone. He picked out his own smartphone and saw, clearly, 'aeroplane mode' printed on the front.

"How do you have internet access all the way up here?" asked the Mattijanan.

"I don't" said Alec, shaking his head, "I download the internet onto my phone before I get on a plane"
"You do what" asked Alex, incredulously.
"Well I mean not all of it. Just a few news sites, some light reading, catch up on the day's events and the like. Y'know."
"Great system, that" said Alex. "Surprised nobody thought about it before" he continued, turning back to his print newspaper.

A minute passed.

"Alec?" said Alex.
"Yes Alex?" said Alec.
"When did you download that news onto your phone?"
"Oh, this was before the Taeshan test"
"Hmm"
"Why?"
"I mean, you're right, the Talbott GP was cancelled, but that was weeks ago. It was replaced by the Grand Prix of Aels"
"Oh"
"Which was cancelled today"
"Oh?"
"You don't know anything about this? We'll be in Aji no Moto after this race."
"Why.. why on earth would they cancel the Grand Prix of Aels?"

--

Roger Bunn peered over at the two drivers at the other side of the aeroplane. One appeared to be explaining something to the other.

"Our guys appear to be getting along" he said. Stan McPahan's eyes didn't leave his laptop.
"Shame" said Stan.
"Why shame?" asked Roger. "We need those two on the same page"
"Not at all" said Stan. "What we need are two racers who'll do anything to win. Not too buddy-buddy pally-schmally mates going grown-up-go-karting on their Sunday afternoons."
"I'm sure they can both..."
"I'm not having it" continued Stan, regardless. "Make sure they're not sitting together on future flights. You and Alec can have one pair of seats, I'll sit next to our Mattijanan friend.
"Lucky him" said Roger, as quietly as humanly possible.

[Vilita and Turori]

Vilita & Turori Motorsports Development Center, Eelandii, Turori :: The Vilita & Turori Motorsports driver Lineup has seen a massive overhaul compared with what was projected at the start - or even finish of the most recent World Grand Prix 2 Season. Despite struggling to finish races for Novikov Racing in the World Grand Prix 2 Championship season, Juracai Klianiota's season ending victory apparently did enough to ease the fears of teams and sponsors and the career reserve driver catapulted themselves to the position of World Grand Prix Championship seat driver with the Tropicorp Aelund Racing team based out of Aboveland with primary support from Tropicorp and Vilita & Turori Motorsports engineers.

Klianiota also appears to have catapulted themselves to the top of the Vilita & Turori Motorsports driver pecking order. Long time Vilita & Turori Motorsports flag bearers iBen Toralmintii and R.L. Cruisin seem prepared to sit the World Grand Prix Championships 16th season out as neither have secured themselves a drive heading into the seasons opening weekend. For Toralmintii it was a conscious decision, taking a step back from the hustle and bustle life of a driver and moving behind the desk to become team principal at the WGPC Eelandii Motorworks team operating out of his stables just outside the Eelandii Grand Prix circuit.

For R.L. Cruisin, however the desire to compete is still there. Whats not there, it seems, is the desire to practice. The experienced WGPC driver, a veteran of 5 grands prix seasons, multiple race victories and a career high 4th place finish in the standings finds themselves out of a ride after ignoring invitations to off-season test events at various teams that had yet to establish themselves on the World Grand Prix circuit. Now, R.L. Cruisin finds themselves headed to Hodori - home of Arada Motorsport, the team that Cruisin drove for unceremoniously during World Grand Prix Championship season 15 - without a ride. With helmet in hand, R.L. Cruisin will likely be looking to scratch the driving itch and more likely to settle for whatever open drive comes available so long as it wasn't with the ironic new entrant on the grid, Force 13 Anos race team which has attracted more interest from school children then from serious sponsors.

It is believed that both Bitten Heroes and MSA-SinVal have yet to finalize their driver roster for the upcoming WGPC season. MSA-SinVal has already signed Eastfielder Cesaro Whittaker as their main drive for the season which has called some to wonder if Cocoabo #23 might be called into action to fill the second MSA-SinVal seat. Whittaker and Cocoabo #23 were effective teammates at Tropicorp Engineering during the WGP2 Campaign that saw Cocoabo #23 challenge the dominant Vannish Motor Racing drivers for the individual championship. The fact that it was Juracai Klianiota and not Cocoabo #23 who made the leap to the WGPC in light of these facts was also curious to some casual onlookers.

However, Cocoabo #23 is a driver who brings a lot of overhead and not a lot of sponsorship. Charities and causes don't pay for Tires and Fuel and thats what a driver like R.L. Cruisin can bring to the table with his long standing personal services and sponsor commitments from Vilaye Energy Drink.

While its not clear if Cruisin will make it into a seat for the opening round of the 16th World Grand Prix Championship, it likely won't be long before he either fills an empty seat, replaces an existing driver or gets snatched up by a new team making a late grid entry like Force 13 did just days before the opening round.

Outside of the top drivers in the Vilita & Turori Motorsports stable, there is also uncertainty in the future of some of the Vilita & Turori future prospect drivers as the E-GP season never got kicked off - much to the surprise of virtually no one, forcing some Vilita & Turori Motorsports drivers to seek other leagues. While some just returned to hone their skills on local tracks, Shark Suzgar has traded open wheels for full body stock cars in entering the NationStates Stock Car Racing Association season and hoping to turn some heads there to earn some sponsor interest to climb the Motorsports Ladder in future seasons.

[Hodori Motorsports]

INSIDE WGPC
A SUPER OPTION Magazine Online Exclusive
Part 5 - Arada Motorsport
en.super-option.co.hd/art=515890

← Part 4 - Bitten Heroes | Part 5 | Part 6 - MSA-SinVal →
Table of Contents

In Part 4 of Inside WGPC, we reviewed Bitten Heroes performances in last year’s World Grand Prix Championship season and the Lisanderian outfit’s driver lineup for this year. For Part 5, we will now cover the Hodoran entry of Arada Motorsport.

Heading into its fourth year of competition and its second under the Arada Motorsport banner, the Hodoran team based out of Dashoze is aiming for a resurgence after last season’s string of repeated turbo charger failures. PrismRiver Corporation continues its sponsorship, using this year’s car to promote new LYRICA character Miyu Kanaue. As with last year, PrismRiver Corporation will hold concerts at select WGPC venues, using holographic technology to bring the LYRICA Virtual Idol cast to life.

Again helmed by team principal Nechiru Seozamo, manager of the factory Arada teams in the ENSADRINK GT1 and Yemigama HPI Formula Touring championships, Arada Motorsport with Hodoran driver Asao Nadakei and Hinodejin pilot Moe Himura will aim for total victory. Lead driver Nadakei in the No.55 car has been racing in Hodori for almost twenty years and has claimed six domestic Drivers Championship titles and is the defending GT1 Driver’s Champion in the domestic GT championship, while Himura in the No.64 car will be making her world racing debut starting with the IZAYOI Grand Prix of Hodori. Chiruno Reitoude, owner and lead engineer of the Reitoude Motor Sport team in domestic Hodoran motorsport, reprises her role as maintenance director.

The NVH/E160K turbo charged 1.6-litre V6 returns from last season, with a new Arada-developed turbo charger unit replacing last season’s IMPULSE units. Also new to the Z16 T2 project is motor oil supplier RAY-MU, replacing previous partner Setadori Lubricants.

KAWASHIRO Industries continues as ERS supplier, with harvest units again paired with A.mu’s Project brake systems. Additional carry-overs from last year’s Z15 T2 are R-TEC Systems providing suspension components and Garage 333 producing the forged magnesium alloy wheels. A.mu’s carbon-ceramic ventilated discs and 6-piston calipers provide stopping power. Deyoze again supplies the team’s tyres, providing several grades of their Ikakotas for dry or wet conditions.

After three years of running a driver coolsuit system, similar to the ones used in the domestic ENSADRINK GT and Yemigama HPI Formula Touring championships, the Z16 T2 will not carry this system. This allows the team to free up more weight to fine-tune the balance of each driver’s car.

Arada Motorsport has graciously provided us with the car’s technical specifications, reproduced below.

MACHINE
Chassis Name	ARADA Motorsport Z16 T2
Construction	Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Survival Cell
Weight		Less than 700kg
Drive		MR
Length		4990mm
Width		1800mm
Height		 950mm

Wheelbase	3300mm
Front Overhang	1090mm
Rear Overhang	 600mm

TYRES
Make		Deyoze
Brand		Ikakota
Front (Dry)	350M A660 R330
		350/660R13 Radial steel belt
Rear (Dry)	380M A660 R330
		380/660R13 Radial steel belt

Front (Wet)	350M A670 R330
		350/670R13 Radial steel belt
Rear (Wet)	380M A670 R330
		380/670R13 Radial steel belt

WHEELS
Make		Garage 333
Front		MA12IIGPR MAZ80
		Forged Magnesium Alloy
Rear		PA12IIGPR MAZ80
		Forged Magnesium Alloy

BRAKE
Make		A.mu's Project
Front and Rear	278mm Carbon Ceramic Ventilated Disc + KAWASHIRO Industries Kinetic Energy Recovery System Module
		6-piston Caliper + ERS Harvest Unit

SUSPENSION
Make		R-TEC Engineering
Front and Rear	Double A-Arm

ENGINE
Model		ARADA NVH/E160K + KAWASHIRO Industries KMG120-GP
Tuner		ARADA Motorsport
Lubricant	RAY-MU Motor Oil
Fuel		Hygolye
Type		Turbocharged V6 + Electric Motor
Displacement	1596cc
	Bore	80.0mm
	Stroke	52.9mm
Power		Over 700PS + 120kW
Transmission	WhiteRock WR8SZ-GP 8-speed sequential DCT, paddle shift

← Part 4 - Bitten Heroes | Part 5 | Part 6 - MSA-SinVal →
Table of Contents

[Kita-Hinode]

Hodori
Pre-Practice

Ryo was ecstatic. For the first time ever, he saw how much the populace of Hodori was into racing. At home, there was some interest for racing, but in order to get Moe Himura out there, he had to rely on... questionable means of interest. She always looked fairly good to him, so he figured he'd get her to model. He even tried getting her to act in a small indie deal, but Moe, like usual, knocked his jaw off for a bit with a powerful kick.

Here? They are everything up. Here she was, a girl from the Empire that succeeded the former Sunrise Islands, lands known for their weird charisma and abilities with all sorts of things, at a place that was very much familiar with that legacy of theirs and to top it all off, here she was, hired to help out the first seat driver... although on Himura's mind, her only reason to be there was to tear up pretty much every other team into shells of their former selves. Still, Ryo was on his playing field, selling Moe Himura as the Archipelago's newest darling... even if Sunrise Islands have long since stopped being a thing and their homeland, the Hinodejin Empire, was about as big as it could be, but he still sold her that way nonetheless.

The entire press conference went off without a hitch. This time, Moe didn't even squeak, no threats towards any other team or driver, no mentions of what she'd do with the WGPC person that called her a guy when announcing a deadline for signing of drivers, nothing weird. Just Ryo speaking all sort of legend over his client, the miss from those exotic lands of the Hinodejin Empire.

Not long after the conference finished, the three left on a cab... and so Moe Himura opened her mouth. "So, who do I get to beat up first?" Ryo sighed, looking at her with his hands covering a good part of his face. "Please, Moe... this isn't High Octane..." Now, this was her turn to sigh. "So I spent two hours trying to get a laser installed on my car for nothing?" She was simply replied by a loud yes. "No wonder the guys looked at me like I had two heads. I'm not dropping the Oni mask though."

He rose his head, confused. "The what?"

She smiled, taking out an oni mask, notable for its' details in red clashing against pale white. "I told them I didn't need a helmet, but they insisted... so I'm wearing this."

Ryo grunted. "This is going to be a long season..."

Moe shrugged. "Think I'm going after VMR. Heard their tears taste great."

[Ethane]

Ellis looked up at the boarding now sign flashing on the screen above the departure lounge. That was his plane. As soon as he stepped on to that plane, he would be gone. Leaving home. Not forever. Just for the season. Another season of the World Grand Prix Championship.

Thinking of that made him grin. At the start of the season, Ethan was unsure whether he would be able to get a drive this for the season. With Fireline not competing, he didn't have easy access to a team and so had to push and negotiate with others to make it into that starting grid. It took weeks of stress, torture to him as he hated all the admin side of racing. He just loved to race.

The wind pushing against you. The high speeds around a corner which just appeared out of the rain. The squeal of tyres, the smell of burning rubber. The exhilaration of rushing around a racing track at over 200 miles per hour. He had missed sitting in that racing car. But the WGPC was back for another season, and Ethan was prepared to put all that he had into it, his heart, his mind, his body, his soul. This season would be the one he would go all out and finally establish himself as a top-level driver in the WGPC community. This year, he vowed he wouldn't let his team down. He would perform for them, better than he had ever done before. The car has the potential, and he knows he does too.

He turned around, taking one last look at the interior of the airport, and his wife and children who stood there waving at him the other side of the security gates. They would, of course, be joining him at points, but they had to stay behind for school and work. A tear tried to crawl out of Ethan's eye. He blinked it away. He wouldn't cry. He had promised that to himself. No tears. Just racing.

He gave one last solemn wave to his kids and wife, all of whom were crying at this point, before turning and walking into the boarding gate.

'Boarding now', the sign read. And then 'Takeoff'.

[Former Citizens of the Nimbus System]

Grand Prix of Hodori
Pre-Qualifying

I still don’t get why Dashoze Circuit wasn't on the calendar last year. The course is a masterpiece - consistently fast, sweeping corners that meld seamlessly into the straights and each other. You dance through that second sector. Imagination, it’s just like…

Okay, I might be somewhat biased.

Chuckling, Ryker shakes his head as he steps into the car, the engineering staff bustling around him, and feels the smooth, cold carbon fibre under his hands. “You truly are a thing of beauty,” he whispers, ghosting his fingers along the cockpit’s edge. Like Dashoze, the Chase Cutter is all dancing edges, curves melding into straights melding into straight lines melding into curves - the fairings parting the air around and caressing it over the wheels to avoid drag and turbulence. It is exacting, agile and clinical speed and power personified.

That is not, however, why it is beautiful.

Ryker pulls on his gloves, then his helmet. The now-familiar HUD flashes into life before him, the various graphics - and their potential replacements based on selections made with buttons on the steering wheel - preset to the information that he himself has chosen to have on tap. Moreover, the communication channels open. “Anything else happened since fifteen minutes ago, Martin? Last minute, horrifying revelation from Jean’s side of the garage? Unexpected convertor failure?”

“Nothing so dramatic,” his race engineer intones. Ryker can practically hear the gentle, amused smile in his voice. “Something that I missed in our final briefing. You don’t have to brake quite so much into the final chicane; you have more than enough traction.”

Ryker laughs. “Not like you to miss anything, Martin!”

“Put it down to nerves for the first event of the season, perhaps.”

“And that doesn’t sound like you either!”

Martin joins in with a soft laugh of his own, then continues: “That aside, to briefly remind you: you will be on S-1 for the first session with the option to use S-2 if you need and S-3 for the second. They will have significantly more grip than you have been used to recently and more even than last season’s, so take that into account and adjust accordingly. Of that you are more than capable.”

“Understood.” His fingers drum waves on the steering wheel.

“You are the World Grand Prix Champion, Ryker - you earned that title and can more than earn it again, beginning today. Every member of the team believes in you and your ability. Let’s show the world why.”

“I know it and I will. Thanks, Martin.” Ryker shuts off his communications.

Then, he closes his eyes, entering a state of utter calm and focus. His mind reaches out, searching for memories.

His parents, Henriesse and Aldin, whoop and applaud as he steps onto an official podium for the first time, taking second place at his third quad race - and then doing so again for the many thirds, seconds and firsts that he takes thereafter. A tiny Harry, Aunty Navy and Aunty Janet marvel at the trophy that he shows off proudly to them on their Restoration Day reunion, with all the self-importance that only a thirteen year old can muster. Grandpa Jordan tells him, sat on his knee as a boy of eight, of the days that he was a race engineer for the beautiful driver Star Lane, who looks on with a loving smile on her face. Grandpa Relton throws a snowball at him while Grandma Sena performs an elaborate flanking manoeuvre - but then lets herself be struck by the ten year-old Ryker’s frozen projectile anyway.

Martin guides him through the fourth Cityprix race of his career, constructing and relaying the perfect strategy to him to cut through the field from last place and take an astonishing victory; he joins him on the podium as the team’s representative, sampling the sweet, crisp taste of the elderflower pressé that is victory. Gertrude sits down with him on the first day of his secret testing with Nexus Racing, walking him through the intricacies and quirks of ‘her baby’ with an energy and purpose that he comes to like and admire within days. Timothy stands across from him, feet planted firmly and half-serious, half-casual smile upon his face as he intersperses wisdom with battering by Imagination-controlled baton. Victoria leans over to take him through the new HUD point by point, delivering her precise expertise to the accompaniment of humour and informality. Lucia and Virgil joke with him amiably at the end of practice in San Jose Guayabal. Jean talks to him in the canteen with his usual touch of arrogance that is nonetheless blended with goodheartedness, urging him to push through his problems and focus on what matters.

He stands in the middle of the enormous crowd gathered around the Tower of Governance, gazing in amazement as a rumble shakes the ground and a brilliant beam of blue and white bifurcates the sky, and calls out in that same amazement as his people speak as one. An amber-eyed, middle-aged stranger grasps his hand, still standing astride her bike, and pulls him to his feet before looking over the knee that he had cut open after falling off his own cycling back from school. He pores through the books of the library in a frenzied search for knowledge about the poison dart frog, then presents it to an intrigued class that afternoon. He stands, in the half-light of the moon, as a pole, glowing cerulean, spins in front of him and spits cinders in a glorious nimbus of fire - a pole spinning under the power of a nation.

A black-haired Janfordian comes to him for aid and, in doing so, aids him.

Without a single one of these souls, he would not have made the journey of yesterday. With all of them standing beside him now, he will succeed today.

He grasps all of them tightly. Then he reaches out for every victory that he has won and every failure that he has succumbed to - for the latter has produced the former. He reaches out for everything about himself which is good and everything which is bad - for those are, in many ways, one. He reaches out for the last soul - for Ryker Lane - and finds him.

Ryker takes hold of each and every one and binds them to the car in which he sits. Then he speaks. “I name you for all of those who stand with me. It is they who guide you. It is they who give you purpose. It is they who spur you forward.”

“I name you Coalescence.”

And, in saying so, it becomes beautiful.

Qualifying begins. There is a Coalescence and a surge. Ryker pulls away.

[Eastfield Lodge]

Time was running out, three drivers had responded to the last minute and frankly unprofessional cry for aid from the MSA-SinVal team. It was three days before the team would have to head out to Hodori for the first race, and RL Cruisin, Jasmina Kranjska and Jannik Markner turned up to the MSA testing track, ready for a session that would make or break their shot at a race seat this season.

The session itself was simple. Five laps at qualifying pace with the ability to change setup between laps, and then a 10 lap race-stint without stopping. Only one person on track at a time, and Whittaker would also be involved in the tests. But the results weren't the be-all and end-all of the decision - there were other factors. Experience, sponsorship money, how well they gelled with the team, and so on.

Qualifying

P Driver	Time
1 Kranjska	1:30.955
2 Cruisin	1:30.998
3 Whittaker	1:31.015
4 Markner	1:31.142

Race Times

P Driver	Time
1 Cruisin	15:42.046
2 Whittaker	15:45.770
3 Kranjska	15:46.664
4 Markner	15:47.525

Times set, drivers shipped off home, it was time for some deliberation from the MSA team. Cruisin had the best all round result, dominating the race setup to win by just over three and a half seconds ahead of the pre-signed Whittaker, with fastest qualifier Kranjska a further second behind. Markner had just failed to impress all around, although he may argue that the lateness of the day and the dropping track temperatures hindered him somewhat. Nonetheless, Tadeo Durand had watched proceedings all day, and there was just one name in his mind.

He immediately texted Liliana Sadri after Markner had finished his race stint. 'Send the contract to RL Cruisin. We don't have time to waste.'

---

The team didn't have to wait long. Barely five hours had passed after the e-mail was sent out, and they had their answer. R.L. Cruisin would be driving for MSA-SinVal this season. (OOC: Agreed with Vilita on IRC.)

[Mattijana]

WGPC 16 Preview: Round 1, Hodori

The first weekend of the Winter Olympics in Prescott promises to bring plenty of speed. The men's downhillers may hit around 90 miles an hour whilst the lugers will find similar speeds on the lower stretches of the icy tube that make up their track. However there is another event that shouldn't escape your attention. One that is admittedly motorised, but less gravity-assisted and even faster than its wintery counterpart.

Season 16 of the World Grand Prix Championships gets underway this evening in Hodori and this season proves to be even more competitive than ever before.

MRT return for their third season after the heartbreak of the previous seaon in which a double DNF ended their hopes of a constructors championship and a drivers title for Terho Talvela. Alex Dimitrianov is also back looking to replicate some early success for the McPahan team.

Favourites Back For More

Last season's runners up Nexus Racing will compete once more this season and swiftly re-signed driver's champion Ryker Lane in addition to the new addition of last season's 4th placed man, Jean Mercer Daly. In the absence of champions Red Lion Racing, Nexus have the strongest team on paper and have shown promising pace in testing. Jean Mercer Daly finished fastest after 90 minutes in Savojarna and although Lane was only 13th, the Nimban was higher up the leaderboard in the first test in Taeshan.

Lisander's Bitten Heroes outfit are also back for their second season of WGPC. Last season's 4th-placed driver Juliano Lemos will be their figurehead, but has looked off the pace in testing as yet. Still, pre-season is never a perfect marker of competitive form and the signing of a second driver will also add the neccessary balance to the team.

Terho Talvela will also be back, aiming to avenge last season's dissappointment, whilst 6th placed Arada also feature once again.

McPahan Eyeing Up Return To Form

Two abysmal seasons for Audioslavian outfit McPahan have had them finishing at the bottom end of the table of late, but pre-season has brought a renewed sense of optimism. The signing of last season's 11th-placed finisher and Mattijanan Alex Dimitrianov was looked upon surprisingly, but also favourably by the world's media and Audioslavian native Alexander Lund also returns to his former team for what is expected to be his last season in the sport.

Dimitrianov himself is in need of a big season. The 29 year old has gone backwards since his debut season, but showed glimpses of his potential with an excellent win in Esmerel last season. A few more of those would justify his selection and leave McPahan with an outside chance of the title.

Bold move For MRT

Mattijana's own imaginatively named Mattijana Racing Team will compete once more, looking to follow up their 2nd and 3rd placed finishes from the last two seasons with a win. Competition is of course tough, arguably more so than in the previous seasons, but Mattijana have a more targeted vibe than ever before. Johan Struna has opted for a highly technical setup on his car and has matched it with two highly technical drivers. Savojarna's Sigur Bjarnason will be the number one driver and is joined by Filindostan's Rustom Ibuna.
The gamble is to prioritise Struna's racing ideology over driver experience. Both Bjarnason and Ibuna are WGPC rookies and in Bjarnason's case, have little open-wheel experience, but MRT will hope their strength on the world's technical circuits will overcome that and that their two new drivers will learn quickly.

New Teams A Mixed Bag

The most promising of the season's new teams appears to be Tropicorp Racing Ælund. The joint Abovian and Vilita and Turoran venture uses much of the infrastructure from the dominant V&T racing team from Season 14 and have a huge talent signed in the form of Terho Talvela. Juracai Klianota was recently named as number two to the frustration of Mattijana's young talent Jasmina Kranjska. That will just make the rivalry between the Mattijanans and TRÆ even bigger and spicier however and adds another dimension to an already complex season.
VMR add to the list of acronyms. Vannish Motors Racing have less WGPC pedigree, but equally huge potential. Jess Franssen, formerly of MRT, has signed boasting one of the best form records in WGPC history and will be hungry for top spot after a year out of the sport last season. Gregori Krupin is a more surprising addition, but has potential and will have a seriously high-quality driver to learn from in Franssen.

Elsewhere, Kissan Motorsport will be looking for a good debut season alongside Polaris and Omni Racing.

Controversy...Already

The season hasn't even started yet, but it wouldn't be the WGPC without a fair share of pre-season shenanigans and season 16 has not failed to deliver.

Under fire this year are the WGPC bosses themselves. In addition to the Eelandii works team, a thirteenth team have been added to the grid late on from the region of India, in favour of a team run out of Talbott in Liventia. Despite the region's lack of racing pedigree, some believe that money has done the talking as a well-financed Indian consortium appear to be behind the new team, run out of either Northwest Kalactin or Azadeshia. Liventian WGPC officials have not seemed to have taken the decision well, withdrawing both the test circuit in Talbott and the Grand Prix circuit in Aels, scheduled to host the second race of the season. With no Liventian team or drivers in action, it reamins to be seen whether the circuits will ever return.

Drivers Nate Jackson and Ranveer Singh will be somewhat unfairly scrutinised this weekend. The team have had no official practice time and have had to appoint their drivers late on, so will be up against it already at the first race of the season. The Indian contract lasts for 7 races at which point the team will either be retained or dropped for the reminder of the season dependent on performance.

What About The Race?

As the constant circus around the WGPC rolls on like a boulder down a very steep hill, it's easy to forget there is a race on. The Grand Prix of Hodori takes place from the Dashoze circuit for the very first time and is the first points-scoring round of the season. Reliability will be a factor as always at the start of a season, playing into the hands of the more established teams and those who have had a more settled pre-season, fitting in plenty of testing laps. However the circuit is more of an engine-biased one, playing less into the hands of MRT. Still, with drivers and teams possibly a little race-rusty, the event is expected to be close, unpredictable and possibly even a little messy. That should all ramp up the excitement even further if we even needed that already.

We'll see you in Hodori!

[WGPC]

CUT OFF for Practice and Qualifying for the IZAYOI Grand Prix of Hodori

[WGPC]

Friday Practice
Dashoze Circuit

Drivers had ninety minutes to record up to thirty laps of the track (including in and out laps to and from the pits). Only each driver's fastest time is shown in the table below.
Conditions: DRY

Pos # Driver			Team		Fastest		Behind Leader
 1 55 Asao Nadakei             	0:01:20.048	0:00:00.000
 2  1 Ryker Lane               	0:01:20.065	0:00:00.016
 3 22 Kyoko Fujisaki           	0:01:20.126	0:00:00.078
 4 52 Sayono Souzare           	0:01:20.151	0:00:00.103
 5 77 Juracai Klianiota        	0:01:20.193	0:00:00.145
 6 42 Alex Dimitrianov         	0:01:20.193	0:00:00.145
 7 50 Jang Xiaopeng            	0:01:20.278	0:00:00.230
 8 25 Jessica Franssen         	0:01:20.278	0:00:00.230
 9  7 Ethan Ellis              	0:01:20.356	0:00:00.308
10 56 Terho Talvela            	0:01:20.424	0:00:00.376
11  2 Jean Mercer-Daly         	0:01:20.440	0:00:00.392
12 27 Gregori Krupin           	0:01:20.457	0:00:00.409
13 31 Cesaro Whittaker         	0:01:20.458	0:00:00.410
14 71 Rustom Ibuna             	0:01:20.477	0:00:00.428
15 16 Alexander Lund           	0:01:20.497	0:00:00.449
16 64 Moe Himura               	0:01:20.509	0:00:00.461
17 14 Sigur Bjarnason          	0:01:20.517	0:00:00.469
18 99 Nate Jackson             	0:01:20.623	0:00:00.575
19 20 Mick Schramm             	0:01:20.635	0:00:00.587
20 12 Ranveer Singh            	0:01:20.721	0:00:00.673
21 10 Jennifer Johnson         	0:01:20.756	0:00:00.708
22 47 Erica Okumura            	0:01:20.758	0:00:00.709
23 51 R.L. Cruisin             	0:01:20.958	0:00:00.910
24 36 Reva Izalio              	0:01:21.646	0:00:01.598
25  5 Juliano Lemos            	0:01:21.800	0:00:01.752

Qualifying results imminent.

[WGPC]

Saturday Qualifying
Dashoze Circuit

Drivers had fifty minutes to record up to six flying laps of the circuit. The slowest drivers will occupy spots 11-through-24 on the grid. The ten fastest drivers are then entered into a fifteen-minute qualifying session to decide the order of the top ten for Sunday's race
Conditions: DRY

Part One
	
 1 64 Moe Himura          Arada			1:20.076
 2 56 Terho Talvela       TRAE			1:20.156
 3 16 Alexander Lund      McPahan		1:20.267
 4  2 Jean Mercer-Daly    Nexus Racing		1:20.300
 5 31 Cesaro Whittaker    MSA-SinVal		1:20.311
 6 99 Nate Jackson        TIF 13		1:20.329
 7 42 Alex Dimitrianov    McPahan		1:20.344
 8 51 R.L. Cruisin        MSA-SinVal		1:20.366
 9 27 Gregori Krupin      VMR			1:20.366
10 10 Jennifer Johnson    WGPC Eelandii		1:20.395
11 12 Ranveer Singh       TIF 13		1:20.439
12  1 Ryker Lane          Nexus Racing		1:20.528
13 20 Mick Schramm        Omni Racing		1:20.532
14 50 Jang Xiaopeng       Omni Racing		1:20.535
15 22 Kyoko Fujisaki      Kissan Motorsport	1:20.578
16 77 Juracai Klianiota   TRAE			1:20.651
17  5 Juliano Lemos       Bitten Heroes		1:20.697
18 55 Asao Nadakei        Arada			1:20.712
19  7 Ethan Ellis         Kissan Motorsport	1:20.788
20 52 Sayono Souzare      Polaris		1:20.869
21 25 Jessica Franssen    VMR			1:21.048
22 14 Sigur Bjarnason     MRT			1:21.188
23 47 Erica Okumura       Polaris		1:21.230
24 71 Rustom Ibuna        MRT			1:23.213
25 36 Reva Izalio         WGPC Eelandii		1:23.453

Part Two            	
 1  2 Jean Mercer-Daly    Nexus Racing		1:20.079
 2 42 Alex Dimitrianov    McPahan		1:20.221
 3 31 Cesaro Whittaker    MSA-SinVal		1:20.248
 4 10 Jennifer Johnson    WGPC Eelandii		1:20.325
 5 64 Moe Himura          Arada			1:20.790
 6 99 Nate Jackson        TIF 13		1:20.987
 7 51 R.L. Cruisin        MSA-SinVal		1:21.344
 8 27 Gregori Krupin      VMR			1:22.260
 9 56 Terho Talvela       TRAE			1:22.904
10 16 Alexander Lund      McPahan		1:34.896

Starting Grid
 1  2 Jean Mercer-Daly    	
 2 42 Alex Dimitrianov    	
 3 31 Cesaro Whittaker    	
 4 10 Jennifer Johnson    	
 5 64 Moe Himura          	
 6 99 Nate Jackson        	
 7 51 R.L. Cruisin        	
 8 27 Gregori Krupin      	
 9 56 Terho Talvela       	
10 16 Alexander Lund      	
11 12 Ranveer Singh       	
12  1 Ryker Lane          	
13 20 Mick Schramm        	
14 50 Jang Xiaopeng       	
15 22 Kyoko Fujisaki      	
16 77 Juracai Klianiota   	
17  5 Juliano Lemos       	
18 55 Asao Nadakei        	
19  7 Ethan Ellis         	
20 52 Sayono Souzare      	
21 25 Jessica Franssen    	
22 14 Sigur Bjarnason     	
23 47 Erica Okumura       	
24 71 Rustom Ibuna        	
25 36 Reva Izalio         

The race will be scorinated on Monday evening at or around 7pm UTC.

[Former Citizens of the Nimbus System]

Grand Prix of Hodori
Post-Qualifying

Ryker holds his foot on the accelerator as Coalescence streaks across the line in a flash of blue light. Then he sighs.

The problem with the CDIVDS, he thinks, is that you can’t look away when ‘1:20.528’ and ‘12th’ appear on the projection.

“Sorry, guys, I just couldn’t string the lap together,” he says regretfully. “I think that I needed the ultrasofts for that run.”

“The fault is as much ours,” Martin comments. “We still don’t entirely understand how to predict the tyres’ performance; at the very least, there will be more information for the supercomputers to process. Still,” he adds, “you will no doubt make up places at the race’s start.”

“Right, the ‘Nexus off-line advantage’.” Best acceleration and straight-line speed in the competition and the PA-AS system aren’t exactly minor disadvantages - when combined… “Good to know there’s still that to rely on!”

“Mmhmm. Well, Jean is still competing; we can watch him for fifteen minutes, if you would like.”

“Sounds great, Martin; I’ll be back soon.”

---

“Amazing, Jean! That’s the first ever pole position for Nexus Racing! Awesome lap; you’ve done us proud. Let’s get a good night of rest and convert that tomorrow.”

The garage, Ryker and Martin included, whoops and applauds as Timothy steps away from the microphone. It appears that Jean has set himself up to pull off a Pedanovic.

[Northwest Kalactin]

”Jackson around the turn and he loses by 711 thousandths of a second wow what a race”
“Wow that was a good race right John”
“Remember Alex this is just a qualifying round the big race isn’t until tomorrow”
Team India Force 13’s Nate Jackson had just completed his qualifying lap for the race at Hodori and he got 6th place a pretty good spot for a complete newcomer, and not just that Nate had been a surprise newcomer with a last second move to create team India Force 13 right before the season started with the wonderful Grand Prix of Hodori that has already looked like it will create a great race on Sunday the tracks have been dry which is good for the drivers on other Motorsports news Northwest Kalactin and Azadeshia will have team India force 13’s headquarters placed in Griffin a city in Northwest Kalactins Indian territorys it is very close to Azadeshia so that will be very convenient for meetings and other events that include team India Force 13

[Azadeshia]

Ranveer was practicing on the circuit for the big race.He was more of a technique guy, but today he was just going faster and faster.Just after finishing his practice, he called his friend Manoj.

Manoj: Hey my racer!Congrats for getting in the Team India Force.

Ranveer: Yea thanks, been practicing for a while.You know I am racing with Nate Jackson, he's a cool guy and a good driver.

Manoj: Yea have been following on him for a while.Sooraj is still pretty jealous of you.

Ranveer: Haha, let him be.This circuit has more less turns than I raced in my favourite place.

Manoj: Ok, gotta go BYE!

Ranveer: Bye...

Phone Cut*

Ranveer wasn't confident that he will do good in the first race of the season, but he was ready enough.

[Vangaziland]

The sixteenth season of the World Grand Prix Championship was off to an exciting start. The anticipation of the preseason had built up to this, the first race weekend. It started with a practice run at Dashoze circuit. VMR's GT2 team had raced here in the HGTC. This would be a first look for Jessica Franssen, Gregori Krupin and even Jang Xiaopeng way over at Omni. It would culminate with Sunday's race, which was fast approaching.

VMR ran a mediocre practice week. Drivers Franssen and Krupin finished 8th and 12th respectively. Jang Xiaopeng finished one spot above Jess, still on a faster pace than his Vannish counterparts. Jess wasn't sure which way to go with the gear ratio. This track was unique in the way the high speed loop and straight were mixed with a really tight technical section.

Each team and car would have to make a choice.

Jessica was running a ratio somewhere balanced between both. That means she didn't excel in either area. Still, it put up some decent times. Practice sessions do not really count. They are sessions to refine data and learn the lines. People don't learn lines by putting up the fastest times. And if one team does put up such a quick time, they must consider the fact that the other drivers have their own goals and weren't racing them.

This is why morale should never live or die based on a Friday practice session. The true racers knew each season was a marathon. It would have its ups and downs. The best thing to do, is to 'sink into the groove'. That's the advice team managers had for both Franssen and Krupin as they kicked off their first qualifying session.

Jessica knew this. She was in it for the long haul. She also had a lot of faith in Krupin. After numbers from qualifying came in, it was clear Krupin would be the week's frontrunner for the team. A sideline reporter wanted Jessica's opinion on being the supporting driver.

"I'll do my best to get whatever 1 or 2 points I can", she said. "This is a team sport. If he's in the top five, 6 races down the line and I'm way near the bottom, I'll still fight to get as many points as I can for the team. The Constructors. A lot of drivers are in it for their personal cup. The best part about Krupin is that he has the same outlook. So when you look at it that way, our motivation isn't win or bust", Jess said.

Still she wasn't happy with her qualifying time.

"I can definitely improve on that in the future", Jess said. She then smirked as she turned to the camera. "Maybe I didn't put in the usual workload this week", she said. Jess was known for her meditation rituals and extensive preparation before each race. She did a little of that, watching old footage from Dashoze. There was still a lot more Jess could have done. "But I'm not down. That's for rookies. We'll see a few get flustered and quit. It happens. But true racers won't let a bad stretch get them down."

The truth was that VM-222, the 'Dragon', chassis was untested. Jessica had also been out of a car for some time. After qualifying out of the top20, the first race week will be a test. How far can she move up a pack? Is the new car reliable compared to the pack? There is a lot to be determined. The new cars were barely broken in, although they had driven many test track miles. The cars would have to open up over the season.

"I came into this season with realistic goals, so this isn't any kind of wrench in my plan", Franssen said. "So now it's up to Gregori and I to get out there and put up our fastest times. We'll see how things shape up after the first race."

Jang Xioapeng didn't fare much better, qualifying 14th. Vannish TV crews have also staked out a spot at Omni. The driver and crew there should expect a healthy dose of Vannish TV as the market almost NEEDS to cover the story of the WGP2's inaugural title winner. Here he was just another rookie driver, working hard to place on the grid.

He did seem more confident about his ability to pull points from here.

"The Omni car is running well. It's been in the top 10 at every session", Xiopeng said. "I'm not the type of driver to sit back. So I'm all in for the top 5. If I aim for that and fall to 7th... Hey. It's points. There is also the chance the field is faster. A lot of drivers look speedy this year."

Mr. Jang was asked to mention a few drivers he thought looked competitive.

"Dimitrianov looks quick! This could be his year", Xiaopeng said. "I remember WGPC 14, when I was watching on TV, all of us Vangazi were Alex fans and MRT fans since he drove wit Jess. I bet a lot of people wouldn't mind seeing him do well. He's put in the work over a bunch of seasons. Some rookie like me is just trying to be on his level."

Jang was asked about Ryker and Nexus in general. "They're a strong team with a nice machine. They should do well. Many see Ryker as a favorite to defend his spot. We'll see how the season goes."

Jang was asked about Moe Himura. "Never heard of him." He was then told it was a she. "Oh. It happens. Minor mistake. They're rookies too? Well new drivers can certainly make an impact. I wish them the best", said Xiaopeng with a friendly smile.

Himura had qualified well and there was a little buzz around them. But she hadn't done anything to earn the attention of Vannish Motors Racing. To them, Himura was just one more rookie too unproven to hire. The same couldn't be said about their choice, Gregori Krupin.

Jess and the team didn't see Krupin as just a rookie driver. They saw an ability in him to score serious points. He also came out motivated.

Team principal Vanessa Hattieson had the following to say about Krupin. "It's been great having him around the paddock. He has the right mindset and really helps make VMR a fun place to be. One thing VMR would never tolerate would be a negative attitude. We don't need that. We don't need people who complain and make beef. We are a professional crew that has a lot of fun. Here's to chasing the titles."

[West-East Timor]

Dashoze Circuit
Hodori

"Well... Eh, could have been better.", Mick said after getting out of his car.

"13th is not the worst that could have happened..."

"No, but I feel like I could have done way better. The car is good. But... I don't know why I couldn't do better."

"Jang was not better than you either. He was basically just as good. and you're both within half a second of Mercer-Daly. You were almost as fast as Ryker Lane! I think that maybe the track just isn't the best for the car. Maybe we just didn't have much luck. It's just the first qualifying of the season."

"Well yeah..."

"And also, gain three positions, and you're in the points. Jang thinks top five is possible. I think so too."

"Well yeah, if I think about it... We've seen that a lot can happen in a race."

"Exactly."

Mick went out of the garage, where he was already expected by several West-East Timorian TV crews, who obviously wanted him to give an interview.

"Mick, what do you think of your result today?", the journalist closest to Mick asked.

"Well, things could certainly have gone better, however I think it could also have gone worse. i mean, if you compare it to the pre-season tests and the practice... Though you can't compare a qualifying to a pre-season test, you don't try to get fast laps at a pre-season test, you test the car. Should be clear. Same for practice sessions, just you also try to learn the track there."

A journalist further back asked Mick for his expectations for the race.

"They always ask these two questions...", Mick thought. "Well...", he answered, "I think finishing in the points should certainly be my goal. I don't know hoe far into the points I can get, I'll just give my best and see what I can achieve."

Another journalist mentioned Jang mentioning something about top five.

"Top five are possible for us, but unlike just points, I wouldn't necessarily expect it, and I won't be disappointed if I don't reach them."

"What are your expectations for the season? Who do you think are your main rivals?"

"No idea. It's been one qualifying. Not really much to judge from."

"What do you think about the thirteenth team that's been added to the grid?"

"To be honest I'm surprised that they choose 'India Force 13' over a team witha a bit more... prestige and pedigree. In full honesty, I've never heard of this team before. I didn't expect much from them first, however, their result in today's qualifying surprised me... we'll have to wait and see how they'll be doing over an entire season."

The journlists finally left him alone, and Mick went to his hotel.

---

Eastfield-Lodge

"This is just ridiculous", was Jannik's impression of the MSA-SinVal test. "RL Cruisin... I'm better than RL Cruisin. Their car is terrible. I had no chance to do well in this... thing."

"Or... maybe you just had a lot of bad luck?"

"Maybe. I don't know."

"Well, all that's still left now is the test at Bitten Heroes..."

"Yeah. If I should still get that seat, what is unlikely, I'll have certainly missed at least the first race of the season. And Bitten Heroes still want a female driver..."

"A good thing probably is that many of the other drivers considered by Bitten Heroes already are signed at other teams by now.That should make it way easier for you. Maybe."

"Well yeah... I guess we'll just have to see... anyways Bitten Heroes is my last chance."

They drove to the airport and flew back to West-East Timor. Jannik had basically given up all hopes on a seat in WGPC this season.

[Filindostan]

Dashoze Circuit, Hodori
Free Practice and Qualifying Session

Rudolf was ecstatic as he pulled the MRT leathers, and his new red helmet, designed with the FIlindostan stars above and the flag-like stripes on the sides. He was excited to run a WGPC car on a track that his father already drove in his Formula Hodori days up to the time in the NSFC championships. It was interesting to see that Rudolf, despite having one and a half seasons driving in the WGPC, he never raced in Dashoze in motorsports' highest tier championship, with the Hodoran rounds of the championship were held in Yakumicha Circuit instead.

Well, Rusty did not care a bit for that, and was itching to start his laps for free practice. The session was dry though, and the car was setup to his liking at the very start of the session. When he got out of the circuit though, he was miles slower on his out lap. Werner shouted instructions in the team radio:

"Uhm, Rusty, can you pick up the pace please?"

"Why?"

"We might get the attention of the stewards, your outlap is goddamn slow."

"Oh, is it?"

"Just push the freaking pedal, shall you?"

"Okay."

Rusty didn't do that bad in the free practice session, other than his initially slow outlap. Clocking in 14th of 25 cars in a track that was not much suitable for his MRT machine or his technical skills, he had a sense of optimism that he can improve more and put the Mattijanan team further up the grid, and oh, a bit faster than his teammate, Sigur. The team would be also be optimistic...

...but came the qualifying session, both MRT cars struggled in the fifty-minute first session, and Rusty making mistake after mistake in his flying laps took his confidence out of him. He had a very rough first qualifying, a full three seconds off the pace of the fastest car, which turned out to be Arada's Moe Himura. And his last attempt to set a time was nixed by his lack of concentration. His MRT car plunged into the gravel trap at one of the fastest corners of the track, He did not have enough time to improve his times, and as a result, he will line up on the outside of the 12th row, in 24th position.

How disappointing to start 24th on a team that was expected to compete with the Multiverse's best. He wished time would lapse already to the second round of the WGPC season.

[Esmerel]

Dashoze Circuit, Dashoze, Hodori
Saturday Qualifying

"Hmm. Eleventh in practice, Ryker is second, and- oh my god I'm just behind Talvela again."

"Jean, don't worry too much. It's called practice for a reason. And besides, not counting that one time where the engine exploded in Nekoni you have had a great qualifying record."

"Hmm. True enough. Now, let's go and qualify."

Jean began his first session laps. After having warmed up a bit in Practice, Jean knew the proper way around this circuit. Any driver would need that to go fast, anyways. The Dashoze circuit had three long straights- perfect for the Chase Cutter, and with the newly developed Brutus-In Motion tyres, the car was actually able to turn.

Jean's first lap was a 1:20.300, which put him in provisional second place- he decided that was good enough. There was a second session later, the really fast laps could come then. By the end of the first session Jean had dropped to fourth- but that was still more than good enough for the first lap. Although Ryker had only managed twelfth... Well, he had come back from worse.

--Second Session--

Then came the second session and Jean put the pedal to the metal floor of the Chase Cutter. Actually, what was the floor made of? Maybe it wasn't metal... Oh, who knew? Jean just needed to go fast.

And fast he went. Pulling out all of his tricks he learned from the many years he had a a racing driver, he pulled of his best lap of the weekend- a 1:20.079- and when his HUD flashed purple he had never felt better. Jean had won three races before, but none of them had come from pole. In fact, Jean had never had a pole in the WGPC. Six minutes were left in the session, and some key drivers were yet to finish all of their laps, so would Jean's first pole be snatched away at the end?

Well, no. No one came within a tenth.

"Oh, baby! That's a pole! First race too! What a performance this car pulled off..."

Jean was ecstatic as he pulled back into the pit lane. What was surprising was that Terho was almost three seconds off the pace. And Alexander Lund was barely even registering on the speed traps. At least he had a top ten start.

Now, all that mattered was Jean managing to hold on to his nice position in the race... From what he could tell, there hadn't been anyone who both qualified on pole and won the race in quite a while of WGPC history. Maybe even ever. Was that a curse... or a sign that Jean was about to set another record?

[Aji No Moto]

Dashoze Circuit, Hodori
First Qualifying Session

Yesterday's free practice session looked good for the KISMO team, despite them bringing harder tyre compounds than usual in the Grand Prix of Hodori. It was their partner's recommendation after Kyoko had her tyres explode spectacularly during the testing at Fadron Raceway, and with Tsutomu, Dolf, and the gang acting swiftly to replace that tyre supplier with Tropicorp Racing Supply, they still had to wait until the next round to have the new tyres fitted to the car.

Despite the tyre situation that they had, the two KISMO cars showed promise on the track, ending the first day of the race weekend with both at top ten, Kyoko usually outpacing the more experienced Ethan. This showed promise to Rudolf, who, despite having raced at this track during his Formula Hodori and NSFC days, have never raced on this track using a WGPC-spec car.

The qualifying session, however, put the smiles in the garage into anxious faces. Most of the teams who struggled in free practice showed their qualifying prowess - a category neither KISMO nor the top brass besides Rudolf, are experienced with. Rudolf's team in the NSFC, especially in the second season, had always excelled in qualifying, due to the raw pace of the Anutin Tabu engine, but always falter at raceday. He would not envision that both the KISMO cars would miss Q2, and to their surprise, even the new team on the block, the 'Team India Force 13' team, piloted by complete greenhorns, would set faster times than the two drivers that they have.

And to their surprise, the MSA-SinVal team, who were not present in any of the pre-season testing and looked to struggle in yesterday's session, suddenly had themselves moving on to the second qualifying session. Maybe the experience of R.L. Cruisin, and his large backing from Vilaye Energy Drink, put the Eastfielder team on the suprising rise. Maybe Rudolf thought the Vilitan was not replying to the mail he sent was because he might have to deal with conflicts with Kissan's brand of energy drinks? Well, maybe not since Ethan was quick to reply the follow-up mail and Rudolf was targeting the Ethanian driver anyway.

Many things popped into the team principal's mind, but maybe they can get the hang of it tomorrow, with them also learning that the second round of the WGPC season puts them on their home track at Serizawa. He had to clear his mind during the post-qualifying debrief, and just told the drivers to push hard and enjoy their debut race.

"They're running on harder compound tyres anyway." He said in his own mind.

TO: Tropicorp Racing Supply
FROM: NAKAJIMA Teruko <nakateru-at-kismo-dot-anm>
CC: SUGIYAMA Tsutomu <sugiyama.tsutomu-at-kismo-dot-anm>; Rudolf IBUNA <rudolf.ibuna-at-kismo-dot-anm>
SUBJECT: Request for Tyre Supply and Sponsorship
ATTACHMENT: Current KISMO Livery - Fujisaki

---

To whom it may concern,

I am Teruko Nakajima, Chief car engineer for Kissan Motorsport (KISMO). We are looking for a new tyre supplier for the upcoming WGPC season starting at the second round of the championship. We are also offering a spot for the sponsor logo at the side near the barge boards and a spot below our oil and lubricant sponsor at the side of the rear wing. You may see our current livery at the file attached in this email.

We will request for the following from your reputable company, should you accept our request:
1) Black-and-white logo of your company - all our sponsors in the livery are in this color scheme, so we request that the logo you are providing will also follow this format.

2) Sample image or render of the Tropicorp Sifaka tyres (OOC: .PNG or .PSD version of the tyremark so I can place it to my tyres in the livery)

Let me know if you have questions or inquiries. Please treat this email as restricted, and keep the copied on any discussions related to this.

Thank you!

Best Regards,
Teruko

TERUKO NAKAJIMA
Chief Car Engineer
Kissan Motorsport
Serizawa Racing Circuit, Aji No Moto
Email: nakateru@kismo.anm

KISMO Confidential