I Forzala 1 Imperial Championship

[The Macabees]

NAVIGATION

• Making Your Team and Designing Your Drivers
• The Scorinator
• The Specs: Window Dressing
• The Teams and Drivers
• The Tracks

WELCOME to the I Forzala 1 Imperial Championship, the Golden Throne's premier open-wheel racing tournament. Witness the fastest cars and the best drivers battling each other over sixteen weekends to decide who will become champion.

F1IC kicks off at the imperial capital, Fedala, where the imperial palatial complex and its sprawling, cool, and lush gardens overlook the track. Travel the empire, from city to city, to visit exotic worlds and some of the most beautiful cities in Greater Díenstad. You'll watch some of the most aesthetically pleasing race cars zip around the ancient Fedoroville acropolis abutting the sea, with its many marinas, stunning beaches, and impressive "hanging" homes. From there, we'll tour the provinces until heading over to northern Theohauancu, skipping over to coastal Indras, and then to the PMC-capital of the world, the city-state of Tarn. Week 12 takes us to the Pantocratorian-speaking territory of Cerfonlande. Afterwards, we're off to Zarbian Fedorogoda, then to the free city of Fedorograd, and finalizing our three-peat of cities named after His Imperial Majesty Fedor I in Fedoria, Nicaro. The tournament ends with the thrilling Beriston Speed Tunnels, a full-throttle, challenging, and dangerous circuit that is entirely underground! Get ready for majestic sights, enthralling action, and the stunning spectacle of Forzala 1.

N.B. I am scorinating using a custom script that updates an Excel sheet.This is the inaugural season. While I simulated a season in my QA and everything should go smoothly, please excuse any kinks while they get worked out.




CAN I JOIN MID-SEASON?

Yes.




CAN ANYONE JOIN, REGARDLESS OF REGION?

Yes.



AI POLICY

Images only. The livery designs for many (most?) teams are AI-generated. The images used for the weekend warmup posts are also AI-generated.

The only text written by AI is the key detail bullet points in the tracks section. The tracks themselves are mechanically designed in a spreadsheet, with points distributed across specific categories (you can see these in the track maps) by myself, that is, by hand. The track maps are made using a python script which reads the spreadsheet, using the track data to put together the map using segments. This allowed me to set up the tracks at scale, and also provide some insight for players trying to understand what to optimize for.

All RP must be written by a human.



ARE YOU ON DISCORD?

You can find me on the NS Sports Discord server. You're also welcome to join the Greater Dienstad server - the link will drop you at our ns sports channel.




MAKING YOUR TEAM AND DESIGNING YOUR DRIVER

The Basics

• Each team has two drivers. The team is associated with your country, but the drivers do not need to be.
• Qualifying is scorinated on Saturday.
• The race is scorinated on Sunday.
• Each team can earn an RP bonus. Only one post will be counted per session, per team.
• There are two sessions: qualifying and race.
• The qualifying bonus is larger than the race bonus.
• The race bonus is added to the qualifying bonus. Think of it as a little bump in chances.
• Upgrades: each team has up to three opportunities in a single season to redistribute their car points.
• Teams can replace drivers with new drivers at any point in the season.
• Drivers can redistribute 20 points in their stats once per season.

Creating Your Teams

Each gets 400 points to distribute across five categories:

• Top Speed: Most valuable on tracks with long straights and long overtaking zones. Speed takes a little penalty in rainy and high-wind conditions.
• Cornering: This is how good the car is at taking corners. Important for technical, corner-heavy maps, such as street circuits.
• Acceleration: How quickly the car can come up to speed. Tracks with a lot of corners will prize acceleration.
• Energy: This is partly about tire degradation, and also about consistency and the overall race page. Cars with more energy will have better late-race pace.
• Reliability: Highly reliable cars are less likely to DNF (did not finish). The higher the attrition rating of the track, the more prized reliability is.

Creating Your Drivers

Each driver gets 400 points. Remember, you have two drivers per team.

• Skill: Driver pace at a high level. A very important stat.
• Consistency: Highly consistent drivers make fewer mistakes.
• Aggression: Aggressive drivers take more risks for overtakes, fastest lap attempts, and moving up the grid on race day after a bad quali.
• Tire Management: Reduces tire degradation over the race, affecting average race pace. Important for tracks with 50+ laps.
• Qualifying Bias: This is an important stat insofar as qualis determine the race time penalty. The better you qualify, the lower the penalty.

Each team can have a #1 driver, or it can have two equal drivers. Your #1 driver will get 60% of the team's RP bonus.




THE SCORINATOR

The scorinator consists of (a) an Excel spreadsheet and (b) a python script.

The Excel spreadsheet contains team, driver, and track data. It is both referenced and updated by the script. The script outputs qualifying and race times in separate sheets and in separate runs; a.k.a it scorinates one day at a time.

To determine outputs, the scorinator references the sheet data, including driver, car, track, and weather data. There is built-in randomness, but the data establishes constraints and directionality. It is not designed to reward a specific build, as different track and weather conditions will call for different car and driver builds. That means that there is no "meta." Instead, you are encouraged to develop identities for your cars and drivers that appeal to you, distributing points accordingly. Because tracks and weather conditions will vary throughout the season, it's really about long-run performance. Remember that you have three opportunities to "upgrade," or redistribute points, throughout the racing season.

There are inherent trade-offs in the system. A car that's good for slow corners may perform poorly on circuits with long straights. Drivers also matter, with different driver builds producing different outcomes even for the same car build. Likewise, qualifying and race days are two completely different beasts. A car and driver setup that qualifies very well will not necessarily do well over multiple laps. The weather will also have an impact on outcomes, affecting grip conditions. Drivers who may not do well on sunny days may become monsters in the rain. Strong teams understand in which races they should be minimizing losses, and in which they should maximize points. The strongest team is whatever design philosophy appeals to you, allowing you to have fun when roleplaying around results.

Key takeaways:

• No such thing as a perfect build.
• Every setup has both advantages and disadvantages.
• Start with your identity first.

THE SPECS: WINDOW DRESSING




Core Philosophy

Mechanical performance takes primacy, with electronics as enhancers. The tournament rewards mechanical power and the spectacle.


Powertrain Regulations

• Naturally aspirated V10 engines (3.2L–3.5L typical range)
• Target rev range: 18,000–20,000 RPM
• No fuel flow restrictions
• 85-90:10-15 ICE:MGU-K

Energy Recovery

• Mechanical KERS (flywheel systems) permitted and encouraged
• Optional electric assist allowed, but: (a)Must remain a minor supplementary system; Cannot exceed primary engine dominance

Exhaust & Sound Requirements

To maintain a high acoustic profile, exhaust systems are largely unrestricted, with minimal muffling requirements (safety only). Teams are encouraged to develop distinct sound signatures.


Aerodynamics

• Fully active aerodynamic systems are permitted, including: (a) Adaptive front and rear wings; (b) Multi-state drag reduction systems
• Ground-effect underbodies are standard

Suspension & Chassis Systems

• Active suspension systems are permitted
• Real-time ride height and damping adjustments allowed

Electronic Systems

• Advanced electronics are allowed, including: (a) Traction and torque management systems (limited); (b) Integrated vehicle control systems (aero, suspension, energy deployment); (c) Predictive performance modeling and telemetry tools
• Systems must remain driver-influenced and overrideable
• Full automation or “perfect stability” systems are not permitted

Driver Interface

• Fully configurable steering systems allowed
• Multiple performance modes (e.g., attack, defend, thermal management) permitted

[The Macabees]

THE TEAMS AND DRIVERS

N.B. RP bonuses apply to teams. For simplicity, teams with #1 drivers will distribute 60% of RP points to the #1. Otherwise, points will be distributed equally. By default, your RP bonus will go to your first team. One RP per team will be included in the RP bonus for that week's grand prix.

Tango et Kartuma RMK



Headquartered in Beda Fromm, the Golden Throne.

Car Details
Upgrade #1: 6/15/2026 - Prior to Q5.
Upgrade #2: 8/14/2026 - Prior to Q13.

• Top Speed: 95
• Cornering: 90
• Acceleration: 90
• Energy: 75
• Reliability: 50

Drivers

Ror Rakken (#1)
Simulator session used.

• Skill: 100
• Consistency: 90
• Aggression: 65
• Tire Management: 75
• Qualifying Bias: 70

Viting Horsele

• Skill: 95
• Consistency: 120
• Aggression: 40
• Tire Management: 100
• Qualifying Bias: 45

Ekklesson F1



Headquartered in Macabea, The Golden Throne.

Car Details
Upgrade #1: 6/15/2026 - Prior to R9.

• Top Speed: 86
• Cornering: 93
• Acceleration: 80
• Energy: 76
• Reliability: 65

Drivers

Marko Meya

• Skill: 82
• Consistency: 95
• Aggression: 70
• Tire Management: 83
• Qualifying Bias: 70

Felix Klasen

• Skill: 86
• Consistency: 88
• Aggression: 75
• Tire Management: 81
• Qualifying Bias: 70

Kronenstahl MTG



Headquartered in Berlina, Ordena.

Car Details

• Top Speed: 94
• Cornering: 76
• Acceleration: 82
• Energy: 72
• Reliability: 76

Drivers

Sebastian Heidfeld

• Skill: 94
• Consistency: 88
• Aggression: 74
• Tire Management: 72
• Qualifying Bias: 72

Ralf Hülkenberg

• Skill: 94
• Consistency: 88
• Aggression: 74
• Tire Management: 72
• Qualifying Bias: 72

Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing



Headquartered in Vonum.

Car Details
Upgrade #1: 5/30/2026 - Prior to R2.

• Top Speed: 95
• Cornering: 81
• Acceleration: 78
• Energy: 75
• Reliability: 71

Drivers

Gabrielle Figueroa (2) (#1)

• Skill: 89
• Consistency: 73
• Aggression: 80
• Tire Management: 77
• Qualifying Bias: 81

Amber Astota (2)

• Skill: 86
• Consistency: 79
• Aggression: 78
• Tire Management: 76
• Qualifying Bias: 81

Upgrade #1

Lanto Automotive



Headquartered in Cerklis, Archinia.

Car Details
Upgrade #1: 5/30/2026 - Prior to R2.
Upgrade #2: 7/5/2026 - Prior to R7.
Upgrade #3: 8/22/2026 - Prior to R14.

• Top Speed: 85
• Cornering: 85
• Acceleration: 85
• Energy: 75
• Reliability: 70

Drivers

Lucas Alynbac

• Skill: 75
• Consistency: 100
• Aggression: 85
• Tire Management: 75
• Qualifying Bias: 55

Rouben Veurien

• Skill: 80
• Consistency: 200
• Aggression: 70
• Tire Management: 40
• Qualifying Bias: 10

Team Sasha



Run by El'kon-Owner Jungon Dai. Headquartered in Mercantile Sarda- Bastal Autoworks, Diamaka (Holy Marsh).

Car Details
Upgrade #1: 6/28/2026 - Prior to Q7.

• Top Speed: 90
• Cornering: 90
• Acceleration: 90
• Energy: 65
• Reliability: 65

Drivers

Basiv Darjis (#1)

• Skill: 100
• Consistency: 90
• Aggression: 60
• Tire Management: 75
• Qualifying Bias: 75

Kamila Saidova

• Skill: 90
• Consistency: 85
• Aggression: 75
• Tire Management: 75
• Qualifying Bias: 75

Pryfors Bilar



Headquartered in Pryfurium, Diarcesia. (Full bio)

Car Details
Upgrade #1: 6/21/2026 - Prior to Q6.
Upgrade #2: 7/19/2026 - Prior to Q10.

• Top Speed: 89
• Cornering: 108
• Acceleration: 75
• Energy: 57
• Reliability: 71

Drivers

Sam Blaatschapen

• Skill: 90
• Consistency: 80
• Aggression: 100
• Tire Management: 70
• Qualifying Bias: 60

Laurens Scherpenkate

• Skill: 90
• Consistency: 80
• Aggression: 75
• Tire Management: 80
• Qualifying Bias: 75

Dunne Motors



Morridane race team.

Car Details

• Top Speed: 110
• Cornering: 85
• Acceleration: 75
• Energy: 70
• Reliability: 60

Drivers

Seárlas Dhomnaigh

• Skill: 90
• Consistency: 90
• Aggression: 75
• Tire Management: 85
• Qualifying Bias: 60

Lonán Leanacháin

• Skill: 95
• Consistency: 80
• Aggression: 70
• Tire Management: 90
• Qualifying Bias: 65

Valle Zuma F1



Historic Mokan race team, powered by the legal and illegal drug trade.

Car Details

• Top Speed: 130
• Cornering: 65
• Acceleration: 85
• Energy: 80
• Reliability: 40

Drivers

Santi Balenciago (#1)

• Skill: 90
• Consistency: 70
• Aggression: 105
• Tire Management: 65
• Qualifying Bias: 70

Emilio Blanco

• Skill: 75
• Consistency: 80
• Aggression: 90
• Tire Management: 70
• Qualifying Bias: 85

CAMDEN NEXT



CAMDEN NEXT is what the next generation of racers in Lisander looks. Managed in a joint-venture by Camden, once a team in World Grand Prix Championship and the Lisanderian team currently racing the Astyrian F1 Championship, and Saber Inc., a conglomerate that includes Saber Ironworks, a metallurgy company, Moon Books (a publishing company) and TEAM-MOON (a racing team that previously competed in Formula Hinode and provided competition to other minor series around the world). Saber Inc. formerly controlled part of TAS-Alliance team in World Grand Prix Championship 19. (Full bio)

Car Details
Upgrade #1: 8/1/2026 - Prior to R11.

• Top Speed: 105
• Cornering: 100
• Acceleration: 90
• Energy: 55
• Reliability: 50

Drivers

Arturia Nero
Simulator session used.

• Skill: 120
• Consistency: 115
• Aggression: 40
• Tire Management: 40
• Qualifying Bias: 85

Thomas Monteiro

• Skill: 90
• Consistency: 90
• Aggression: 65
• Tire Management: 60
• Qualifying Bias: 95

Lunar Firestorm



HQd in Solisian Union.

Car Details
Upgrade #1: 5/30/2026 - Prior to R2.
Upgrade #2: 8/22/2026 - Prior to R14

• Top Speed: 96
• Cornering: 93
• Acceleration: 86
• Energy: 70
• Reliability: 55

Drivers

Karina Monraksha

• Skill: 95
• Consistency: 70
• Aggression: 95
• Tire Management: 60
• Qualifying Bias: 80

Nassrena Kang Salarzai

• Skill: 85
• Consistency: 95
• Aggression: 80
• Tire Management: 70
• Qualifying Bias: 70

Cooper Motors



HQd in Caliland. Founded and owned by Calilandian cryptocurrency entrepreneur and lifelong motorsports fan, Trevor Cooper.

Car Details

• Top Speed: 100
• Cornering: 100
• Acceleration: 100
• Energy: 50
• Reliability: 50

Drivers

Alessandro Di Raffaele
Simulator session used.

• Skill: 150
• Consistency: 70
• Aggression: 130
• Tire Management: 25
• Qualifying Bias: 25

Jose Luiz Lopez

• Skill: 120
• Consistency: 120
• Aggression: 60
• Tire Management: 90
• Qualifying Bias: 10

DROPPED DRIVERS


Gabrielle Figueroa (Last team Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing)

• Skill: 85
• Consistency: 75
• Aggression: 82
• Tire Management: 79
• Qualifying Bias: 79

Amber Astota (Last team Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing)

• Skill: 82
• Consistency: 77
• Aggression: 86
• Tire Management: 76
• Qualifying Bias: 79

Karles Jasper

• Skill: 95
• Consistency: 80
• Aggression: 90
• Tire Management: 65
• Qualifying Bias: 70

[The Macabees]

THE TRACKS

Week 1: Fedala Speedway, Imperial Province



54 laps; 5.8km lap.

Key Details

• Track Type: High-speed street circuit with long-radius corners
• Rewards: Aero stability, smooth inputs, high-speed commitment, exit optimization
• Punishes: Overdriving entries, rear instability, small line errors that cascade
• Overtaking: Limited; dependent on exit speed into heavy braking zones
• Tire Factor: Medium — wear accumulates gradually, impacts late-stint pace
• Setup Bias: Medium–high downforce, stable rear, balanced braking
• Qualifying Importance: High — clean air significantly reduces cumulative lap time loss
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low–Medium — incidents tend to be isolated but impactful
• Time Profile: Built through sustained corner speed and exit efficiency; low variance, small gains compound
• Driver Bias: Consistency > Skill > Tire Management > Qualifying Bias > Aggression
• Race Character: Compressive; gaps close slowly, mistakes define position changes
• Notable Traits: Long-duration corners amplify minor pace differences over full race distance

Week 2: Fedoroville Street Circuit, Territory of Holy Panúli



Key Details

93 laps; 3.3km lap.

• Track Type: Tight, technical street circuit with segmented flow and mixed-speed sections
• Rewards: Precision, braking control, traction on exit, rapid direction changes, disciplined throttle application
• Punishes: Over-aggression, missed braking points, poor car placement in technical sequences, instability under load transfer
• Overtaking: Very limited; primary opportunity into Turn 1 and occasional moves into heavy braking zones if exit is compromised ahead
• Tire Factor: Medium–High — repeated slow-speed traction zones and stop-start sections increase rear degradation
• Setup Bias: Medium downforce, strong mechanical grip, compliant suspension for traction and kerb handling
• Qualifying Importance: Very High — track position is critical; clean air heavily dictates total race time
• Safety Car Likelihood: High — tight confines, frequent braking zones, and limited runoff increase incident probability
• Time Profile: Built through technical sector execution; lap time gained in braking precision and exit consistency rather than outright speed
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Constrained and opportunistic; races compress into train-like formations with pressure-driven errors
• Notable Traits: Sector 2–3 technical complex defines lap time; long outer section offers recovery but not enough to offset mistakes

Week 3: Circuit of Díenstad, Province of Díenstad



Key Details

57 laps; 5.4km lap.

• Track Type: Balanced permanent circuit with long straight and mixed-speed technical sections
• Rewards: High-speed stability, braking efficiency, smooth transitions through medium-speed corners, exit optimization onto the main straight
• Punishes: Drag-heavy setups, poor braking consistency, hesitation in medium-speed flow sections, compromised exits onto long acceleration zones
• Overtaking: Moderate–High; primary moves into Turn 1 and end-of-straight braking zones, with secondary opportunities in technical sections
• Tire Factor: Medium — balanced load profile with moderate degradation across both axles
• Setup Bias: Balanced; slight lean toward lower drag with stable braking platform
• Qualifying Importance: Medium–High — grid position matters, but race pace and overtaking remain viable
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low–Medium — runoff and circuit width reduce incidents, but high-speed entries create risk
• Time Profile: Split between straight-line efficiency and medium-speed corner execution; large gains on the main straight and its preceding exit
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Dynamic; position changes are achievable, with pace differentials translating into real overtakes
• Notable Traits: Long main straight defines strategy; final sector exit heavily dictates lap time and overtaking potential

Week 4: Macabea Street Circuit, Province of Díenstad



Key Details

85 laps; 3.6km lap.

• Track Type: Technical street circuit with heavy stop-start sections and complex sequencing
• Rewards: Braking precision, traction, low-speed rotation, disciplined throttle application through tight complexes
• Punishes: Lockups, poor traction out of slow corners, over-aggression in direction changes, unstable rear under braking
• Overtaking: Low; primary opportunity into Turn 1 and select heavy braking zones, otherwise position-dependent
• Tire Factor: Medium–High — repeated acceleration zones and traction demands stress rear tires
• Setup Bias: Medium–high downforce, strong mechanical grip, compliant suspension for traction and stability
• Qualifying Importance: Very High — track position is critical, overtaking windows are limited
• Safety Car Likelihood: High — tight layout, frequent braking zones, and limited runoff increase incident frequency
• Time Profile: Built through low-speed execution and traction; time gained in clean exits and braking consistency rather than top speed
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Constrained and attritional; gaps form through mistakes rather than pace differentials
• Notable Traits: Dense technical sections dominate lap time; rhythm disruption makes consistency difficult over a stint

Week 5: Rezeghring, Province of Sidi Rezegh



Key Details

55 laps; 6.1km lap.

• Track Type: High-speed flow circuit with long straights and sweeping corners
• Rewards: Aero efficiency, high-speed stability, commitment through long-radius corners, exit speed onto extended straights
• Punishes: Drag-heavy setups, hesitation in fast corners, poor exit discipline, instability at high speed
• Overtaking: High; multiple opportunities into heavy braking zones at the end of long straights
• Tire Factor: Medium — sustained high-speed load balanced by cooling on straights
• Setup Bias: Lower drag, efficient aero platform, stable high-speed balance
• Qualifying Importance: Medium — overtaking is viable, but starting forward reduces exposure to traffic time loss
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low — wide, flowing layout reduces incident clustering
• Time Profile: Built on straight-line speed and fast corner commitment; large gains from exit velocity and top speed
• Driver Bias: Skill > Qualifying Bias > Consistency > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Expansive and momentum-driven; pace differentials translate directly into overtakes
• Notable Traits: Long outer loop and back straight define lap time; fast corners reward confidence more than precision

Week 6: Beda Fromm Autodrome, Province of Beda Fromm



Key Details

67 laps; 4.9km lap.

• Track Type: Classic balanced circuit with long straights and technical mid-sector
• Rewards: Braking consistency, transition stability, strong exits onto long straights, balanced car setup
• Punishes: Inconsistent braking, poor rhythm through technical middle sector, drag-heavy setups limiting straight-line performance
• Overtaking: Moderate–High; key opportunities into Turn 1 and late-lap heavy braking zones
• Tire Factor: Medium — varied load profile keeps degradation manageable but relevant over stints
• Setup Bias: Balanced; slight emphasis on straight-line efficiency with stable braking platform
• Qualifying Importance: Medium–High — track position matters, but race pace and overtaking can offset grid deficits
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low–Medium — wider layout reduces incidents, but technical sections introduce risk
• Time Profile: Split between straight-line gains and technical sector execution; lap time heavily influenced by mid-sector rhythm and final exits
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Structured but flexible; pace advantages translate into overtakes with sustained pressure
• Notable Traits: Technical middle sector disrupts rhythm; long closing section amplifies exit performance into overtaking zones

Week 7: Targul Frumos Speedway, Province of Targul Frumos



Key Details

61 laps; 5.2km lap.

• Track Type: Power-focused circuit with long straights and heavy braking zones
• Rewards: Straight-line speed, braking performance, traction out of slow corners, efficient acceleration
• Punishes: High drag setups, weak braking stability, poor traction on exit, hesitation in stop-start sections
• Overtaking: High; multiple prime opportunities into major braking zones at the end of long straights
• Tire Factor: Medium — heavy braking and traction zones create localized wear, but straights allow recovery
• Setup Bias: Low drag, strong braking platform, stable rear under acceleration
• Qualifying Importance: Medium — overtaking is frequent, but track position still reduces exposure to time loss
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low–Medium — long straights reduce clustering, but heavy braking zones introduce risk
• Time Profile: Dominated by straight-line speed and braking efficiency; large gains from acceleration zones and top speed
• Driver Bias: Skill > Qualifying Bias > Consistency > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Expansive and combative; frequent position changes driven by braking duels and exit performance
• Notable Traits: Extended back straight and final sector braking zone define overtaking; lap time heavily influenced by acceleration phases

Week 8: Aurillacring, Province of Ruska



Key Details

49 laps; 6.4km lap.

• Track Type: High-speed flow circuit with extended sweeping sections and long straight
• Rewards: Sustained cornering speed, aero efficiency, rhythm, high-speed confidence, exit consistency
• Punishes: Hesitation in fast corners, poor line discipline, drag-heavy setups, instability under sustained lateral load
• Overtaking: Moderate; primary opportunity at end of main straight, with limited secondary chances elsewhere
• Tire Factor: Medium — long-duration corners create steady wear, balanced by recovery on straights
• Setup Bias: Medium–low drag, strong aero stability, predictable high-speed balance
• Qualifying Importance: Medium–High — clean air improves rhythm, but overtaking remains possible
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low — flowing layout reduces incident clustering
• Time Profile: Built through sustained speed and rhythm; lap time gained in fast corner commitment and long straight exit
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Flowing and momentum-driven; gaps form through rhythm disruption rather than sudden errors
• Notable Traits: Long sweeping sections dominate lap time; final straight creates the primary overtaking window

Week 9: North Point Street Circuit, Territory of Theohuanacu



Key Details

82 laps; 3.8km lap.

• Track Type: Tight, technical street circuit with dense corner sequencing and short straights
• Rewards: Precision, braking control, rotation in low-speed corners, consistency through complex sequences
• Punishes: Over-aggression, missed apexes, poor positioning through linked corners, instability under braking
• Overtaking: Low; limited to heavy braking zones and errors ahead
• Tire Factor: Medium–High — repeated low-speed traction zones increase rear degradation
• Setup Bias: Medium–high downforce, strong mechanical grip, stable braking platform
• Qualifying Importance: Very High — track position is critical with limited passing opportunities
• Safety Car Likelihood: High — confined layout and frequent braking zones increase incident risk
• Time Profile: Built through technical sector execution; time gained in precision and consistency rather than speed
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Constrained and unforgiving; races defined by errors and pressure rather than pace
• Notable Traits: Central technical complex dominates lap time; rhythm disruption makes sustained pace difficult

Week 10: Vasozia Raceway, Territory of Indras



Key Details

56 laps; 5.6km lap.

• Track Type: Balanced circuit with extended straight and technical closing sector
• Rewards: Straight-line speed, braking precision, traction out of slow corners, consistency through technical sections
• Punishes: Poor braking control, compromised exits onto long straight, instability in low-speed sequences
• Overtaking: Moderate–High; primary opportunity at end of long straight, with additional chances into heavy braking zones
• Tire Factor: Medium — mixed load profile with traction zones stressing the rears
• Setup Bias: Balanced with slight emphasis on low drag and braking stability
• Qualifying Importance: Medium–High — grid position matters, but overtaking is achievable with pace advantage
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low–Medium — open layout reduces clustering, but technical sector introduces risk
• Time Profile: Built on straight-line gains and final sector execution; exits onto main straight heavily influence lap time
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Structured with overtaking windows; pace advantages convert through braking zones and exits
• Notable Traits: Long main straight defines race strategy; tight final sector disrupts rhythm and creates mistakes

Week 11: Tarn Street Cauldron, Republic of Tarn



Key Details

74 laps; 4.2km lap.

• Track Type: Tight, high-intensity street circuit with mixed-speed technical sectors
• Rewards: Braking precision, rotation in tight corners, adaptability, consistency under pressure
• Punishes: Over-aggression, missed braking points, poor positioning through dense corner sequences, mental lapses over a stint
• Overtaking: Low–Moderate; limited to key braking zones and mistakes ahead
• Tire Factor: Medium–High — varied cornering loads and traction zones create uneven degradation
• Setup Bias: Medium–high downforce, strong mechanical grip, stable braking platform
• Qualifying Importance: Very High — track position is critical in a constrained layout
• Safety Car Likelihood: Very High — tight confines and constant pressure increase incident frequency
• Time Profile: Built through technical execution across multiple sectors; lap time gained in consistency and error minimization
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Tire Management > Qualifying Bias > Aggression
• Race Character: Chaotic and punishing; sustained pressure leads to mistakes and sudden position changes
• Notable Traits: Sector transitions disrupt rhythm; one of the highest error-rate circuits on the calendar

Week 12: Circuit Ladislas Rémy, Territory of Cerfonlande



Key Details

88 laps; 3.5km lap.

• Track Type: Compact balanced circuit with long straight and tight technical sector
• Rewards: Straight-line efficiency, braking precision, traction out of slow corners, clean technical execution
• Punishes: Poor braking control, compromised exits onto the main straight, inconsistency through tight sequences
• Overtaking: Moderate; primary opportunity at end of main straight, with limited secondary chances
• Tire Factor: Medium — mixed corner profile with traction zones stressing the rears
• Setup Bias: Balanced with slight emphasis on low drag and braking stability
• Qualifying Importance: High — short lap and limited overtaking increase importance of track position
• Safety Car Likelihood: Medium–High — tight technical section increases incident risk
• Time Profile: Built on main straight performance and technical sector execution; exits onto straight heavily influence lap time
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Compact and pressure-driven; small mistakes have amplified impact over short lap distance
• Notable Traits: Short lap compresses field; technical mid-sector disrupts rhythm and defines consistency

Week 13: Fedorogoda Autodromo, Territory of Zarbia



Key Details

55 laps; 5.7km lap.

• Track Type: Classic high-speed circuit with long straight and flowing secondary sector
• Rewards: Straight-line speed, braking stability, smooth high-speed transitions, strong exits onto extended straights
• Punishes: Drag-heavy setups, inconsistent braking, hesitation in medium-speed flow sections, poor exit discipline
• Overtaking: High; primary moves into Turn 1 and major braking zones following long acceleration phases
• Tire Factor: Medium — balanced load with moderate wear from sustained speed and braking zones
• Setup Bias: Low–medium drag, stable braking platform, confident high-speed balance
• Qualifying Importance: Medium — overtaking opportunities reduce reliance on grid position
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low — open layout and flowing sections limit incident clustering
• Time Profile: Built on straight-line efficiency and braking zones; large gains from exits onto long straight
• Driver Bias: Skill > Qualifying Bias > Consistency > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Open and pace-driven; overtakes occur through speed differentials and braking confidence
• Notable Traits: Long main straight dominates lap time; flowing mid-sector rewards rhythm and car balance

Week 14: Fedorograd Veloring, Vikar of Krasnova



Key Details

52 laps; 6km lap.

• Track Type: Power-focused circuit with extended straight and long high-speed arc
• Rewards: Top speed, aero efficiency, braking stability, sustained high-speed confidence
• Punishes: High drag setups, weak braking zones, instability through long-radius corners, poor exit onto main straight
• Overtaking: High; major opportunities into Turn 1 and heavy braking zones following long straights
• Tire Factor: Medium — long straights allow recovery, but sustained high-speed corners load tires consistently
• Setup Bias: Low drag, efficient aero platform, stable high-speed balance
• Qualifying Importance: Medium — overtaking opportunities reduce dependency on grid position
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low — open layout and flowing sections minimize incident clustering
• Time Profile: Dominated by straight-line speed and long-radius corner commitment; large gains from sustained acceleration
• Driver Bias: Skill > Qualifying Bias > Consistency > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Expansive and speed-driven; overtakes occur through pace and braking differentials
• Notable Traits: One of the most power-sensitive circuits; long straight and sweeping lower section define lap time

Week 15: Fedoria Autodromo de Velocidad, Territory of Nicaro



Key Details

54 laps; 5.9km lap.

• Track Type: Power-focused circuit with extended straight and technical braking complexes
• Rewards: Top speed, braking performance, traction out of slow corners, acceleration efficiency
• Punishes: High drag setups, weak braking stability, poor traction on exits, hesitation in stop-start sections
• Overtaking: High; multiple strong opportunities into heavy braking zones following long straights
• Tire Factor: Medium — heavy traction zones stress rears, but long straights allow recovery
• Setup Bias: Low drag, strong braking platform, stable rear under acceleration
• Qualifying Importance: Medium — overtaking is frequent, reducing dependency on starting position
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low–Medium — open layout reduces clustering, but braking zones create risk
• Time Profile: Dominated by straight-line speed and braking zones; large gains from acceleration and exit phases
• Driver Bias: Skill > Qualifying Bias > Consistency > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Aggressive and opportunity-rich; position changes driven by braking duels and exit performance
• Notable Traits: Long main straight and final sector braking complex define overtaking and lap time

Week 16: Berliston Speed Tunnels, Satrapy of New Empire



Key Details

115 laps; 2.7km lap.

• Track Type: Ultra-fast tunnel circuit with extended full-throttle sections and high-speed transitions
• Rewards: Top speed, aero efficiency, high-speed stability, commitment in fast corners, precision at extreme speeds
• Punishes: Drag-heavy setups, instability at high speed, hesitation in fast transitions, braking errors under pressure
• Overtaking: High; major opportunities into heavy braking zones at the end of long tunnel straights
• Tire Factor: Medium–High — sustained high-speed load and limited cooling increase wear
• Setup Bias: Very low drag, stable high-speed platform, strong braking stability
• Qualifying Importance: Medium — overtaking is viable, but starting forward reduces risk in confined high-speed sections
• Safety Car Likelihood: Very High — confined environment, limited runoff, and extreme speeds amplify incident severity
• Time Profile: Dominated by full-throttle time and high-speed commitment; large gains from top speed and minimal lift
• Driver Bias: Skill > Qualifying Bias > Consistency > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Intense and high-risk; small mistakes have immediate and severe consequences
• Notable Traits: One of the fastest circuits on the calendar; tunnel environment magnifies speed and risk simultaneously

[Vonum]

Sure, let's enter a team and give it a go.



Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing

Top Speed: 82
Cornering: 82
Acceleration: 76
Energy: 77
Reliability: 83

Drivers:

#1 Gabrielle Figueroa (Vonian Formula X Driver)
Skill: 85
Consistency: 75
Aggression: 82
Tire Management: 79
Qualifying Bias: 79

#2 Amber Astota (Vonian GT3 Series Driver)
Skill: 82
Consistency: 77
Aggression: 86
Tire Management: 76
Qualifying Bias: 79

[The Macabees]

Accepted and updated! Ordena's Kronenstahl MTG has also registered for participation via Discord.

[The Macabees]

- Lanto Automotive is accepted as the newest entrant for the upcoming Forzala 1 tournament. We are actively working with other manufacturers to accept at least five (5) more teams until reaching a tournament minimum of ten (10) teams.

- New rule: manufacturers can introduce up to three (3) upgrades throughout a single season, at any point in the season. Upgrades allow manufacturers to redistribute their car points.

- Manufacturer-driver balance in qualifying and results has been updated from 70:30 to 65:35.

- Fastest lap has been incorporated into the race results, with one (1) championship point awarded if the driver with the fastest lap finishes in the top ten (10).

- Race results now incorporate tire management in a more sophisticated way, using the track characteristics to measure tire demand and factoring this score into the results.


Update(s):

- Team Sasha accepted as the sixth (6th) F1 team.

[Holy Marsh]

TEAM SASHA MOTORSPORTS

Located in Bastal Autoworks, Diamaka, the Mercantile Sarda's first intentionally organized racing team is the product of an agreement forged in recent El'kon Kaunsala elections. Multiple Mercantile Sarda representatives from abroad, owners of foreign companies and sports teams, lobbied for the Mar'si to have a team in the Forzala I. In exchange for their votes on certain legislation, this wish was granted. The team is centered in Bastal Autoworks, the fifth largest automotive manufacturer in the nation and the only one specializing in any form of high-performance civilian vehicle. It often supplied foreign Mar'si with Karda approved enhanced vehicles, while also working as the semi-headquarters of the various Mar'si racing circuits. Here, El'kon-Owner Jungon Dai.was put in charge. He named the team after the current Arsi'Elkon, Team Sasha, and announced a series of races for Mar'si abroad to determine the team's makeup.

The Car: MS-13

The MS-13 vehicle driven by Team Sasha is takes into account the necessities of motor racing in the Theocracy. Most major circuits most obey the military construction and bloc-structure of the cities and reclaimed warzones that stretch between them. Quick acceleration is often punished, while cornering is a major necessity. When not having a number of tight corners, the circuits will feature long straight sections- the hallmarks of major transport corridors. It is here where the need for speed is most felt acutely.
Top Speed- 90
Cornering- 90
Acceleration- 70
Energy- 75
Reliability- 75

Basiv Darjis- #1 Driver
Born in the Nomadic Sarda, Basiv was driving at an early age and participated in his first professional race at the age of eight. At only 20 years of age he already has a decade of automotive racing under his belt, including a few years in various major circuits in the Theocracy. Racing was never easy there, and so he volunteered to head abroad to make a name for his people. He joined major circuits internationally though never for long, as his nomadic nature has made long term employment difficult. When the Mercantile Sarda announced a joint bid he entered, winning five of the fifteen races and being declared the #1 driver for the team. He seems nonplused about being the #1 or #2 and is mostly here for the thrill of the race and the glory of the motor vehicle.

Skill- 100
Consistency- 90
Aggression- 60
Tire Management- 75
Qualifying Bias- 75

Kamila Saidova- #2 Driver
Kamila is from the Marshite Hijra Khanates. Youngest daughter of El'kon-Executive Officer and owner of Team Saidova, Dakona Saidova, Kamila is a veteran of the MHK's own domestic race circuit. When the Mercantile Sarda announced a joint bid for the Mar'si abroad, Team Saidova was primed to play a key role. Kamila won four of the fifteen races in the qualifying circuit for the joint team and was selected to be the team's number two. Skilled in her own way and worthy in her own mind of being a number one, she has agreed to be the number two for this circuit.

Skill- 90
Consistency- 85
Aggression- 75
Tire Management- 75
Qualifying Bias- 75

[Diarcesia]

OOC Credits
- Mercury Text G1 font is downloaded from http://www.onlinewebfonts.com, licensed by CC BY 4.0
- The Macabees for Laurens Scherpenkate's driver entry

Headquartered in Pryfurium, Diarcesia. Pryfors Bilar, known for its innovative approach to automotive design and engineering, has been an established name in the world of competitive racing. With a history of pushing boundaries and setting new standards, the team has garnered a reputation for excellence and determination.

Car Details

Car Name: PK-FIC-710N

• Top Speed: 100
• Cornering: 120
• Acceleration: 80
• Energy: 50
• Reliability: 50

Drivers

Sam Blaatschapen - a Diarcesian (foreigner) (#33)

• Skill: 90
• Consistency: 80
• Aggression: 100
• Tire Management: 70
• Qualifying Bias: 60

Samantha Odenatha Blaatschapen, a female 28 year old Odrioyan Diarcesian of partial Yechian heritage, lived and grew in the shadows of the Elbej Historic Site circuit. At a very young age, she was given a kart by her parents, where she quickly learned and rose up the ranks of domestic racing series. Sam took to heart the lessons learned in her prior experiences in the World Grand Prix Championship. As the team ventures into other open-wheel series in between WGPC seasons, she takes the helm as PB's #1 driver in the Golden Throne's F1C series.

Laurens Scherpenkate - a Guffingfordian (#17)

• Skill: 90
• Consistency: 80
• Aggression: 75
• Tire Management: 80
• Qualifying Bias: 75

A young driver with a lot of talent, promoted from a junior competition.

[The Macabees]

- Pryfors Bilar, Dunne Motors, and Valle Zuma F1 accepted as the 7–9th teams inscribed. F1F (Forzala 1 Federation) seeks at least one more team.

- Active discussions with Solisia's Lunar Firestorm for inscription as the tournament's 10th team.

- Possible Estable Pegaso entry, though F1F has expressed concerns about the Zarbian manufacturer's ability to invest adequate funds into the team.

- Castille's Voiture Castillia SA approached for potential entry into F1, through a Voiture MHP F1 racing division.

[Lisander]

CAMDEN NEXT is what the next generation of racers in Lisander looks. Managed in a joint-venture by Camden, once a team in World Grand Prix Championship and the Lisanderian team currently racing the Astyrian F1 Championship, and Saber Inc., a conglomerate that includes Saber Ironworks, a metallurgy company, Moon Books (a publishing company) and TEAM-MOON (a racing team that previously competed in Formula Hinode and provided competition to other minor series around the world). Saber Inc. formerly controlled part of TAS-Alliance team in World Grand Prix Championship 19.

THE CAR - CAMDEN F13C-M3 (Project Name ARGO)

Built on the base of the Camden F1 Continuous Concept Car (hence 3C), the permanent development of Camden Formula workhorse, the M3 was reconfigured to fit the exact specifications of Forzala 1 Championship, including all the supplied features.

Top Speed: 105
Cornering: 100
Acceleration: 80
Energy: 65
Reliability: 50

Thanks to Diarcesia for the livery template, saved me a good amount of time!

THE RESULTS (UNTIL NOW)
TBD

Pos	↓ Driver/Grand Prix →	FED	FVL	DÍE	MAC	SID	FRM	TAR	RSK	THE	IND	TRN	CER	ZAR	14	15	15	16	Pts
1	#12 NER	6 P F	2 P F	1 F	2 F	1 F	4	3	6	3	12	4	11	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	161
11	#77 MON	12	14	6	13	8	11	15	7	11	3	6	3	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	41

DRIVER 1 - ARTURIA NERO
Arturia Nero, 23 years old, is a gem. From a low-profile Sim Racer to a future Grand Prix Driver, she grew somewhat meteorically. She barely touched karts. She was already making the pages of Lisanderian motorsport media outlets as a big promise at age 18, when left karts and was attending internship in Saber Ironworks, a company known for the love of its owner, Kimi Nasunen, to motorsports.

Known by her online handler, QueenNero, she's loved by the SimRacing community, partly for her looks that are very "eccentric", partly for being the first girl to move from Sim Racing to a real open-wheeler racing without doing the proper pathway (from F4). She finished her first season in Formula Hinode with a fourth place in the standings, helping TEAM-MOON to win the constructors' championship. Later, too old for the Lisanderian F4, she was moved by TEAM-MOON to Team Azhaar Pro Racing, then a Bitten Heroes-owned team, to win some races in International Open Wheel Car Championship. In a series marked for some controversy, she was the favourite to the title, before being clearly undermined due to the low level and possible suspicion of favouritism. She finished the season second after being hit twice by opponents on track in the last two races. She then moved to Astyrian Formula 2, for the TEAM-MOON that was established there, covering for the spot left by Lauren Blake, AstyF1 driver, where she has been since then. Being "famous on the internet", she also does photoshoots as a model, especially to clothing brands, like this one, for AIR Magazine.

Skill: 115
Consistency: 105
Qualifying Bias: 85
Tire Management: 60
Aggression: 35

DRIVER 2 - THOMAS MONTEIRO
Driver's bio: Thomas is an 21-year-old pay driver from Lisander. He has been racing in karts and F4 since he was 15. He won the last Lisander F4 season, however, due to the recent change in the FSA (formerly Motorsport Lisander) age groups, he went straight from "Too young for F3" to "Almost too old for F3". Dissatisfied with the changes, he decided to pursue an international career rather than remain on the national ladder. His priority is a seat in a foreign team, but he won't rule out Blueforce if no other offers come his way. He's very brave when it comes to racing, pushing to the point of stupidity and worrying the team crew sometimes. He can do things like "Try to return a car with only three wheels to the pits, to have it racing again". He has one season in WGP2.

He's the heir of A&M Financial, one of the biggest accounting companies in the nation, led by his father, Mariano Andras, and his maternal uncle, Filipe Monteiro. His mother, Alice Monteiro, is a somewhat famous musician in Lisander. He was an unplanned child, and his parents never married, despite being longtime friends. That explains why he uses his mother's surname. He and his wife, Sara Vitti, a social media influencer, have a son. He's a common sight in her Inspiregram videos and photos.

Skill: 90
Consistency: 90
Qualifying Bias: 95
Tire Management: 60
Aggression: 65

[The Macabees]

WEEKEND WARMUP
FEDALA GP

FEDALA SPEEDWAY, PROVINCE OF IMPERIAL

WELCOME TO THE FEDALA GRAND PRIX, the opening weekend of I Forzala 1 Imperial Championship.

The championship's first weekend takes us to the illustrious capital of the Golden Throne. Built in the southern suburbs of the city, its long northern straight abuts the imperial summer palace, where His Imperial Majesty Fedor I will be spectating the races along with the empress Sofie and their two children, Elasny and Karl. They will be joined by 300–450,000 attendees throughout the weekend. Teams will enjoy two practices, Thursday and Friday. Qualifying will take place on Saturday 5/23, with the race on Sunday 5/24.

Above all else, the Fedala Speedway prizes speed and punishes inconsistency. Not known for creating generous passing opportunities, drivers will need to vie for track position during the qualifying session. Fast cars will enjoy the weekend, with tire management being neither the utmost priority nor ignorable. A long, ever so slightly curving back straight is balanced by a series of corners on the other side, where drivers will need to be consistent, make few errors, and try to carry speed as they exit the second sector. Though the circuit most definitely rewards a certain type of build, the driver will make a big difference this weekend. For both teams and drivers, the opening weekend will offer a chance to make a statement of intent or kick off the championship with work to do. Track history suggests that incidents will be limited, with a low probability of a safety-car deployment. But with some aggressive racers out there, only time can tell if we'll have a clean race this weekend in the Fedala megalopolis.

Fans who adventure into the city can enjoy endless choices of entertainment, an international cuisine of restaurants, sprawling parks adjacent to the riverbank, and all within reach thanks to a well-connected public transportation system. Underground metro, buses, independent surface light-rails and tram car systems, as well as hundreds of thousands of autonomous taxis and rideshare vehicles make getting around the imperial capital easy, quick, and inexpensive. The southern suburbs, where the speedway is located, contains numerous museums and tourists attractions, including the assembly building for the Senatorial Government, the High Imperial Koert, and the Grand Temple of the Willed. To the north lies the financial district, with its forest of glass skyscrapers. Over 200 million people call Fedala their home, and tourists will be able to catch vivid expositions of local culture.

Getting to the city is relatively easy as well. Fedala has two international airports, Jonak-Fedala International (JFI) and Weikau International (WIT). They are joined by four smaller airports servicing the myriad regional airlines.

The weather is expected to remain sunny through the weekend, with only light clouds and, at most, medium-high-speed winds.

As the opening grand prix of the championship, fans can expect opening ceremonies for both the qualifying and race sessions. Famous local artists Mersia and Kendri MMXV will headline on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, in their pre-race shows. Some other artists from throughout the region will join them in the supporting acts. The post-race show will include the trophy ceremony. While the post-race show will end relatively early, on Saturday the post-qualifying ceremony will include music, theater, and other entertainment carrying into early-morning the next day.

Parents with their children are invited to join us for qualifying early for a special kids' zone event. Kids will be able to meet drivers, get close to the cars, and enjoy one of the myriad booths set up for three hours of joy. There'll be bounce houses, clowns, musicians, and all sorts of activities and events where your little ones can get lost in the world of Forzala 1. Alcohol will be available to parents and fans throughout the weekend.


ATTENTION: Teams and drivers may still register through the week. Cutoff for participation in the I Forzala 1 Imperial Championship is 5/22 EOD PST.

RP cutoff date for the qualifying session is 5/23 08:00 PST.




Key Details

• Track Type: High-speed street circuit with long-radius corners
• Rewards: Aero stability, smooth inputs, high-speed commitment, exit optimization
• Punishes: Overdriving entries, rear instability, small line errors that cascade
• Overtaking: Limited; dependent on exit speed into heavy braking zones
• Tire Factor: Medium — wear accumulates gradually, impacts late-stint pace
• Setup Bias: Medium–high downforce, stable rear, balanced braking
• Qualifying Importance: High — clean air significantly reduces cumulative lap time loss
• Safety Car Likelihood: Low–Medium — incidents tend to be isolated but impactful
• Time Profile: Built through sustained corner speed and exit efficiency; low variance, small gains compound
• Driver Bias: Consistency > Skill > Tire Management > Qualifying Bias > Aggression
• Race Character: Compressive; gaps close slowly, mistakes define position changes
• Notable Traits: Long-duration corners amplify minor pace differences over full race distance

[The Macabees]

"We changed the balance to accommodate your feedback," the engineer was saying. "We'll need race data to fully understand the improvements."

Ror scoffed. "The car is slow."

He had spent the last hour watching the other teams make their rounds around the track. Most of them were quick, very quick. Only Ekklesson and Neon Void were comparable to the TK. The Lanto was slow. But the rest of them were fast, especially Pryfors Bilar, Dunne, Valle Zuma, and CAMDEN NEXT. The Mokan car, in particular, was a rocket ship. It wasn't on the track just then, though. Valle's mechanics had been very busy throughout practice, working on both cars.

"The car is balanced," replied the engineer. But he didn't sound as convincing as he should have. The team knew the car's power unit came up short against some of the other V10s in the paddock. That, or it was an aero problem — maybe both. "Like I said, we won't know for sure how well the car works until we're a few races in. We'll have some street circuits in the mix too, so we'll get to see her operate under a variety of conditions."

Ror eyed Marko's car leaving the garage and disappearing down the pit lane. "Yeah, well, all I'm saying is that we need to be faster."

Igalo Maalbak, the technical director, saw Ror talking to the performance engineer and walked over. He greeted, "Ror, are you about ready to head back out?"

"Do we really need more data? We haven't changed anything on the car since the last round of balance updates," answered the driver.

Maalbak gave him a long look. Ror had been giving him problems all summer. TK had signed him as their star, knowing that Ror Rakken came with winner's experience in high-speed open-wheel racing. That came with a lot of demands on the driver's side, including making sure he got priority for any car upgrades and preference in team order. Luckily, the rookie, Marko Meya, had taken the news of his secondary status on the team well enough. But Ror would have to deliver if he wanted to maintain his status. So far, all he was delivering were headaches. "We're coming up against the first race with a new car. Yes, of course we need more data. What's your problem?" The director looked at the engineer and pointed toward Ror with his thumb. "What's his problem?"

"The car is slow," said Ror. "That's my fucking problem."

The engineer groaned and rolled his eyes. "It won't be the speed you're looking for when you're navigating corners."

Ror stretched out his arms toward the track. "It's a giant f'ing straight! What corners?"

"Look," interjected Maalbak, "the data will tell us where the car is strong and where she's weak. That's why I need you to get your head out of your ass, climb into that cockpit, and follow the schedule. Then let the technical team and me worry about improvements. And if you're really worried about it, we're targeting Rezeghring for our first upgrade package. We should have enough of an understanding of the car to make some optimization tweaks."

Ror harrumphed, but decided the fight wasn't worth it and gave up. He walked back into the garage, put his helmet back on, and was helped into his seat by some of the mechanics. Turning to the engineer, Maalbak said, "I think he's right, Karles, for what it's worth. There are some quick cars, with some great drivers behind the wheel. Let's see how the weekend goes, but we might need to make some upgrades before Rezeghring if we're uncompetitive."

Karles, Karles Verloj, gazed out toward the track. The air was thick with the high-pitched growling whine of the V10 engines. It was the Dunne Motors car making its way around the final corner and down the long straight, with that small kink known as Turn 1 requiring little if any deceleration as the car blasted by. Karles had to admit the Dunne platform was fast. And there were some other cars just as rapid, and even more so. But Karles had been building race cars for decades now. TK had poached him from Mosaka RMK and charged him with the task of building a championship-winning Forzala 1 chassis. Where others prioritized speed, Karles had worried about race pace, tires, and building something that could win on any track, not just the fast ones. But if he said he wasn't worried about the competition, he'd be lying.

Instead of talking about the car, Karles changed the topic to the driver. "I don't think his head is 100 percent in it."

The technical director grimaced and said, "I'll worry about the drivers. You get us a winning car."

They parted ways, neither particularly assuaged of their anxieties. The truth was that tensions within the team were high. While they all knew each other in some way, this would be the first season working together. TK of course had plenty of racing experience, and everyone on the team could speak to incredible experiences in motorsport, and some of them had worked together elsewhere, but this was the first stint as a team in Forzala 1 with the V10-powered package. Because of their experience and TK's prestige, there was also an exceptional amount of pressure on all of them, especially on Igalo and Ror.

For his part, Ror was just exiting the garage, entering the pit lane, and making his way down and out to the track. It was true that his head was 100 percent "there." There were a lot of things racing through his mind. At 29 years of age, Ror was pressing up against retirement in the peak of motorsport, high-speed open-wheel racing. Most drivers didn't make it past their early 30s in this sport. There was always some young buck thirsty to take their place. For Ror, that threat was Marko Meya. The 18-year-old had a whole lifetime ahead of him. And once Marko hit his stride, who knew if Ror could retain his number one status. That's why Ror needed a faster car. That's why he was so anxious. He wanted a championship, and it felt as if he didn't have many years left to achieve that.

But as he exited the pit lane and pressed down on the accelerator, these worries left his mind, and his focus zeroed in on the lap. He would have to find that focus throughout the weekend. Even as he drove, he could feel where the car was deficient. So he would need to use every ounce of skill in his body to put in consistently as-good-as-possible laps. That was going to be the only way he was going to get in the points on Sunday.

[Solisian Union]

NEW SOLISIAN UNION

LUNAR FIRESTORM

---

Coda Yin Saodah sat on a crate near the back of the Lunar Firestorm garage, still recovering from a brutal night of diarrhea. Even so, she still looked every bit the fierce Azynian warrior she was born to be. Her friends knew her to be a woman who moved with natural power. Her long, powerful legs were all toned and strong from years of training. She carried herself like a warrior holding an invisible spear: She was no woman to reject her own height, and she was straight-backed, her every step purposeful and commanding. Dark braids, glossy and beautifully woven, framed her deep brown face.

Despite the stomach cramps still lingering, Coda kept herself together. Waiting. “Fucking hell…” she muttered in her surprisingly soft voice. “First international race weekend and I’m stuck praying to the toilet. But I won't let that stop me right now...”

Meanwhile, Nassrena Kang Salarzai stood nearby, two inches shorter and far more composed on the surface. The 24-year-old Rasur girl was quietly checking data pads, avoiding eye contact as usual, her flat chest rising and falling with nervous breaths.

Canzal Antaha rolled into the garage on her sleek wheelchair, a determined look on her face.

“Good news, girls,” she announced. “F1F just confirmed it — Lunar Firestorm is officially the tenth team. Queen Wessa’s office pushed the final approval through this morning. We’re in.”

Coda lifted her head, a small grin breaking through the discomfort. Nassrena exhaled in relief. But before they could get out of the garage to celebrate, the garage doors rolled open with a heavy metallic groan. Late afternoon sunlight poured in from the Fedala paddock, catching every curve of the car as it rolled slowly inside.

The entire Lunar Firestorm team went quiet.

Juzui. The Typhoon of Fire.

Painted in deep blood-red and molten gold with sharp black accents, the car looked like it had been forged from fire and starlight. The gradient was perfect and it shimmered like living flame while the golden crescent moon and sunburst emblems on the nose and rear wing seemed to glow with the strength of quiet power. The number 07 sat proudly on the nose and side in aggressive gold.

Jeanne Andaca Rabansiatar, the team’s 27-year-old lead mechanic, swung herself out of the cockpit with a cocky grin. Her silver-white-and-black hair was pulled into a high ponytail with loose side parts framing her face. Bright green eyes sparkled with the pride of a true Solisian mechanic as she patted the car’s hood like an old friend.

“Say hello to Juzui, bosses,” Jeanne said in her thick Sinkaruka street accent. “She just got her final coat this mornin’. Look at her, eh? Proper firestorm, this one.”

Coda Yin Saodah stood up slowly, her stomach finally settling thanks to the medicine she took. Her fierce expression softened the moment she laid eyes on the car. Something in her chest tightened — like the Juzui was looking back at her.

“Damn…” Coda whispered, walking closer. “She’s beautiful.”

Nassrena Kang Salarzai stared wide-eyed, forgetting her usual habit of avoiding eye contact. “The livery’s perfect. The way the red bleeds into the gold...”

Canzal Antaha wheeled closer, eyes glistening with emotion. “Built by the best hands from every corner of the Union. Hirakawa engineers, Rasur designers, Azynian fabricators, Sinkaruka welders... all of them. First time since the war we built something like this together. Unity on four wheels.”

Jeanne smirked and leaned against the car, stroking the carbon fiber sidepod affectionately.

“She loves to run hot, this one. Real hot. You push her, she pushes back harder. I swear she’s alive, yeah? Got dragon spirit in her belly. You can feel it when you’re wrenchin’ on her.” She looked at the two drivers seriously. “She already likes you, Coda. I felt it when I was bringin’ her in. She was callin’ for you, wordless-like. Like she knows who her rider is.”

Coda reached out and placed her hand on the nose of the car, right above the golden sunburst. For a moment, she said nothing. Then she smiled — small, but real.

“I feel it too,” she murmured.

Jeanne nodded, satisfied. “Good. ‘Cause Juzui’s gonna enjoy tomorrow. First race? She’s excited. But listen — she wants to be pushed. Don’t baby her. She was built to run on the edge. You drive safe, yeah… but you also drive hard. She’ll reward you if you do.”

Nassrena swallowed, still staring at the car like it might breathe fire at any second. “Understood.”

Canzal looked at her two young drivers, then at Jeanne, then back at the stunning machine gleaming under the garage lights.

“This isn’t just a car for you two,” she said quietly. “This is what our country can give us. It's a gift, but it's also a symbol. Living symbol. You girls are going to show those people out there that this is what Solisia can do when we stand together.”

Canzal noticed Coda stepping back and she clicked her tongue at her. Coda noted it and she got closer to the car, keeping her eyes locked on Juzui with pure hunger now. She placed her hand on the hood, slowly stroking the car. A low, fierce snarl escaped her throat.

“You hungry, don’t you?” she said to the machine, her voice almost like a whisper. It was intense. “Jeanne says you like to run hot but I feel... I know you want more than that.” She leaned in closer, braids falling over one shoulder, her fierce gaze locked onto the car. “I won’t tame you, Juzui. I’m gonna let you fly. Harder than any of these other cars. You hear me? We’re gonna burn this whole track down.”

Jeanne crossed her arms, green eyes sparkling. “You believe. Like I said before... Just make sure you push her like she wants. She was built hungry. Give her what she wants.”

Coda nodded at Jeanne and then gave Juzui's hood one last firm stroke, then straightened up, tall and confident, looking every bit the spear-wielding warrior ready for battle. “I’m feeling better already,” she said, her strong heart showing in her voice. “Tonight I rest. Tomorrow... we let her fly wild.”

Canzal nodded. “That’s my drivers. Welcome to Forzala 1, Lunar Firestorm.”

[Diarcesia]

"How's the car, Sam?" The race engineer radioed the driver during practice.

"I'm confident."

"We'll need to tweak some things before qualifying, I think. How does that sound?"

Sam nodded. "Of course."

She was confident but not as sure of herself as she wanted to be. Her car, the PK-FIC-710N, was an unholy fusion of the team's old WGPC 20 and 21 cars. It had the base chassis of Season 20's PF-2, mated with a derivative of the Season 21 VelFire V10 engine that was enlarged to 3.2 liters with 710 Nm of torque (hence the -710N designation of its PK-FIC "WGPC-downstream, Forzala Imperial Championship specification" cars).

The car's mechanical performance is good but not spectacular. It could comfortably reach 322 kph and corner at 193. It could accelerate from zero to a hundred in 2.6 seconds.

Sam and her teammate Laurens Scherpenkate had been practicing all weekend.

Sam was a multiversal-tier veteran. Laurens was newly promoted to the Golden Throne's premier national league. Both also knew what to expect after countless laps around PB's facilities and this very Grand Prix weekend's allotted practice time. Sam may have had more overall experience, but Laurens was more familiar with the Fedala Speedway.

In Sam's senses, the not-spectacular performance of the PK-FIC lead to its full potential not yet reached. It's a bit slower compared to her liking, and her own techniques could be better. Cornering is this team's strong suit, so it's in real danger of being overtaken by higher top-speed cars in the first sector. To compensate, she had to achieve a high exit speed in Turns Two and Fifteen.

She wanted to make a statement of intent this weekend. The team needed to win at least one race.

While there's still room for improvement for performance, the car was very comfortable, with a high degree of energy recovery. The V10's power is supplemented by 12 kW of flywheel assistance and a 7.3-kW electric assist system that can provide up to 50% torque support during braking. The front wing has two modes: one for low speed, where it provides aerodynamic downforce, and another at high speeds where it's essentially neutral.

The car uses the team's preferred driver-oriented chassis tuning settings. The car's default tyre management system is set to track-and-brakedrive, and it has an aggressive-aggressive braking profile.

Sam had practiced with the different potential race-settings of the PK-FIC. Laurens seemed a bit more nervous.

She hoped that this weekend would bring out the best of both herself and the car.

Laurens, the younger driver, who was still quite green, was practicing on her own with the PK-FIC-710N. She'd been working with the team as the Golden Throne representation and local expert since she had signed to PB's junior programs.

She had a lot of talent, but there were things that she could improve on, like her tyre management and braking skills. Her cornering techniques needed work.While she wasn't as aggressively opportunistic as Sam, Laurens could maintain very consistent times lap after lap.

[Holy Marsh]

The arrival of Team Sasha Motorsports in the Imperial Province was announced first by paperwork, then by prayer, then by toil.

A full day before the first freight carriers touched down outside Fedala, the team’s administrative vanguard had already taken possession of its assigned compound beside the circuit service road. The empire did nothing without formality, and the Golden Throne’s premier open-wheel championship had elevated formality into theater. Every crate, every sealed pallet, every fuel cell, every diagnostic altar, every roll of spare carbon sheeting, every tire blanket and battery housing passed through imperial inspection with the gravity of a diplomatic exchange. The Mar’si had brought their own inspectors as well, of course. Karda observers in ash-white traveling robes stood near Mercantile Sarda clerks with ledger-slates, while Bastal Autoworks engineers argued in clipped technical phrases over customs stamps, power allowances, and whether the Imperial Province’s trackside generator grid was as stable as promised.

Kamila Saidova was there from the first hour.
She had no need to be. By rank, by name, by the delicate protections that came with being the daughter of Dakona Saidova, she could have arrived later, smiled for the cameras, offered the expected words about honor and competition, and stepped into the garage when the car was already waiting beneath its fitted cover. She did none of that. She came with the freight convoy, hair tied beneath a work cap, sleeves rolled to her elbows, face bare of presentation cosmetics, badge clipped plainly to the breast of her team jacket.

The mechanics noticed. The engineers noticed. Jungon Dai noticed from across the compound, though he gave no sign of approval beyond the smallest nod before returning to his argument with an imperial logistics officer. He expected this commitment from them all

The MS-13 chassis traveled in three separate protected containers, each one sealed by Bastal Autoworks, the Mercantile Sarda, and the Karda. The design was civilian enough to satisfy the championship’s sporting rules and Mar’si enough to make everyone else uncomfortable. Its lines were clean, narrow, efficient, with a predatory flatness to the sidepods and a sharpness to the nose that made it seem more like a weapon that had agreed, under protest, to become a vehicle. Kamila watched the first container open with a seriousness usually reserved for religious unveiling. When the chassis was lifted out, suspended from the gantry by its frame, she stepped close enough that the lead mechanic had to gently wave her back.

“Give her room,” he said.
Kamila folded her arms, though she obeyed. “I am giving her room.”
“You are breathing on her.”
“She should learn to tolerate me.”
That earned some laughter from the crew, and from that moment, the tension eased. A team arriving at its first championship weekend carried too many invisible burdens: national expectation, foreign scrutiny, sponsor pressure, political bargain, technical uncertainty, and the private fear that everything assembled in practice might fail under imperial lights. Kamila did not remove those burdens.

The garage was raised around the car like a temporary city. Wall panels went up first, then gantries, tool racks, telemetry stations, cooling systems, ceremonial banners, partitioned driver rooms, meal stations, prayer alcoves, sponsor boards, and a compact media space arranged with Mercantile neatness. The Mar’si had a habit of making any foreign workspace feel sanctified in their own brand of oddness within hours. The floor was marked with clean movement lanes. The battery handling area was isolated. Tire storage was cataloged by compound, heat cycle, and projected stint utility. Every tool had a shadowed place on the wall. Every replacement part received three entries: engineering, inventory, and devotional status.

Kamila walked every lane before the floor paint was fully dry, asking an armada of questions. Some questions she already knew the answers to. Some she did not. None of them were asked idly.
Her father’s team had taught her that a racing outfit revealed its true condition during preparation. Everyone looked brave at launch ceremonies. Everyone spoke beautifully before a painted car. The truth lived in the forgotten adapter, the mislabeled crate, the late firmware patch, the mechanic who looked too tired to catch a cross-threaded fitting, the engineer who trusted last week’s data too much, the assistant who feared asking a question. Kamila had learned to watch for those things, and she watched now with a proud, hungry attentiveness.

When the first systems check began, she stood beside the diagnostics station with her helmet tucked under one arm. The MS-13 woke: low-voltage confirmation, energy recovery handshake, brake-by-wire verification, steering calibration, throttle map load, cooling loop pressure, sensor sweep. The displays filled with numbers, green marks, caution flags, temperature bars, and live schematic pulses. An engineer from Bastal muttered through the checklist with ritual intensity.

Kamila listened to every line.
“Temperature sensor slow,” one of the junior technicians said.
“How slow?” Kamila asked at once.
The technician glanced toward the senior engineer, seeking permission.
Kamila’s eyes followed the glance. “I asked because I want the number, not because I want to steal your authority.”
The senior engineer grunted. “Point-eight seconds on initial wake. Within tolerance.”
“For a garage wake,” Kamila said. “During restart? Don't want an energy loss when we need it most."
A pause followed. Then the senior engineer turned to the technician. “Run restart simulation.”

No one called it interference. By the time the sensor delay was traced to a connector seating issue, Kamila had already moved to the cockpit fitting area, where her own seat insert rested beside Basiv Darjis’s. Basiv had arrived later than she had, which surprised no one. He entered the garage with the relaxed brightness of someone who had followed the sound of machinery and found exactly where he belonged. He wore his jacket open, hair still damp from travel, and carried a half-eaten piece of fruit in one hand.

“Beautiful,” he said when he saw the car.
“The car or the chaos?” Kamila asked.
“Yes.”

Basiv grinned and walked around the MS-13 with the absent affection of a nomad inspecting a favored animal before a long crossing. He touched nothing without permission, though his fingers hovered near the suspension, the halo, the sidepod edge, the front wing plane. His reverence was tactile, instinctive, almost childlike. He whispered to it, coaxing it to greater deeds. Kamila’s was sharper. She loved a car as a weapon loves the hand that wields it.

The team’s public-facing staff were busy elsewhere. The Mercantile Sarda had ensured that Team Sasha’s first race weekend would not pass quietly. A reception had been scheduled with imperial sporting officials. Mar’si Sardas from Fedala had been invited to the paddock gates. Banners bearing Sasha’s name, Mar’si prayers, and Bastal Autoworks’ mark were being hung along approved corridors. A religious dedication had been prepared for the car’s first formal presentation, though the exact wording had already gone through several revisions after someone decided that “may it inspire the circuit” sounded not militaristic for an imperial sporting audience. “May it conquer the circuit” fit the regional mood much better.
That, too, became part of preparation. Team Sasha had to learn how to appear. It was representing the Theocratic Matriarchy, the Mercantile Sarda, Bastal Autoworks, the Mar’si abroad, the legitimacy of the El’kon bargain that had birthed it, and the name of the Arsi’Elkon Herself. It had to be reverent, proud, faithful, and competitive without seeming to dismiss the due glory and honor of their most beneficient hosts Every jacket, every answer, every banner placement had weight.

Kamila understood that burden better than Basiv. Basiv understood the race and didn’t think much beyond that. Kamila understood the weight they carried on their shoulders. She envied Basiv for his simple-mindedness. So she attended the branding check. She stood beside the public relations staff as they debated which camera angles made the MS-13 look most elegant beneath the team lights. She corrected the pronunciation guide for her name and Basiv’s. She smiled when an imperial liaison described the team as “an exotic Mar’si experiment”.
“Team Sasha is an organized racing team,” she said. “Its origin is unusual because history is usually unusual. The car will be judged by lap time.”

Kamila walked with her race engineer, two performance analysts, a tire specialist, and a Karda minder who said little. Basiv wandered several paces ahead, occasionally crouching to inspect surface texture or sighting along a corner exit with one eye closed. Kamila kept a small notebook in hand. She marked curb shapes, runoff behavior, wind exposure, and the strange way the palace garden sector seemed to hold cooler air under the trees.
“Rear confidence through here,” her engineer said as they approached one of the long sweepers.
Kamila looked through the corner, imagining speed pressing her body sideways, the car loaded and singing beneath her. “Rear confidence, yes. Also patience.”
The engineer smiled faintly and noted it down.

By the time they returned, the garage had become fully itself. The MS-13 sat uncovered beneath white-gold overhead light, panels removed, its internal systems exposed in careful order. Mechanics moved around it with quiet speed. The team chef had established a corner station with rice, fruit, spiced broth, hydration mixtures, and the sort of plain, efficient food that pleased trainers and disappointed everyone who was local-made. The strategy office glowed with simulation models. The devotional alcove had been completed, large and dignified, with a travel icon of Sasha placed above a polished strip of Bastal-manufactured alloy.

Kamila paused there longer than she expected.
She was not sentimental about the team name. She understood why Jungon Dai had chosen it. Reverence, politics, approval, ambition, all woven into one public gesture. Yet seeing the icon inside the garage changed the meaning slightly. It made the place feel watched. It reminded her that Team Sasha had not come to Fedala as a private indulgence. The team had been permitted to exist through negotiation, supported by people who expected proof, and named for a woman whose absence and return had shaken the Theocracy into a new age.
Kamila lowered her head for a brief prayer. Then she returned to the car.

Evening brought the first fire-up under full paddock conditions. The neighboring garages had quieted in that way teams did when they pretended not to listen. Imperial officials gathered behind a marked line. Photographers adjusted lenses. Team Sasha personnel formed a loose semicircle, some with arms folded, some whispering, some standing rigidly with the expression of people determined to feel historic. Jungon Dai gave no speech. He looked to the lead engineer. The command passed down the chain. The MS-13 came alive.

The sound filled the garage, bounced off the compound walls, and rolled outward into Fedala’s cooling air. It was clean, sharp, metallic, disciplined. Kamila felt it in her ribs. Around her, mechanics watched the data. Engineers listened for irregularity. Public relations staff watched the officials watching them. Basiv laughed softly, delighted in a way that made him seem younger than twenty. Kamila did not laugh. She smiled, slowly, with satisfaction. The car settled into its program, revs rising and falling through controlled sequences. Thermal imaging confirmed expected patterns. Energy systems behaved. Hydraulics held. Brake pressure stabilized. The rear-left sensor delay was gone. The garage exhaled without making a show of it.
Only then did Kamila step forward and place one hand against the cockpit rim. “Good,” she murmured.

No one heard her except perhaps the car.
The first day in the Imperial Province ended with the team still working. Mechanics finished panel checks under portable lights. Engineers reviewed the first full system logs. The media team prepared quotes for morning release. Jungon Dai held a closed meeting with senior staff and Mercantile Sarda representatives. Basiv disappeared briefly, then returned with tea for three people and no explanation for where he had found it.

Kamila remained in the garage until late. She reviewed her seat fit one more time. She checked her gloves, her helmet seals, her radio connection. She spoke with the tire specialist about late degradation, with the brake engineer about balance migration, with the strategist about traffic risk. She watched the MS-13 being lowered onto its stands for the night.
At last, one of the older mechanics leaned against a tool cabinet and said, “Driver Saidova, the car will still be here in the morning.”

Kamila looked at him. Her eyes were tired, though her posture refused to admit it.
“I know.”
“Then sleep.”
She glanced once more at the MS-13. “In a moment.”
The mechanic shook his head and left her to it.

Kamila stood alone in the soft electric glow of the garage, surrounded by the smell of composite, lubricant, heated metal, and new paint. Outside, Fedala cooled beneath the night. Somewhere beyond the walls, the palace watched the circuit. Somewhere beyond the circuit, the empire waited to see what this Mar’si team truly was.
Team Sasha Motorsports had arrived as a bargain, a banner, a curiosity, and a promise. By midnight, under Kamila Saidova’s relentless eyes, it had begun to feel like a racing team. She took a deep breath. “Let’s fucking go.”

[Lisander]

THE YOUNG EMPRESS IN THE IMPERIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Will Arturia Nero be able to show her prowesses in Forzala 1 Championship?

Fedala Speedway is a rather unusual place, architecturally speaking. The grandstands seem to be constructed to look like a palacet or a gladiator arena, with those massive columns and marbled neoclassic monopteros. I admit my lack of knowledge on world history and architecture, but judging by the imposing look of all this, It could have hosted those bigae and quadrigae races, millennia in the past. Or even today. It exudes a certain aura, as the young people say these days.

And maybe this is exactly what our emperor-named driver needs to rise to unprecedented levels on her career. Arturia Nero, aged 23, two seasons of reasonable results in AstyF2, still seem a little bit haunted by the phantoms of three seasons ago, where she had her title run in the short lived IOWCC (allegedly) sabotaged, with two DNFs caused by other drivers in the two last races of the event, including the local race in Kasandora, Lisander. Many fingers were pointed, to a point of Kimi Nasunen being almost expelled from FSA (Lisander's Federation of Sport Automobiles). However, Nero herself later acknowledged that specific championship as a somewhat inadequate stuff. "The regulations were outdated, the car spec was six years old, and team even had to downgrade many parts from the first season, rebuilding items from old designs. I won't say they grabbed stuff from rubbish, but an amount of used things, back from WGPC 15, 16, was refurbished, because of parts compatibility. I personally try not to be bothered by that, instead, I prefer to work in the current season I'm racing or in my photoshoots."

Nero, that also makes money as a model and a streamer, is known not only by her driving technique, honed by long simulator sessions, but also by her massive fanbase on streaming platforms, and for using this community to her gain. This much to the pleasure of these same fans, that are willing to show their fondness for her. As soon as her participation on the Forzala 1 Championship was revealed to her community, "The Empress' Army", a race against time started to mod all the F1C circuits to the Sim she uses to train on, PRO_RACER. In a massive community effort, (where some people suggested even fundraising a visit to every circuit with a 360º camera attached to a car) they already managed to develop (at least) three circuits, already "tested" by the her. "Thanks to the Army, I'm able to push further my training, so they're effectively helping me with my job", she said, showing her LSiD report on employment, where she is formally registered as a "Driver" for "Team-Moon Racing SRL". Being herself a very dedicated employee, she divides her time between driving (on the team simulator) or taking care of her work tools (i.e. helping the race cars).

Curiously, Nero had to be fired and readmitted in Team Moon, as she was before an engineering intern in the R/D department. It happened because she had to interrupt her college for six months, to drive for CAMDEN NEXT, what makes her currently one year away of a Major in Computer Engineering, with specialization in hardware development, from Politechnica Soria. All these factors combined contribute to Nero being seen as the perfect driver. Her refined and honed technique, her knowledge of the car, and her charisma—which attracts a legion of passionate fans—form a winning combination.

But will it be enough to secure Nero the laurels of glory in F1C?

SO, YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO AM I?
Thomas Monteiro, for Turbo Motorsport [SPONSORED CONTENT]
Because my conception was a bit different from other children, I was brought up in a rather haphazard way.

My parents were friends since teenage years, and had a kind of one-and-off relationship, that included nonetheless two children. It was reported by the media aplenty, but while my father always has been head over heels for my mom, and he still is, she was more head over heels for his fortepiano, a Martensklavier 1777. He gifted it to her in the same day he discovered she was expecting me. It was also the day he proposed to her. They were 22 and 20 by then. She accepted the grand piano, but refused the proposal. Her career meant her the world. She's the Prime Regent and Head Director of Lisander National Orchestra, and my father always felt more pride than hurt. They're the most beautiful not-exactly-a-couple I have ever knew, but maybe other than me, music was always the only true love of my mum. It was always her obsession.

After this long-ass intro, let's back to me.

I was a child of single parents for part of my childhood. Initially, I actually lived with my mother and my grandparents from birth to age 3, while mother still studied at Lisander National Conservatory. From age four, mum started to do concerts and travel more often. At first, I would travel with her now and then, but with the start of school age I became a "wanderer". Lived with my motherly grandparents, then moved to live with my father from age 6 to 8. At 10, I moved again, back to my grandparents when they retired, but now in Grandeville, to study in Saint Germain College, the same boarding school my father studied. From 13, when my grandfather died and my grandmother went to live in Soria, I started to live in Saint Germain as a board student. We still had "family holidays" and travelled the three together, as in the Christmas of my tenth year. We went to a year-end trip together to the exotic beaches of Hindia Belanda and next August, my sister Valerie was born. The "family love and support" never exactly failed when expected. Nonetheless, I always felt more a "loner" than a "family boy". And when my grandfather died, I felt a little orphaned. I know it's kind of heartless to say that when I had schoolmates who were actually orphans, but I always felt a lot like an outcast for that.

It was about this time my father and uncle started to manage the finances of a certain person, known in the scene of Lisander motor sport. He had taken me to sports games frequently when we lived together, and then he started to take me with him to races. I don't know if his plan was involving me on the company affairs, but we ended up finding in racing a way to bond again. We even put an entrant in last year Costa 12h. Our car broke in hour 5, but nonetheless was a great experience. When I was 17 and finish my mandatory education, I returned to live with my mum, but at that moment I was already dating Sara. I lived two years in motherly house after that. I never imagined we would enter a domestic partnership as soon as Sara turned 18. It was all of her making, but I never hated the idea. I alreadt lived in so many places, but only in our current place I felt 100% in a home. Sara is my sunshine, and our son is a blessing. I hardly can believe little Alexis is already three, now that I look back, it seems to have went so fast.

I can't say my father, was a bad father. He raised me (almost) as a single father for three years, and taught me lots about life. I can't say my mother was a bad mother. He gave me life, he cared deeply about me, and she still calls me everyday. But I hope I can be much more present to my son's life than both of them ever were.

Notes:
No AI was used for writing the text of this post. F--k AI slop. Write your damn words. Actually, AI was used to the development of the photographic image of Arturia Nero, and for this sole purpose. The AI-generated output, ladden with
imperfections and errors, was thoroughly fixed and corrected, to look as closer as possible to the original, human-made content.

[The Macabees]

QUALIFYING
FEDALA GP

FEDALA SPEEDWAY, PROVINCE OF IMPERIAL



RP bonuses counted through Lisander's.

Re-scorinated due to transcription errors in the spreadsheet: incorrect settings for CAMDEN NEXT drivers.

1 Arturia Nero CAMDEN NEXT 1:39.837
2 Basiv Darjis Team Sasha 1:40.015
3 Nassrena Kang Salarzai Lunar Firestorm 1:40.808
4 Laurens Scherpenkate Pryfors Bilar 1:40.878
5 Kamila Saidova Team Sasha 1:41.169
6 Karles Jasper Ekklesson F1 1:41.531
7 Thomas Monteiro CAMDEN NEXT 1:41.675
8 Coda Yin Saodah Lunar Firestorm 1:41.762
9 Sam Blaatschapen Pryfors Bilar 1:41.822
10 Ror Rakken Tango et Kartuma RMK 1:41.979
11 Seárlas Dhomnaigh Dunne Motors 1:42.314
12 Ralf Hülkenberg Kronenstahl Motors 1:42.421
13 Marko Meya Tango et Kartuma RMK 1:42.603
14 Sebastian Heidfeld Kronenstahl Motors 1:42.724
15 Felix Klasen Ekklesson F1 1:42.806
16 Rouben Veurien Lanto Automotive 1:43.314
17 Amber Astota Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing 1:43.343
18 Lonán Leanacháin Dunne Motors 1:43.593
19 Santi Balenciago Valle Zuma F1 1:44.112
20 Gabrielle Figueroa Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing 1:44.406
21 Emilio Blanco Valle Zuma F1 1:45.226
22 Lucas Alynbac Lanto Automotive 1:47.319


Race Details

Race Weather Prognostic: Sunny
RP Cutoff: 5/24 @ ~8AM PST

[Diarcesia]

Artist's Impression

Pryfors Bilar's Laurens Scherpenkate and Sam Blaatschapen qualified fourth and ninth, respectively, in a tightly contested session. The lap times of the top ten drivers were within two seconds of each other. The qualifying session was marred by a crash by Ror Rakken of Tango et Kartuma RMK that prevented him from improving his 1:41.979 qualifying time. In the second sector, his car crashed heavily in Turn Eight. The safety car was deployed briefly to clear the track of debris left behind by the accident.

[The Macabees]

"Are you okay?" Thom's voice sounded as if it were a million miles away. All Ror could really hear was a constant ringing.

He was flowing quite nicely now, much better than the last lap. Carrying the speed through corner 7 onto the short straight, the TK-01 roared toward turn 8. Though in hindsight he'd come to regret the decision, Ror felt confident as he waited to hit the brakes. Just two more corners left and maybe, just maybe, the Tango et Kartuma driver could break into the top five. But when he finally hit the brakes, he felt a series of harsh vibrations travel through to the steering wheel, which went numb as the car refused to turn. A spike of adrenaline rushed through his body as Ror struggled to right the car. But it was too late. The barrier came at him faster than he expected, and he tightened his grip, braced his neck, and gritted his teeth. The harness dug into his ribs as violent compressions roiled his chest and shoulders. Ror's helmet snapped forward. Debris flew across him as the chassis disintegrated from the impact.

A few seconds later, again, "Are you okay, mate?"

Ror groaned. Then, "Yes, yes, I'm fine. I lost the rear. Zero grip."

"Don't worry about that now. Just glad that you're okay," replied the race engineer. "Can you get out of the car on your own?"

Ror's body hurt. Everywhere. He hadn't even noticed how hard he was breathing. A sudden anger overcame him. Suddenly, a pair of hands reached into the cockpit, trying to catch his attention. Ror looked up to see the face of a marshal behind the helmet visor. He gave the man a thumbs up and several more hands reached in to help the driver climb out of the wrecked car. Pieces of carbon fiber littered the track floor, spreading out almost to the other side. Down the straight, a flag marshal waved a red flag.

Catching a cart ride back to the garage, Ror was met by Thom, Igalo, Karles by the front. The mechanics were trickling out with long faces, knowing full well that they'd be working hard to put the car back together by tomorrow's race. A screen hanging down from the ceiling showed footage of a crane lifting the TK-01 over the damaged barrier and onto a flatbed tow truck. It looked much worse on the screen than it did in the moment.

"Big crash," said Igalo. "How are you feeling?"

Ror shrugged his shoulders. "Not as bad as the car."

"That's for damn sure," said Karles, smugly. Karles didn't seem to like Ror much. Ror was okay with that; he wasn't hired to be liked. But, after a sharp look from Igalo, the engineer added, "But at least we know the car can get into Q3."

The other TK had made it into Q2, but came up seven tenths of a second short. In fact, Ror had just barely squeezed into Q3. His best lap was two seconds off the top qualifier. It had been in search of a way of bridging those two seconds that Ror pushed a little too hard, entered that corner a little too fast, and ultimately hit the wall. All he said in response was, "It's going to be a tough race tomorrow."

"Let's talk about that later, in the debrief," said Igalo.

As they walked into the back room, Ror put on a genuinely apologetic face for the driver and said, "Sorry, boys."

"Focus on the positives," said Igalo, patting the driver on the back as they went through the door. He knew that Ror was about to face the paddock press. "If you put in some consistent lap times tomorrow and manage your tires, you can claw your way up the grid. Mix that with us calling the right strategy on the pitwall, we should be able to score some important points. Every point is critical."

Ror didn't want to just fight for points; he wanted to race for podiums. But, he'd put on a confident face with the press. It was the least he could do after shattering the car.

[Holy Marsh]

Basiv had finished second in qualifying with no expectation of wanting more. A smile and a nod but little else marked him as having finished second. The garage had expected more from him. Never a shout, he had not the character for that. He was too light for tears. Something though. Perhaps a clenched fist or a leap of satisfaction. It was too much to wish for some words regarding the glory of the Theocracy, a proclamation about the honor of Team Sasha. Anything that gave this exciting moment the energy befitting this hallowed moment in Mar'si sporting history. Instead, he had simply removed his gloves finger by finger and set them on the equipment table.
"Anyone see where I left my water?" He asked with the ease of someone walking in from gardening.
A young mechanics gave him a queer look a breath too long. "Basiv?"
Basiv looked over.
"You nearly won the pole."
"Yes," he said pleasantly The engineer’s eyes narrowed.
"For our first race?" He asked expectantly.
"Yes."
"For the first Forzala race of Team Sasha Motorsports?"
Basiv smiled, untroubled and warm. "That is good."
The poverty of the answer had to sit uneasy with the engineer. As if noting how little he gave the young man, Basiv seemingly took pity and placed a hand on his shoulder. "She was a good car today," he said. "You all made a good car today."

That landed better. The mechanic straightened with quiet pride, and Basiv wandered past him towards the drinks station as if the matter had been settled. Everyone who spent more than ten minutes with Basic learned quickly. Success did little to change the sensations he felt driving, the single greatest and certainly most vital of the arts that drove him forward. A lap was still a lap and a corner a corner. He had a good relationship with the car or he did not. He either listened well to what it told him or he did not. All other elements that came with it, debuts, success, histories, expectations, riches and fame? These belonged to other people. Basiv did not by his own hand dismiss them, he understood these held greater meaning to others. He could sometimes enjoy them. For him however, the truest and greatest success he had felt was already one he held that day- the sheer thrill of being with her, sealed inside that helmet, with his hands on the wheel and her carrying him through qualifying. It was a true joy, wondrous and pure. That was for him.

So when Dai came to congratulate him, Basiv bowed respectfully and thanked him. When the engineers asked him to describe how the car felt, he described it with detached precision. When he did interviews with media he worked well and true through the rehearsed answers. When a Brother-Superior offered a brief blessing for the race to come, Basiv lowered his head and received it without irony.
Then, as soon as the pressure passed, he drifted back to the car. The MS-13 rested with its bodywork off, beautiful in a manner that had nothing to do with paint. Basiv liked cars most when they were undressed. Posed and polished as they normally were, they became models. Opened in the garage, they were as alive as he was. They were as beautiful and pulsing with the vibrancy of any true Mar'si.

He leaned near the cockpit, careful to keep his hands behind his back. “You were wonderful today,” he told her.
One of the engineers glanced up from a tablet. The engineer looked at the car, then back at Basiv, and decided the safest choice was silence. Basiv did not mind being considered odd. In the Nomadic Sarda, one learned early that the world was full of life, all of it requiring different forms of attention. A person who spoke to a vehicle was only foolish if he failed to listen when the vehicle answered. Basiv had been listening since childhood. Before he understood the words of the clergy, he adored the language of vehicles. Before he was told he was a prodigy, he understood the love one could have for the thrill of the race.

He started racing when he was eight. It just felt right. He had won championships and had brief flirtations with fame. He had dealt with managers who blew their top easily just as he had caught the eye of none too few mechanics. He had visited strange cities with layouts and causes that confused his sensibilities, ate strange food in strange lands that gave him strange illnesses. All of these experiences orbited the truth that Basiv was happiest when the world was little more than road and wheel. Team Sasha understood some elements of that, though it was unlikely it would ever fully click for them. Kamila understood a little more at least. To her though, he was a problem- overengineered on the course, underengineered everywhere else. His attitude frustrated her. She had done well but wanted more; he had done exceptionally well and seemed wantless. She waited for the debrief to end before she spoke to him again.

Kamila caught him in her net as they walked down a corridor towards the driver rooms. “Basiv, you’re fucking impossible,” she let out, her whisper-curse sparking Basiv’s eyes to arch.
“Am I? That’s disconcerting.”
“You almost took pole for a new team at its first race, in the Imperial Province, in front of half the world and you look like someone told you the weather will be nice tomorrow.”
“Well, the weather may be nice tomorrow,” he replied plainly. It was true, it might be. It looked sunny. Kamila sighed, holding the bridge of her nose.
“Basiv.”
He grinned. “I am pleased. I enjoy the sun.”
She let go of her nose. “You hide it very well.”
“I am standing here smiling. What am I hiding?”
“That smile also appears when someone gives you soup.”
“I like soup,” he said, his mild defensiveness having the intended effect.
Kamila let out a deep breath, though he could tell she was amused in spite of herself. “You should understand what you did today,” she said.
“I do.”
“Do you?”

That gave Basiv pause. She did deserve honest answers. He knew that she was a proud woman and sometimes pride could make her appear severe, but she did not idly waste her time. If she wanted him to truly think on her question, he would. If for no other reason than he wanted her own soul to rest easy.
“Team Sasha needs a good first go. I know we needed it. I know people at home will be pleased. I know the Sardas will be pleased. I know Jungon will pretend to be calm but he will lose sleep and be a bundle of nerves. I know the other teams will look at us as targets. I know you wanted more from your lap.”

Her brow furrowed, but he was right.
Basiv kept speaking gently. “Our car is good, the track is beautiful, tomorrow will be warm. Everything else belongs to many hands, sister. All I have is the drive.”
For a moment, Kamila said nothing. The garage noise softened behind them, metal clicks and low voices merging with the hum of cooling systems. “You make it sound simple,” she said.
“It was simple for a little while.”
“That must be nice.”
Basiv tilted his head. “Sometimes.”

The answer seemed to disappoint her. She looked past him toward the garage, where mechanics were still working around the MS-13 with dedicated care. “Tomorrow will be different,” she said.
“Yes.”
“Race starts can be ugly.”
“Yes.”
“Nassrena will not allow you to hold your position easily.”
“I hope not.”
That earned him a look. Basiv laughed softly. “I mean it. If she is fast, she should try. That is the whole purpose.”
“The purpose is to win.”
“The purpose is to race.”
Kamila stared at him as if she could not decide whether to argue or leave him to his own religion. At last, she shook her head.
Basiv didn’t rest. “Is Ror okay?”
Kamila nodded. “Yeah. Nasty bit oif business but he should be good.”
“Good. Drivers need to drive. Crashing is always tragedy. I hope the car will be okay.”
|Kamila shook her head. “Go to sleep before too long. We need you ready.”
“I will be, Kamila. It will be a great day.”

The paddock quieted as night deepened. Fedala’s imperial grandeur was all the grander for the night. The city around the circuit became a constellation of lit windows even the horizon hummed with distant lights. The waters themselves seemed to reflect thin lines of gold to his eyes. The compound for Team Sasha had quieted. Some were form in their prayers, some engineers argued over final details before bed. The MS-13 had been secured for the night, covered now, sleeping for the next day. She would need it.

Basiv stood beside it for several minutes. He could have gone to bed. He knew he should. Race day demanded a clear head, rested eyes, swift muscles. The trainers would have opinions if they saw him awake. Kamila would have stronger opinions. Jungon Dai might say nothing, which would be worse. Basiv considered all of that with due seriousness. Then he went to find a car.
The team had several small road vehicles assigned for local travel: electric runabouts for staff, two transport vans, a boxy service vehicle, and a Bastal Autoworks sedan. It was an unremarkable vehicle and that suited him well.

Basiv found the keys where they were supposed to be, which pleased him. A night guard looked up from his station as Basiv approached.
“Hello?”
“Yes.”
“Do you require transport?”
“I have found transport,” Basiv said as he allowed his hand to trace the door.
The guard’s eyes moved to the keys. Basiv gave him an encouraging smile.

The guard hesitated, then understood that there was little he could do to stop a Nomadic Sarda member from being a Nomad.
“Please don’t leave the city,” the guard said.
“Maybe. It is too large to leave in time. So yes.”
“No circuit access.”
“Yes.”
“No media contact.”
“Yes.”
“Return before anyone important asks where you are.”
“That is a wise instruction. Yes.”

The guard opened the gate- and within moments, Basiv vanished into the city for the night.

[The Macabees]

RACE
FEDALA GP

FEDALA SPEEDWAY, PROVINCE OF IMPERIAL




Race Results

Race RP bonuses counted through Holy Marsh's.

Code: Select all

Position  Start  Driver                     Team                                  Race Time     Fastest Lap  Fastest Lap Point  DNF Cause                    Incident  Status    Points
--------  -----  ------                     ----                                  ---------     -----------  -----------------  ---------                    --------  ------    ------
       1      2  Basiv Darjis               Team Sasha                            1:38:08.789   1:44.196                     0                                         Finished      25
       2      4  Laurens Scherpenkate       Pryfors Bilar                         1:38:26.440   1:44.759                     0                                         Finished      18
       3      5  Kamila Saidova             Team Sasha                            1:38:34.722   1:45.074                     0                                         Finished      15
       4     10  Ror Rakken                 Tango et Kartuma RMK                  1:38:37.592   1:44.817                     0                                         Finished      12
       5     11  Seárlas Dhomnaigh          Dunne Motors                          1:38:37.875   1:45.612                     0                                         Finished      10
       6      1  Arturia Nero               CAMDEN NEXT                           1:38:42.019   1:43.341                     1                                         Finished       9
       7     12  Ralf Hülkenberg            Kronenstahl Motors                    1:38:44.543   1:45.126                     0                                         Finished       6
       8      9  Sam Blaatschapen           Pryfors Bilar                         1:38:46.442   1:44.381                     0                                         Finished       4
       9     13  Marko Meya                 Tango et Kartuma RMK                  1:38:48.292   1:45.960                     0                                         Finished       2
      10      3  Nassrena Kang Salarzai     Lunar Firestorm                       1:38:48.524   1:45.968                     0                                         Finished       1
      11     18  Lonán Leanacháin           Dunne Motors                          1:38:50.371   1:44.799                     0                                         Finished       0
      12      7  Thomas Monteiro            CAMDEN NEXT                           1:38:52.138   1:45.012                     0                                         Finished       0
      13      6  Karles Jasper              Ekklesson F1                          1:38:58.647   1:43.869                     0                                         Finished       0
      14     15  Felix Klasen               Ekklesson F1                          1:39:00.771   1:44.952                     0                                         Finished       0
      15     14  Sebastian Heidfeld         Kronenstahl Motors                    1:39:03.757   1:45.313                     0                                         Finished       0
      16     21  Emilio Blanco              Valle Zuma F1                         1:39:06.259   1:45.238                     0                                         Finished       0
      17     19  Santi Balenciago           Valle Zuma F1                         1:39:14.266   1:43.221                     0                                         Finished       0
      18      8  Coda Yin Saodah            Lunar Firestorm                       1:39:16.735   1:44.473                     0                                         Finished       0
      19     17  Amber Astota               Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing    1:39:18.377   1:45.016                     0                               R1-INC01  Finished       0
      20     20  Gabrielle Figueroa         Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing    1:39:25.744   1:45.497                     0                                         Finished       0
      21     16  Rouben Veurien             Lanto Automotive                      1:42:47.481   1:49.099                     0                                         Finished       0
     DNF     22  Lucas Alynbac              Lanto Automotive                      Lap 13/54                                  0  Collision with Amber Astota  R1-INC01  DNF            0

Constructor Standings After W1

Code: Select all

Position  Team                                  Points
--------  ------------------------------------  ------
1         Team Sasha                           40
2         Pryfors Bilar                        22
3         Tango et Kartuma RMK                 14
4         Dunne Motors                         10
5         CAMDEN NEXT                          9
6         Kronenstahl Motors                   6
7         Lunar Firestorm                      1
8         Ekklesson F1                         0
9         Valle Zuma F1                        0
10        Neon Void Energy Aftershock Racing   0
11        Lanto Automotive                     0

[Lisander]

Fedala Speedway
Before the race

"Go. Just as I made hundreds of times until now. Foot down... more... until the last grandstands be seen on the peripheral vision. Now reduce... 2, 3, 4,... click, click, click, into the kerb. Hold... and now push." Arturia reminds the sensation of going around Fedala Speedway. Her fingers drizzle on the air, as to click the shift paddles. "Okay, now careful, that next chicane is treacherous... and there might be some forgotten car remain there, better safe than sorry... Left, right, left again... now just a little... and done." Her hands moved in a circular movement, as she were controlling the wheel in the chicane that made turns 5 to 7. "Now, nice and gently back to the racing line, to a turn as swift as possible. Next sector is tight." The arm goes to right, then go to left, to make turns 8, 9 and 10 in her imagination. "Back to my feet, and now repeat..."

"Arturia, mind to..." a voice interrupted her imagine training. It was Thomas Monteiro, the pay-driver, her teammate.

"BAM. Front-face crash into the turn 12 wall. If you send the medical team, they'll find me alive and safe, thanks to halo and cockpit, but I just ruined a five million Lis car. What do you want, Thomas?"

"Well, then you'll have to drive my car today, because I'm not that confident... I'd like to grab some tips from the track with you, would it be good for you?"

"No, I'm not interested." She said and grabbed the halo, pushing herself outside the car...

"Hey, come on... please... I'm sorry for interrup..." Thomas still tried to apologize, but was too late. He was left talking to himself.

---

After the race

Arturia Nero was fuming when she returned to the boxes, after the race.

"Never interrupt me again. Was I clear?" she said, pushing her finger to her teammate chest.

"Hey, what's your pro..."

"What's my problem? What's your problem, rich boy! Do you think just because your dad bought you a seat you can simply do whatever you want and go disrupting people's work? Opposite to you, I'm here earning my paycheck, you moron! Keep me out of your tourist tour to the Empire, I'm trying to work here!"

"Hey... calm down. No need to be sour. You still got the fastest lap..." Thomas got suddenly defensive.

"No need to be sour? Your little help request costed me 16,000 Lis, you clown! Sixteen thousand! It's easy for you, right? You already have money!"

It was really difficult to believe that the only reason for Arturia Nero's failing to keep the pole position from lights to flag were the small moment, before the race, when Thomas interrupted her image training. But she was bothered, and she needed to discharge all the tension.

[Morrdh]

The two Dunne Motors garages were filled with the noise of shouts and the sounds of power tools as the mechanics conducted their post-race checks and work on the team's two cars. Though still quite early on in the competition, there was something of a celebratory air amongst the crews as both drivers had managed to increase their standings following the first race. Once work was done for the day, it was certain that the crews would be hitting the bars for a few drinks. Of course there were also rumours that someone had brought along a set of Morridane bagpipes.

A sudden hush descended upon the workshops as a quiet mutter did the rounds. "Ay up, here comes the Boss."

Flanked by a couple of sworn clansman, the Clan Chieftain of Clan Dunne strode through the pits passing by the other teams. Despite pushing 70 in terms of age, Thane Gavin Dunne was still sharp of both body and mind still leading the Dunne Motor Company and overseeing the genesis of the Morridane team for the Forzala 1 Imperial Championship. Despite the bemused looks from the other crews, the Morridane mechanics stood to attention as the venerable Thane made his way over to the two drivers.

"Seárlas, Lonán." Gavin said with pride as he clasped hands with both men. "The gods have smiled upon ye this day, well done m'boys."

"Come now." Continued the Thane. "Eat, drink and be merry fer ye have earned it, but do not forget there is still much work ta do."

"That goes fer all o' ya." Gavin added, turning to the crews. "All o' yer hard work has done me proud, long may that endure!"

[The Macabees]

WEEKEND WARMUP
FEDOROVILLE GP

FEDOROVILLE STREET CIRCUIT, TERRITORY OF HOLY PANULI

WELCOME TO THE FEDOROVILLE GRAND PRIX, the second race of the tournament and its first street track.

Fedoroville, formerly Delapesca, is the stunning and luxurious capital city of the Territory of Holy Panuli. It's home to over 30 million souls and is one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the empire. Sitting on the southern point of the Delapesca Peninsula, the city is most well-known for its dominating acropolis that guards the southern harbors and beaches. Though burned down by rebels during the Panuli Civil War of M.C. 2026, it was subsequently rebuilt as the beachfront resort metropolis it is today.

This circuit is defined by the acropolis — zi-ngome in the local Panúl language — around which it wraps. During race weekends, vehicle access to this citadel is restricted, with visitors required to take one of the various alternative pedestrian options. Fans who want to visit the opulent palaces, mansions, temples, museums, restaurants, bars, and boutiques atop the Fedoroville Zi-Ngome can choose between three escalators, four aerial tramways, and even two gondola lifts that operate 24/7. For the wealthy, the Fedoroville Zi-Ngome also has several private helipads. Racers and fans alike will be taken from the northside, facing the vast "lower city" of Fedoroville, where most of its populace lives, around the east, where eventually the track meets the coastline. This coastal route, always under the shadow of the acropolis, follows as the cars enter the most challenging part of the track, sector 2. Weaving through the shorefront's geography, the race takes fans through the extravagant beach and marina communities that define Fedoroville's modern image.

This track prizes precision, consistency, and discipline, with (at face value) limited overtaking opportunities and medium-to-high tire wear. The weather will make matters even more challenging for teams and drivers. Tropical storms are common in these parts of Greater Díenstad and Forzala 1 viewers will be treated to one. Heavy spotty rain is predicted for the qualifying session, with heavy rain continuing through race day. If you like collisions, you'll probably love the Fedoroville GP.


ATTENTION: RP cutoff date for the qualifying session is 5/30 08:00 PST. RPs after race results but before this post count.




Key Details

• Track Type: Tight, technical street circuit with segmented flow and mixed-speed sections
• Rewards: Precision, braking control, traction on exit, rapid direction changes, disciplined throttle application
• Punishes: Over-aggression, missed braking points, poor car placement in technical sequences, instability under load transfer
• Overtaking: Very limited; primary opportunity into Turn 1 and occasional moves into heavy braking zones if exit is compromised ahead
• Tire Factor: Medium–High — repeated slow-speed traction zones and stop-start sections increase rear degradation
• Setup Bias: Medium downforce, strong mechanical grip, compliant suspension for traction and kerb handling
• Qualifying Importance: Very High — track position is critical; clean air heavily dictates total race time
• Safety Car Likelihood: High — tight confines, frequent braking zones, and limited runoff increase incident probability
• Time Profile: Built through technical sector execution; lap time gained in braking precision and exit consistency rather than outright speed
• Driver Bias: Skill > Consistency > Qualifying Bias > Tire Management > Aggression
• Race Character: Constrained and opportunistic; races compress into train-like formations with pressure-driven errors
• Notable Traits: Sector 2–3 technical complex defines lap time; long outer section offers recovery but not enough to offset mistakes

[Diarcesia]

PB arrived at an excellent car setting for the race:

Aerodynamic Package: Low drag
Suspension: Firm front, soft rear
Tyres: Soft compound
Handling System: Adaptive traction; Manually-managed active aero
Steering: High-speed direct

On her first official race with the PK-FIC-710N, Sam showed a tendency to favor the right side of the track. On the first lap, she had a lockup at Turn 10, but recovered.

That the race went a little better than expected would be an understatement for Laurens Scherpenkate. Her track sense contributed a lot to the car settings used, and helped her earn her very first FIC podium. Sam ended up eighth out of the 22 cars.

---

Post-Race
Cooldown Room

"Congratulations, Laurens! You've come a long way!" Sam greeted her teammate when the latter arrived in the room.

Laurens nodded and smiled. "I knew we could do it, Sam," she said. "How's your knee?"

Sam shrugged. "Still a little sore, but I'll be fine for next week."

"Good!" Laurens replied, and began explaining the Fedalan confectionery she wanted Sam to try.