World Grand Prix Championship 13: RP Thread

[WGPC]

sign-up thread - last season's RP thread

CIRCUITS

In date order, from first to final.

Race	NAT	Circuit				Grand Prix			Place
1	LEN	Gold Park Circuit		Grand Prix of Liventia		Neverend, Liventia
2	AUD	Crossport Raceway		Grand Prix of Audioslavia	Crossport, Audioslavia
3	TUR	Eelandii Grand Prix Course	Grand Prix of Turori		Eelandii, Turori
4	VIL	Mountain Challenge Course	Vilitan Grand Prix		Rockii Coast, Vilita
5	BAU	Alexwood Racing Park		Grand Prix Barunia		Edwardton, Barunia
6	HAN	Haishang International Circuit	SinoCom Han Grand Prix		Greater Haishang City, TGHC
7	BEA	Beobic Racing Arena		Grand Prix of Beateobsequensia	Lower Quintile, Beateobsequensia
8	EFL	Mount Salt Raceway		GP of the Imperial Commonwealth	Mount Salt City, Eastfield Lodge
9	RPX	Komandat Race Track		Grand Prix of Rapoxha		Broxha, Rapoxha
10	VER	Naturburg Circuit		Grand Prix of Vermark		Agriholm, Vermark
11	AEL	Trac Rasio Drefhil		Grand Prix of Aels		Drefhil, Aels
12	SJG	La Laguna			Gran Premio del Guayabal	La Laguna, San Jose Guayabal
13	NEK	Nekoni International Circuit	Grand Prix of Nekoni		Marina Point, Nekoni
14	YTT	Circuit de Telino		Gran Premi D'Yttribia		Telino, Yttribia
15	HDR	Yakumicha circuit		Grand Prix of Hodori		Yakumicha, Hodori

Pre-season testing will be held at Slithereen Snakeheart Circuit, Marketville, Frenline Delpha

TEAMS

In alphabetical order by national trigram:

Macllynlleth Clockwork Racing (AEL) (5 2 5)
Driver 1: #39 Tyler Brooks (1-3-2)
Driver 2: #17 Ryan Harris-Jones (1.3-2.6-2.1)

McPahan Racing (AUD) (4 5 3)
Driver 1: #1 Alexander Lund (2-1-3)
Driver 2: #16 Matt Hingis (2-2-2)

Archer Motorsports Super-WGP (BAU) (2.5 4.5 5)
Driver 1: #52 Sayono Souzare (1.5-2.5-2)
Driver 2: #10 Lauren Ashburton (3-1-2)

SinoMotors Racing (HAN) (5 3 4)
Driver 1: #41 Marcel Tenis (1.1-2.8-2.1)
Driver 2: #15 Alex Dimitrianov (2-2-2)

ENSADRINK GP Team Dekijika-Tarogama (HDR) (3.5 4.5 4)
Driver 1: #55 Asao Nadakei (2.7 1.4 1.9)
Driver 2: #99 Rudolf Ibuna (3-1-2)

Aston Tickford Racing (KRY) (3 5 4)
Driver 1: #11 Enu Noel (2-2-2)
Driver 2: #29 Esteban Guilhermez (1-3-2)

Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio (NEK) (4 3 5)
Driver 1: #74 Alexandra Mayari (2-2-2)
Driver 2: #24 Victoria Gardner (2-2-2)

Telaris Racing (SJG) (5 3 4)
Driver 1: #18 Wayne Forrest (2-1-3)
Driver 2: #4 Riku Äijälä (3-1-2)

Synclair Automotive (TCU) (5 4 3)
Driver 1: Vacant
Driver 2: Vacant

Hansa-Nyrota Racing (VER) (5 4 3)
Driver 1: #25 Lovisa Landenberg (3-1-2)
Driver 2: #70 Moisés Delgado (2-2-2)

Frontière Racing (YTT) (5 3 4)
Driver 1: #51 R.L. Cruisin (3-2-1)
Driver 2: #64 Crimson LaRoja (3-2-1)

DRIVERS

NAT	Name	Team			Ex	Rx	Re
AUD	Alexander Lund			2	1	3
BAU	Lauren Ashburton		3	1	2
EFL	Victoria Gardner		2	2	2
ESP	Johnathan Klassen		3	2	1
FND	Smith Snick			2	1	3
GLX	Wayne Forrest			2	1	3
HAN	Maxwell Song			1	2	3
HDR	Sayono Souzare			1.5	2.5	2
KRN	Qara Budang			1	3	2
LUN	Michael Olaffson		2	2	2
MDU	Enu Noel			2	2	2
MNG	Scotty Tucker			1	3	2
MLT	Maluk Vezer			1	2	3
MTJ	Alex Dimitrianov		2	2	2		
NDL	Adrian Klaassen			1	3	2
NED	Jacob Bohun			1	3	2
NEK	Alexandra Mayari		2	2	2
NKM	Noel Kallaghan			2	1	3
PKR	Katarzyna Owczarzak		1	3	2
PPD	Xebandhra Kallasdun		2.5	2.5	1
RPX	Ujkan Sadiraj			1	3	2
SJG	Moisés Delgado			2	2	2
TAE	Oliver Bliss			1	3	2
TCU	Roger Bunn			2	3	1
TOR	Weston Arbeid			2	3	1
TRB	Rudolf Ibuna			3	1	2
USI	Crimson 'Swift Curse' LaRoja	3	2	1
VER	Lovisa Landenberg		3	1	2
VIL	R.L. Cruisin			3	2	1
VNG	Mike Starlite			1	3	2
WHT	Ruslan Matveev			2	2	2
YTT	Tyler Brooks			1	3	2
ZAD	Alexander Longreach		2	1	3
ZMC	Zeek Altrimar		        1	3	2
NMA	Riku Äijälä		        3	1	2
APX	Matt Hingis		        2	2	2
HDR	Asao Nadakei		        2.7	1.4	1.9
LEN	Ryan Harris-Jones	            1.3	2.6	2.1
[Strike]SAN	Marcel Tenis		1.1	2.8	2.1[/strike]

Please TG the WGPC if any of the above data is inaccurate in any way.

Current Phase: Regular Season

For the next couple of weeks, negotiations between drivers and teams will take place in this thread. For those who have not done this before, have a look at the first two or three pages of last season's thread.

You may RP however you like. Maybe you'd prefer to tell the world that a couple of teams are interested in your driver via some rumour-mongering in your local newspapers? Perhaps you'd like to set up an interview a team/driver? Maybe you can do what Vilita did last season and hold a free trial for a number of drivers to test your racecar around a local circuit, and choose the best one? There is no 'right' way to do it, and the only 'wrong' way to do it would be to attempt to confirm your driver is racing with a team before any real negotiations, OOC, IC or otherwise, have taken place. You may also wish to consider the massive difference in pay between an experienced driver with a good reputation and a newcomer. In RL Formula 1, the best drivers are paid handsomely to drive while the newcomers often have to pay a team in order to secure a drive. Does your driver need to secure sponsorship in order to pay his way into a deal? Or is he a skilled driver with years of experience, upon whom a team can rely to draw money to the team through external sponsorship and win bonuses?

When you wish to confirm that a driver has joined a team, or formally offer a spot in your team to a driver, do so in bold, like this or this or this or simply like this.

There is no current cut-off date for all teams to fill their spots, but we expect the process to take about two weeks.

One thing you may want to consider is that, in IC terms, there has been a break of about 15 months between the end of last season and the start of this season - not the usual 3/4 month break. This could be for any number of reasons. Some say it's due to a FIFA-style investigation at WGPC headquarters, which have now moved to Cathair in Audioslavia. Some say it's due to a police investigation over irregular betting patterns and the mysterious death of former McPahan team over Linco McPahan. Some say it's due to money, some say a sponsorship deal fell through. You may RP it as you wish, or ignore it completely.

Please note: There is no difference in strength between 'Driver 1' and 'Driver 2'. The driver given the distinction of being 'Driver 1' does not grant him/her an OOC advantage over his team-mate.

One final thing: Since the last season of WGPC, RL Formula 1 changed its rules on the numbering of cars. Previously, the champion was given car #1, and his team-mate was given car #2, while the rest of the numbers went in order of how teams finished in the constructors championships. The rules have since changed, and now any driver can have whatever number they choose. The one rule that remains is that only the World Champion may have the number 1 on their car.

This is the rule the WGPC will enforce. Drivers can state their preferred car number when they sign up, but only the World Champion is allowed to use #1. If you do not submit a preferred number, then one will be given to you at random. We will adopt a first come, first served policy with regard to driver numbers. Driver numbers may range from 1-99.

One final, final thing: This is the RP thread. There is to be no Out-of-Context communication here. You may use the sign-up thread if you feel you need to make an OOC post.

[Eastfield Lodge]

It had been a long old wait for Victoria Gardner to return to the WGPC. Well, it was a year longer than it should have been, in all honesty, but what with the alleged investigations into corruption in the WGPC's governing body and the persistent fallout from the McPahan Racing team and that unfortunate incident last season at the Falcanian Grand Prix where (the now departed) team boss Linco McPahan was, in no uncertain terms, liquidized. In fact, Victoria was in the neighbouring garage, as test driver for the (frankly appalling) MSA-SinVal team, as the explosion happened, and the blood began pouring through the now badly weakened dividing wall.

That season as a whole had been a train-wreck for the entire team, not least for Victoria. 12 races as a test driver, going out in the practice sessions, and only once did she manage to finish in the top 20 of around 30 drivers on the grid - the Grand Prix of Paradystopia, where she managed to finish 15th, but still only 2.3 seconds off the pace of the leader. It was the team's best weekend, as it transpired, with Krindle qualifying 6th and somehow ending up on the podium in a race littered with retirements - it was a miracle Krindle himself wasn't one of them, given his reliability record. Even the jaded Licentian Lukas Forbes managed to score his sole point of the season, following a bust-up with the team principal Matthew Tytrin and amidst his drinking and possibly severe depression. As a whole, the team managed 6 points (a 3rd, two 8ths and three 10ths) finished from a possible 24, and finished 10th in the constructor's championship with 23 points, a full 41 points behind Vilita and Turori Motorsports in 8th, and 20 points behind BrennickSport, a team that actually folded mid-season for some reason. Only the WGPC Works teams fared worse than MSA-SinVal, and that was probably the reason behind them not applying for this season.

Forbes retired at the end of the season, having been known as the 'madman of the paddock', and as a result, the darling of the media for all the wrong reasons. As for Krindle, well he returned to the domestic scene, but the tide was turning. The last two seasons saw him being brought down a couple of pegs, and his ego being brought crashing down to earth from what may well have been low-earth orbit. The first season started not long after the WGPC championship finished, and whilst Krindle dominated the first few races, Victoria got back into the groove very quickly, and began chasing down the championship lead, helped in no small measure by Krindle's extremely reckless driving style and her own consistency. Victoria managed to tie the championship on points going into the final race. The race reflected the season, with a mistake from Louis handing the lead, and the ultimately the race win and the driver's championship to boot, to Victoria. The following season, on the other hand, was all about Victoria from start to finish, and she managed to wrack up enough points to seal the title with a race to go, and handed the SinVal team a surprising Constructor's Title to boot.

Moving to present, and she'd just got word from her agent that the teams had been finalised for the 13th WGPC, on top of the national news that the Imperial Commonwealth would be hosting the mid-season Grand Prix (number 8 of 15) at the Mount Salt Raceway. It wasn't Victoria's favourite track, in all fairness; that honour went to her hometown track in Port Lodgertia, but it fell foul of the WGPC's regulations (OOC: it's the Long Beach Street Circuit, used in NSGP Championships 3 and 4). Her agent had already prepared an e-mail to send to all the teams - the chief detail being that she would likely pay to be a driver, having been brutally honest with herself that she didn't have that much experience to be a salaried driver.

Nonetheless, she was confident she would get a seat.

[Audioslavia]

"...and now, it's time to put a star in our affordable car. Ladies and gentlemen, you may know this man from his expert cornering round the wine bars of Grand Forum, or from zooming up and down the inside legs of a number of high society's 'it' girls. Ladies and gentlemen, the original Audioslavian racing play-boy, the reigning, defending, doubleyew gee pee see champion of the world, Alexanderrrrrrr LUND!"

Alec noticeably blushed as he made his way from behind the curtain. In front of him, across the vast converted aircraft-hanger that made up the 'Full Throttle' studio, sat two comfortable sofas, a large flatscreen TV on a small metal desk, and the beaming, smiling face of Jeremy Jaffacake.

Ah, Jeremy. Whatever happened to you. Once the infamous, bedraggled, tobacco-stained face of all that was wrong with the Audioslavian media. Now the permatanned, bright-teethed, brandy-soaked face of all that was wrong with Audioslavian media. Neither Alec nor any Audioslavian on the planet had any real idea why Jeremy had decided to transform himself from one to the other, or why he'd wanted to get on TV in the first place, or why he'd go on to present a show about cars - a subject he'd never previously seemed to be interested in. Either way, he'd spent a few grand on plastic surgery to make him look 100 years younger (he still looked about 85 anyway), and had teamed up with professional poshboy Queyntin March and professional red-haired radio-knobend Evan Christopher to present the new series of 'Full Throttle', a show that was not only Audioslavia's most popular car magazine show, but also its most popular conservative circlejerk, full of distain for anything remotely 'queer', like gays or women or poor people.

Alec made his way through the crowd and up to Jeremy, shaking his hand and accepting a pat on the back.

"Alexander Lund, great to see you! Before we start, I have to ask: did you kill Linco McPahan?"

"Hah!" Alec snorted, shaking his head once, twice, and then continually while he added "no I'm pretty sure it was an accident"

"How sure?"

"I'm not really allowed to talk about it on television... or at all"

"You realise how that sounds to most people?"

"Yeah, but..." Alec stopped, looking at Jeremy, who had a twinkle in his eye. Alec finished his sentence with a couple of non-commital grunts. One thing Alec had to remember was that Jeremy, despite the aesthetic transformation, was still Jeremy Jaffacake, and would tie him up in knots for fun, if he wanted.

"So, the WGPC is back, finally. How difficult is the transition going to be from World Champion Ladykiller to World Champion Driver again?"

Alec rolled his eyes, yet wore the affable, lop-sided sheepish smile he'd been taught by his personal public relations advisor, in order to put across the idea of him being warm and self-deprecating, yet also secretly confident and sexy. Alec had, at one time, asked his PR advisor if Alec had become noticeably more 'hollywood' since he'd first shot to fame as WGPC12 champion. His PR advisor had replied 'you just asked that question to your own personal PR advisor'.

"Well, I wouldn't say ladykiller..."

"How much did you get from the McPahan deal?" said Jeremy, again with his eyes a-twinkling, like he didn't expect Alec to give him a figure, but wanted to cause the young driver to bristle at the idea of reeling off such a large figure while still coming across as a likeable character.

"Oh, you know, I can't really talk about that either, but it was enough..."

"And they were basically paying for you to woo women for a year, weren't they?"

Alec felt himself blushing again.

"Oh, come on now. It's true, I had a very easy year last year, what with not having to race at all due to, y'know, the things going on at the WGPC..."

"It was a two-year contract you were given, wasn't it?"

"Aye, but.."

"A lucrative two year contract, and one year of it you spent without actually driving a car. Just standing beside it in your overalls looking swarve for adverts for foreign banks"

"Yeah, there was still work to do, even if I wasn't driving for the year..."

"I wouldn't call it work, though. Swanning around the world's capitals, having a few photo's taken with a car, then six hours later having more photos taken with two young girls around each arm, stumbling out of a nightclub..."

Alec, if he wasn't blushing already, definitely was now. Embarassed by the whistles and 'wa-hays' from the studio audience, he struggled to retain his composure. In truth, he had been a bit of a playboy since winning that World Championship, and had had a year off to enjoy his success in increasingly extravagant ways, and, yes, he had had a few photographs of himself strewn over the first few pages of various newspapers and high society magazines, linked with all sorts of supermodels and heiresses. It hadn't changed him, though. Both his PR assistant and personal hair stylist had told him as much...

"Are you fit for the coming season?" asked Jeremy, throwing Alec a softball after what had felt like half an hour of gentle ribbing.

"Oh, definitely. We start up again in January, in a few weeks. Hitting the gym, shedding a few pounds, and then I'll be all ready to defend my championship"

"Racing for McPahana again? They've not tried to weasle their way out of that two year contract?"

"Yes, I mean no, I mean.. yes, I'll be racing for McPahan once again"

"And who will you be racing against? There'll be a few new faces for next season, won't there?"

"Oh, definitely. Roger Bunn will be back, definitely, I spoke to him the other day, he's looking forward to it"

"Not seen him quite so much on the front pages.." said Jeremy. It was true. Roger, despite having made a few bob himself in sponsorship deals, had largely shied away from the spotlight. There'd be no extensive training regime to get the Syndicatian-turned-Mertian into shape. He'd looked as fit as a fiddle when the two had spoken.

"No, no, he's very much a professional..."

"..and you aren't...?"

"Well, I get paid to win..." said Alec, hoping that was a clever and funny line and not just a cringeworthy one. "R.L. Cruisin' will be back as well. So will Xeb Kallasdun, too, so I hear, though nobody's heard anything about Xeb since that race in Ancharmunn on the final day of last season.

"Do you think Xeb threw that championship away? Or did you just take it from him?"

"I didn't take it from anyone." said Alec, frowning. He'd been very fortunate to win the championship on countback, making up a number of points in the final few races to pip Kallasdun to the driver's championship. He'd even lapped Xeb on the final lap of that final race - or at least tried to. He'd blocked out the events of that final lap - the collision, the near-death experience, gingerly scything round the last half of that lap to crawl over the line in second place - just enough to win the championship.

"No Stang Crax this season, I hear?" asked Jeremy. Alec shook his head.

"No, I think he's still trying to fish his career from that u-bend. The season will be less great without him, of course"

"And what of the new boys that'll be on the grid?"

"Well, it's all still up in the air, really. Nobody has signed for any team yet. I do like the look of Maxwell Song, though, he's been very quick, and Tyler Brooks has looked very good"

"You trying to encourage McPahan to sign them?" asked Jeremy. Alec gave a nervous chuckle.

"No, well, yes, I suppose, but there's teams from Glorious Han and Yttribia this season, and they may well want to stay at home. I'd love to have Roger Bunn on my team again, but...."

Jeremy's ears almost noticeably pricked up. Alec let out a short, sharp sigh. He wasn't supposed to let that one go.

"Roger won't be signing for McPahan again?"

"Well..."

"You heard it hear first, ladies and gentlemen! But why... why not?"

"Well..."

"I mean surely he can't be eschewing the best team in the world, leaving these beautiful Audioslavian shores for... for... Mertagne"

"Well..."

"I mean, don't get me wrong, Mertians are fine but they're a bit, y'know..."

"No they aren't"

"Smelly"

"No they aren't" repeated Alec, a little exhasperated from not being able to talk but at the same time grateful for the change in topic. Jeremy had always been a little jingoistic, but had let this new show bring the nationalist arsehole out of him, even if he was only doing it for the money.

"He must smell a bit when he's finished a race, sweating that Mertagne sweat through his overalls

"Mertians aren't especially sweaty, Jeremy, as well you..."

"They smell like someone's done a poo in a hammock and left it in a cheese factory to ferment"

"No they..."

"And then someone sets the cheese factory on fire using sulphur"

"No.."

"And then they're all like 'hey sulphur that's a rock' and then they talk to you about rocks for an hour"

"..."

"And they drink too much Dandelion and Burdock"

"Look..."

"So what drivers are McPahan interested in to replace Roger?"

"Well, we don't yet know that Roger has gone, but McPahan are coming up with contingency plans in case he doesn't."

"Like who?"

"Well there's..." began Alec. He'd paused because he could only imagine Jeremy's response. He closed his eyes and tried to keep his plastered smile. "...Crimson LaRoja"

"Who?"

"Nicknamed 'Swift Curse'".

Alec watched as the cogs turned in Jeremy's head.

"A pony?"

"It's just a rumour"

"How the hell is a pony going to fit in a car?"

"There are ways and means"

"And they smell"

"Jeremy, they do not smell"

"They're foreign, they must do. Ponies. They smell like someone filled a disused barn with butterflies and marshmallows and then set it on fire"

"No, they really don't. Anyway, it's just a rumour"

"Who else?"

"Well of course there's Victoria Gardner, she's been mentioned, as has Wayne Forest, Oliver Bliss too, but it really depends how interested they are in becoming a pay d..."

Alec was cut off again. He'd also given too much away once more.

"A pay driver, at McPahan?"

"Well, a lot of the teams have this system. We had it last year. You pay a good driver to race for you, and then hire a pay-driver to get sponsor money in."

"Pay drivers are the ones that pay in order to race."

"Their sponsors pay, both for the driver's wages and the spot in the team"

"I take it that's why McPahan haven't gone in for R.L. Cruisin?" asked Jeremy. Alec shrugged.

"Cruisin would be the ideal partner. He's the strongest of the field, but he wouldn't pay to race."

"Interesting. Speaking of racing, who wants to see Alexander Lund's lap?"

The audience 'wa-hayed' once again. Alec plastered on a smile and turned to the monitor.

He'd been fairly happy with his 'lap' - his one flying lap around a local circuit in a tiny Folkswagon Shinty. 'it was a lot like driving a McPahan, but in slow motion' he'd said, 'and in that you're constantly expecting the wheels to come off and to end up in a hedge on fire.'

Jeremy told him his lap, eventually, after a lot of kerfuffle. 1:41.093. Far quicker than any of the celebrities that had been on the show, but probably not as quick as he could have gone.

Alexander thanked the audience, shook Jeremy's hand once again, and left for his hotel. Had he given too much away? Had he failed at coming across as anything other than an arsehole? Had fame really changed him so much? One thing was certain: It'd be back to work soon enough, and he wouldn't have time for any of the excesses of fame. He was the world's #1 driver, supposedly. If he couldn't act like a role-model off the track, he should certainly get training in order to look like one on it.

[Yttribia]

"Alrighty, Mr Brooks. Listen, kid. You fit everything. The look, the height, the face, the everything. You are by far one of the best looking drivers out there."

"Thank you Mr Duval, but what about my sk-"

"Psh, who needs this damn experience in open wheeled race cars? What matters is that you know what to do, and you have a marketable face for sure. Now, we've talked with your agents and all, and we have been working fervently to get you to join the hometown team. You will do it, dammit."

"Thank you sir, now where's the aaaa-"

Tyler was about to sneeze before Gaston Duval curtly interrupted him.

"I swear to Jove, if you sneeze, you better pack your goddamn bags and find yourself another team."

Duval was one of the more eccentric team principals in the World Grand Prix Championship. He wasn't necessarily the nicest owner, but he sure was the most caring. He had this extreme hatred of people sneezing in front of him, as he was a mysophobe. He had gone through extreme lengths in ensuring his phobia of germs was extent. Never shook hands with anyone, shaved his head bald due to "feel cleaner," handled money with latex gloves, and most importantly: he hated all bathrooms but his own. He was that nitpicky.

Brooks made the terrible mistake of sneezing.

"Get out, Tyler."

With those three words uttered, Duval picked up Tyler's contract that he had prepared, and placed it into the paper shredder that was right next to him. Tyler saw his hopes and dreams go straight into the trash, separated into a million little pieces.

"You've got to be joking, Mr Duval! You're not going to do something like that just because I sneezed."

"It's my money, Tyler. Now get the hell out!"

Duval stood up from his desk, and made his way to one of the many mirrors in this office. Tyler was stunned and in shock at Duval's lunacy, as he punched the mirror repeatedly, resulting in a bloodied hand, with shards all over his right hand. Duval glared at Tyler menacingly, and with his good hand, pointed Tyler out the door. Tyler sighed, as he stood up and left, wondering why Duval could end dreams over something extremely stupid like a sneeze. As Tyler began contacting his agent to get him on the line with Macllynlleth Clockwork, McPahan, Synclair, and the Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio, Duval bandaged up his bloodied hand, and returned to his desk, where he powered on his computer, and loaded up a word processor. Duval, being the money-supplying bastard he was, did not care that much about the sport itself, instead he cared about winning. He sent an email to the only racecar driver he had heard of: world champion Alexander Lund.

To: Alexander Lund
From: Gaston Duval
CC: n/a
Re: Frontière Racing

Mr Lund:

We would like to congratulate you on your previous victory in the World Grand Prix Championship. We realize your relationship with McPahan racing is strong, but we here at Frontière Racing can provide just as good of an experience, if not better. We have plenty of money to satisfy your needs, and to fund and develop the best cars in the world. In addition, we can, and we will be able to offer you a salary that can be granted, within seven to eight digits. In addition, we would be giving you our number one driver's spot. Basically, Frontière Racing is interested in hiring you, Mr Lund. Please respond swiftly.

Sincerely:

Gaston Duval
Team Principal

"It's worth a damn shot," he muttered. Regarding the other drivers, he had no idea who most of them were, and scrolled through a list, before realizing he did not know any of them. So on a whim, he decided to write an open invitation to drivers whom he thought could be worthy. He began typing a generic email inviting drivers to the track.

To: Victoria Gardner, Sayono Souzare, Scotty Tucker, Alexandra Mayari, Xebandhra Kallasdun, Moisés Delgado, Roger Bunn, Rudolf Ibuna, Crimson LaRoja, Lovisa Landenberg, R.L. Cruisin
From: Gaston Duval
cc: n/a
Re: Frontière Racing

Hello:

If you are receiving this, then congratulations. We view you as highly skilled drivers who could make Frontière Racing a success. We value strong work ethic, and skill on the course, while promoting good values and excellency off of it. While we realize some of you have made commitments, or are interested in other teams, we would like to invite you to our headquarters to get to know you better, and maybe even a test drive on our circuit. We hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely:

Gaston Duval
Team Principal

Duval smiled, before looking down at his vintage mechanical keyboard, which was now given a crimson colouring from all of the blood he lost. He smiled, before his senses and mind snapped back, realizing how useless the keyboard was. He yanked the keyboard from the CPU, before opening a window, and chucking the keyboard out into to the streets of Gaillard. With his uninjured hand, Duval pressed the intercom button on his desk, with his secretary, Sophia del Bosque, answering.

"Yes, Mr Duval?"

"Get me a new keyboard, Sophia. Now."

"Yes, sir."

Duval slumped in his leather chair, realizing the pain he was going to have to go through as a Team Principal.

"Fuck my life," he uttered.

[Gloriax]

The Wayne Tales...

Well, the WGPC has given us a new hero, Wayne Forrest. It has been 14 long years since he has left his homeland, but he retains the Gloriaxian blood - signing up for this mega-event in world racing as a proud Gloriaxian. Wayne and his family were not very rich, atleast not rich enough to support their son's exceptional talent in open-wheeled racing. However, his father Ian Forrest somehow felt his passion or the sport, and understood that he could might as well have a career in racing, and sold off all his family belongings to settle in El Roblar, San Jose Guayabal to let his son, Wayne Forrest to prosper as a driver.

It all started 14 years ago, when 7-year-old Wayne was driving around in one of the go-karting tracks at Campos, Gloriax (where his dad happened to work as a technician), when he drew the attention of a scout from Polígono Norte #4 facility, El Roblar. Mesmerized by the skill of the young boy, the scout came back the next day to give their family the offer to move to El Roblar and let their son - Gloriax's young racing prodigy prosper. The Guayabalense government then provided a 50% waiver on all taxes for the family until their son graduated from Polígono Norte #4.

Having just completed his graduation from the facility, the time is now ripe for Wayne to show the world his talent - firstly so that he can take a step in the right direction in his racing career, and secondly so that he can support his family as his father is only recieving C$6,000 by working at Zoom Zoom Go Kart, El Roblar, especially with the taxes now being increased to full for the family.

Having such an intimate history with San Jose Guayabal has stirred up rumours in the Gloriaxian media that Forrest might probably be joining Telaris Racing. Now, only time can tell whether Forrest will be able to race in this WGPC. If he does, will it be in the white-and-blue car?

[Mangolana]

As the sun set on another year of racing in Mangolana, duel-champion Scotty Tucker began to ponder his future. Talking with his longtime crew chief Gordon "Fix It" Beckam, Tucker talked about the idea of racing for more than just a national championship.

"Hey Becks! Can we talk for a minute?"

Turning from the Street and Rally Racing Championship trophies, Gordon turned and faced his longtime driver and nephew. Knowing for a longtime about what was coming for his nephew, Beckham had already begun to plan for both his and his drivers future.

"What's Up Scotty?"
"How do you think I drove this season? Winning both of the Mangolana Major Racing titles, we had a good season didn't we?"

Looking into his nephews eye's, Gordon began to remember back throughout the past year. The duo -- who had been together ever since Scotty began racing go-karts at the age of seven -- had won all but two of the fourteen race Mangolana Street Racing season. The street circuits had run through some of Mangolana's biggest cities and run much like a WGPC race.

"Well... Frankly we were sloppy this season. You have the talent and ability to win every race, but you always seem to lax off whenever you begin to feel comfortable. We could have won every race in the Street Championship this year and should have won every race in the Rally Championship."

Knowing what his uncle was talking about, Scotty remembered back to the race around the Mascona woods. Leading through out the entire event, Scotty tagged a retaining wall coming out of one of the final ninety degree turns. The damage was enough to cause Tucker to limp back to the finish line, finishing fourth on the stage.

"Yeah I know Uncle, but I think I'm getting better. In fact, between my improving concentration and current skill level, racing another season here in Mangolana may be too easy!"
"What do you mean, where else do you think you are going to race!?!? These foreign countries will not give a Mangolana driver a chance! The only chance you have of moving up in the world of racing is to race around the world!"

Knowing what he had just said, Beckham looked back at his computer screen. The time is right he thought. After all, how will the world ever know how good Scotty is if he never makes the jump to the next level. After a pause in the convesation, Beckham invited his nephew over to his computer screen.

"Scott, let me show you something I've been working on."

Heading over to the computer, Scotty sat down and took a look at what his Uncle had been concentrating on for the last few hours.

"What's this information form for Uncle..."

Scrolling on the computer screen, Scotty found his way to the top of the email. At the top sat the World Grand Prix Championship logo. Below, the email read something that the 22-year old had only ever dreamed of reading.

"Dear Mr. Tucker

Your application to recieve a World Grand Prix License has been approved by the WGPC board of directors. Your brilliant racing career in Mangolana has also allowed us to enter your name for consideration in the World Grand Prix Championship talent pool for next season. You are now free to contact one of the attached teams and discuss a contract for the upcoming racing season. Once a contract is agreed upon by both yourself and a WGPC licensed team, you will be free to take part in the upcoming World Grand Prix Championship season. We look forward to seeing you on the grid this season and would like to wish you the best of luck this year.

Board of Directors, WGPC"

Looking towards his Uncle, Scotty saw a tear in the man's eye. After all, his uncle had brought him up in racing. Now, it was his time to return all the years of hard work he had put in. Exchanging a hug, Scotty Tucker left his Uncle's race shop that night. The next few weeks would be filled with hiring an agent and flying to other countries around the world.

=====================================================================================================================================================

At first, the email from the WGPC had been a blessing in the skies. How many men could say they would have a chance to race for the world's best in the WGPC. However, the dream soon became to give way to amount of work securing a drive would be. Flying from potential sponsor to potential sponsor, Scotty knew he would need to secure some financial backing to drive as a rookie. Without it, he would have little chance of securing a ride.

With his agent constantly pestering him, Scotty had very little time to himself. It was during that time that Scotty would talk to his family, specifically his uncle. Though every time he called with no good news as of yet, his Uncle Beckham would reassure him of himself. His favorite line being "have patience, your time will come".

Checking his computer after along day of courting which involved a flight to Mangolana's capital city of Mascona, Scotty Tucker opened his email. Craving some feel good food, it is likely he was looking for some coupons to purchase Ice Cream. Though he had the money, Scotty never passed up an opportunity to save Langolanas.

It was then that Scotty noticed an email with his name on it. Opening the email, Mr. Tucker as his agent always called him, noticed the email was from Frontière Racing. A team that was racing in the upcoming World Grand Prix Season.

To: Scotty Tucker, etc...
From: Gaston Duval
cc: n/a
Re: Frontière Racing

Hello:

If you are receiving this, then congratulations. We view you as highly skilled drivers who could make Frontière Racing a success. We value strong work ethic, and skill on the course, while promoting good values and excellency off of it. While we realize some of you have made commitments, or are interested in other teams, we would like to invite you to our headquarters to get to know you better, and maybe even a test drive on our circuit. We hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely:

Gaston Duval
Team Principal

Calling his agent immediately, Scotty Tucker began to type his response email with such force the keys on his keyboard almost popped off.

To: Gaston Duval
From: Scotty Tucker
cc: n/a
Re: Frontière Racing Opening

Greetings

Thank you for the opportunity. I would love to meet with you and your team, Frontière Racing. I will be spending tomorrow in a meeting with the Mangolana National Bank seeking financial backing for the upcoming season. If I could set up a meeting with you in the coming weeks to discuss the opening at your team this season, I would much appreciate it.

Sincerely:

Scotty Tucker
WGPC Free-Agent

His agent agreed to be in contact with the team over the next few days in hope of setting up a meeting. Knowing this could be his chance, Scotty planned to take full advantage of it. It was now or never for the young Mangolana racer. Will he take advantage of it or be left in the dust by his rivals? One meeting to determine it all, but Scotty knew, it was his time.

[The Royal Barangay]

Rudolf Ibuna.

One of the Barangay's most experienced drivers, with exposure at Formula Hodori and International Super Formula Championships. He is quite fast on qualifying, but he was extra aggressive, racking up multiple DNF's, costing his team points in the championships. Add the unreliable Anutin Tabu engines to his misery, as he also registered DNF's due to engine failures. The company however, which also makes sports cars, remain committal to his talent and experience, extending their sponsorship deal for three more years. Ibuna's personal sponsors also include Iscrachi, a multinational company, and Imargon, an expert in lighting.

Ibuna's agent, Gaston Francisco, got a mail from a Yttribian team, Frontiere Racing.

To: Victoria Gardner, Sayono Souzare, Scotty Tucker, Alexandra Mayari, Xebandhra Kallasdun, Moisés Delgado, Roger Bunn, Rudolf Ibuna, Crimson LaRoja, Lovisa Landenberg, R.L. Cruisin
From: Gaston Duval
cc: n/a
Re: Frontière Racing

Hello:

If you are receiving this, then congratulations. We view you as highly skilled drivers who could make Frontière Racing a success. We value strong work ethic, and skill on the course, while promoting good values and excellency off of it. While we realize some of you have made commitments, or are interested in other teams, we would like to invite you to our headquarters to get to know you better, and maybe even a test drive on our circuit. We hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely:

Gaston Duval
Team Principal

A day after Gaston received the mail, he immediately met with Rudolf to discuss matters.

GF: Rudolf, looks like a team's looking for your services.

RI: The Yttribian team? I received that mail. I'm actually looking at them, since the them is Esportivan, and looks like I could be fit at that team, but let's see...

GF: You have sponsorship. You can bring money to the team and beat the other invitees for the team.

RI: I'm also looking at the Synclair, Aston Tickford, and the Dekijika-Tarogama teams. But we'll accepting their invite.

GF: Good, then. I'll send the reply mail then. You better work on your conditioning to be fit in time for preseason. It's been a while since you last raced.

RI: OK then.

Rudolf, with his interest in four teams, and with his sponsorship money, will start his WGPC adventure soon...

[San Jose Guayabal]

Telaris Racing HQ's, Moncada, San Salvador - Friday, January 5th, 2200, 20:30 hrs.

"Maybe we are not precisely that nation with a long tradition in motorsports but we have the resources to compete against the best in the world, that we are, our philosophy permeates us with that fighting spirit, to never give up, fight to the end, that identifies us as Telaris Racing, welcome to our presentation, "said Jaime Gutiérrez as he watched how 1,500 racing fans and about one hundred people representing the sponsors were in the team presentation and also a group of 80 journalists from San José Guayabal, Gloriax and another nations.

"Telaris Racing emerges as a real alternative, a bet on the future of motorsport in San Jose Guayabal who seek to be the best in the competitions which take part, the aim for new horizons, the Telaris Company slogan motivates us to seek a leading position worldwide and that's why we started to put our eyes on four people who are candidates to fill the vacancy and join our team of dreamers and achievers. "This is how Gutiérrez ended with a tone of ambition and motivation when a video with the profile of the four main candidates to take a seat at the team, based on researches conducted by scouts hired by Telaris.

A flag of Yttribia and a portrait of Tyler Brooks appeared in the video, then a shrill voice features. "The young promise of Yttribia! Tyler Brooks, a young competitor who has little experience in open wheeled racing but knows what it is to compete in motorsport, a competitor respected in the stock car racing in Yttribia looking to expand their horizons and fulfill his dream of being a competitor in open wheeled racing, a dreamer and talented runner with exceptional handling, well known to be adventurous and likes to take risks when it is also necessary to have a great talent to surpass other competitors and stay on top of the race, in addition to courage and confidence by having a special team on his pit crew. In short, Brooks is a talented racer who fills the profile we are looking at Telaris Racing, dreamy young people seeking their way among the best in the world to make his mark in history. "

Applause rang out at the end of the video about Brooks, then a video with the flag of Vilita appeared and then the voice said it was the turn of R.L. Cruisin to appear in the video. "R.L. Cruisin or simply known as Cruisin is an experienced competitor from Vilita, having debuted in WGPC in its eleven edition, it was observed that Cruisin is a competitor that loves challenges despite being sort of a rookie, managing to win a couple of races in his debut season and thus managed to have a great rookie season, but it was not enough to enter the top three in the season (he finished fourth), which was won by his teammate Stang Crax, Cruisin took a leading role in Vilita & Turori Motorsport in WGPC 12, which had a drop in results, despite that, Cruisin is considered a pilot who has much more to give fans of motorsport worldwide, something that can happen this season."

Uncertainty as to the history of Cruisin emerged among the attendees, a good amount of them showed their discontent with the status of this competitor on the list of potential racers to join Telaris Racing. Then, a flag of The Calanian Union appeared and was presented to Roger Bunn, former competitor of McPahan Racing, one of the best in the last two editions of WGPC. "Roger Bunn is a competitor who has a lot to give in the future, a competitor who made his debut last season is someone with great technique when taking the wheel and driving his car, he was one of the best rookies in the last season, finishing in eighth place, which managed to surprise many fans of the motoring when he finished first at Liventia's GP after the first half of the season, Bunn managed to stay almost immovable in the top 10 this season, his future looks uncertain in McPahan and is a good opportunity for Telaris Racing to bid for this competitor that has much more to offer, considering his age and talent, it can be a very useful piece for the team, in short, a complete competitor can be a key for the team."

Many acceptance appreciated by the audience, then a well-known face among the spectators appeared, that was Xebandhra Kallasdun, from Peninsula Praedonesque. "A comprehensive and ambitious competitor, which seeks to achieve more and more, literally a source of motivation for the team where he is located, his beginnings as a runner emerged in illegal night races in the city of Shvor, besides being a test driver. In his debut season with the Goldmund-Teller team from Falcania, a word can describe it, that is exceptional, making outshine of Stang Crax, the defending champion at the time. Despite being a rookie, he was firmly in the lead for much of the season with three wins, unfortunately a bad end of the season left him in third place in the competition, behind Sotil Morua and Alexander Lund. Although believed he had perished in the cheese-catastrophe happened in Paradystopia, Kallasdun survived and wants to join a talented team this season and thus to beat Alexander Lund. "

Applause rang out in the hall presentations Telaris Racing in Moncada, finally, the present seemed to opt for Brooks and Kallasdun, who appeared to be intended in order to pick one as a Telaris new racer with special interest, though, was only one space available, as they already hired somebody well known in the house.

Jaime Gutiérrez came back on stage and cheerful showed for the first hiring Telaris for this season, a promising rookie Gloriax has basically done all his racing career in San Jose Guayabal, this is Wayne Forrest, a very reliable driver and good experience from an early age, regarded as a motorsport fan that made his family left behind his life in Gloriax to settle in San Jose Guayabal and so seek a better future for your child. Forrest came in the uniform of Telaris Racing and with his helmet in his hand going to the people with a greeting as he was applauded, many have a great appreciation for Forrest, as you have seen grow in the race tracks in the Roblar with his father, who was ratified as head of the pit crew, considering his background as a mechanic in the park Zoom Zoom Go Kart in El Roblar and a few hours of work in major companies such as Aerolineas Guayabalenses, finally, is the hero of the house.

Forrest took the microphone and addressed the audience in perfect Spanish "Buenas noches, amigos, estar acá con ustedes hizo cumplir un sueño de infancia." then he proceeded to give some statements about his incorporation to Telaris Racing for the upcoming WGPC Season.

"Participating in my greatest adventure as a race driver with the team that discovered my talent gives much to talk about, besides being a motivator, Telaris Racing has been a great blessing in my life, as it sowed the basis of the professional who I am and my character as such, and has helped my family in great shape, are things that I owe enough to the team and also the stability of the team and its bets on youth, not only in Gloriax, but here too, as happened with Moses (Delgado), so I am committed to giving my best this season, it is that what's next is not easy, but it's not impossible, I'm more than sure that this team of winners, are to achieve great things. "

Angel of Liberty Square, Moncada.

Forrest said between tears of emotion that was present with him at that time, Gutiérrez hugged him and said, "Welcome to your racing family, Forrest, we know that we will achieve great success together in this journey is just beginning." People applauded and asked hotly to Forrest to drive on the streets of Moncada, through the Angel of Liberty, symbolic monument of Moncada, Gutiérrez accepted and asked the public to give the order to start the engine, in unison was heard "Forrest, start your engine!" Forrest did, and the roar of the car, Forrest accelerated again to make the engine roar and cheer the crowd listened.

Gutiérrez asked him to wait while people gathered around the makeshift street circuit in downtown exhibition Moncada, fifteen minutes later, the audience gathered, Forrest gave a parade lap and then go through the circuit twice and make certain display maneuvers at the end of it, such as burning tires or do "donuts".

The People were extremely happy with the hiring of Forrest, despite being a foreigner, was regarded as a kind of idol among motorsport fans in San Jose Guayabal, they knew that the training had Forrest throughout his life will be useful for its expertise in WGPC, the challenge is not easy but certainly the results would be excellent.

Gutiérrez went to sleep and that was it, after a social fellowship after the presentation of Forrest to the public and journalists.

The next day, 12:00 hrs

Gutiérrez entered the office, it was just the beginning of the workday and walked to his desk, turned on his computer, took a coffee and snack, thereafter called by the communicator to his secretary, Luisa Sibrián for some paperwork. "Luisa, the WGPC begin soon and we need to call the four candidates we have to begin in earnest the process of selection for the second vacancy, please compose a writing where they do contain the invitation to Moncada for Wednesday, urgent if possible before 14:00 Hand it over." Gutierrez, who showed hurry in order to have all the paperwork ready before Saturday of next week said, Luisa asked "Some details that are necessary to write?" to which Jaime replied. "We'll give them accommodation, free food and transport, in addition to the tests will be in La Laguna at 17:30 and easily last until almost midnight." Luisa went to his desk and began to write the note.

From: Jaime Gutiérrez - telarisracingadmin@telmail.gu
To: Tyler Brooks, Xebandhra Kallasdun, Roger Bunn, R.L. Cruisin, Crimson LaRoja.
RE: Searching for new horizons, Telaris Racing is your chance!

Hello, the fact that we have reached means that you meet our desired criteria in our competitors, dreamy people, fighters and winners always looking to give their best and beat the obstacles for glory profile, the reason for this is inviting them to the tests for Telaris Racing drivers in order to WGPC season approaching, we at Telaris Racing value quality, ethics and efforts of each of our members and ultimately seek to promote the talent of our competitors to transform in the best globally, that's our goal.

For testing, we ask to all of you to arrive in the city of Moncada, San Jose Guayabal this Wednesday, January 10 as latest this year for testing for the selection process, which includes a test at the Circuit de La Laguna , which will host the Gran Premio del Guayabal in this season's WGPC, a medical test and interviews with our administrative staff, if one is chosen, the contract will be signed on Friday, January 12 and presentation to the press will be the same day. As part of our commitment as a team, we send a ticket to return to your home destination to San José Guayabal and vice versa, we will also cover other expenses, room and board, so you have nothing to worry only give the best of you to be part of this team.

Sincerely.
Jaime Gutierrez
President of Telaris Racing S.A.de.C.V.

[Madesu]

It is a few days before the first race of the World Grand Prix Championship when 19 year old Andre Fimbu, a Grand Prix fan checks out the latest information on the race. There has not been a race in 15 months due to said FIFA-style investigations at WGPC headquarters and Andre is itching to see his favorite racers Alexander Lund back in action. As he is checking the latest NSHQ updates broadcasting a preview of the tournament he sees the Madesene flag listed in the driver's; this astonishes him because there has never been a person from his region or country to even apply to race in an F1 championship. He then telephones one of his friends 18 year old Makani Travert, who is pretty much his only friend that follows the F1 series rather consistently. Very few Madesenes anticipate F1 racing, the overwhelming majority favor football/soccer. It is a summer vacation evening when Andre checks out the latest updates via NSHQ.

MAKANI: phone rings. "Hallo?"

ANDRE: "Hey Mak, you excited for the F1 Championships? It's starting in a few days."

MAKANI: "Is it? Huh, looks like this summer's gonna be a hell of a blast, eh?"

ANDRE: "Yeah dude. Get on the F1 site of NSHQ and check out the drivers real quick, you've gotta see something."

MAKANI: "What is it?"

ANDRE: "Just get on, you'll see."

Makani then searches NSHQ f1 on Googol and 26 year old rookie driver Enu Noel's name shows up multiple times.

MAKANI: "Hold on...wait...this can't be true. A Madesene is going to race? What!?"

ANDRE: "I know right! This year's Championship is gonna be a heck of an interesting one."

MAKANI: "They're saying he's actually pretty decent; he was first place in the Metropolis mini-f1 championship."

ANDRE: "Yeah, but that race was full of total f1 noobs, man. Besides their F1 cars weren't the real deal anyway. But they do mention he has some experience with F1 cars but not a whole lot when it comes to legit professional F1 racing. This guy has some potential."

MAKANI: "And he's applied to join Aston Tickford Racing, which I think is pretty decent for him since they don't have as much wealth as some other teams do, but they've got the experience down. Number 11 for the win!"

ANDRE: "Oh they do say that. This guy could be going places, don't you think?"

MAKANI: "He has potential already. He's joining a decent team and he has some F1 experience with maneuvering. Let's hope he'll be one of the top dogs out there soon!"

ANDRE: "I have feelings he could be a little better off with Scuderia because they've got some skills bro, but you know me, I'm picky."

MAKANI: "Nah, Aston fits him better."

ANDRE: "Meh."

MAKASI: "But dude, the very first Madesene to race in these! These are expensive when you're a rookie, " muttering on purpose. "which is kinda why Aston is good for him...but not really..."

ANDRE: "Hey, let's go play some foot in the park tomorrow dude, I'll grab my cousins so they can come with us. I've been bored as hell the past few days owning kids on Special Ops II."

MAKASI: "Alright, can do. See you tomorrow bro. This is truly gonna be a summer to remember..."

ANDRE: "You bet. Deuces brah."

[Barunia]

ARCHER MOTORSPORTS REVEALS CAR FOR WGPC, CALLS FOR DRIVERS

The new Archer team car. Numbers are for display purposes only and will be changed to driver's number once signed up.

Archer Motorsports today revealed the design for their WGPC car. The team also announced that they will be looking for two drivers to race for the "red arrow", and that they were seeking applications from all registered WGPC drivers. "We're a small team," said Henry Baltimore, team principal, "We don't expect to be able to just jump in and hook the big names. But of course, if they applied, we wouldn't say no." Printed below is Henry Baltimore's letter to all team drivers.

To: All Potential Drivers

My name is Henry Baltimore, principal of Archer Motorsports Super-WGP racing team, and I'd like to formally invite you to be part of the Archer family. While Archer might b new to this tournament, we have a proud history of motorsport going back over 50 years, winning both national and international competitions in GT Circuit racing and rallying. Our designers have poured all that experience into the car that you will be driving. We stake our reputation on the reliability of every car we make, and our dedicated team of mechanics will make sure you stay on the track. Archer Motorsports prides itself on hiring only those with a passion for the brand, the sport, and above all, the cars.

Which leads me to the biggest reason why you should join Archer. Because we are a Barunian company, our employees are entitled by law to a part share in the business itself! That's right, you have a say in how the company you race for operates. What's more, employment in Archer Motorsports means employment in the Archer Motor Company, meaning you will see a dividend from Barunia's largest car manufacturer, producing nearly 6 million units a year!

This is why we call Archer a family. When you work for us, wether you are a mechanic, a driver, or even the cleaner, you're not just an employee. You are one of us.

If you would like to be part of the unique Archer family, please contact me.

Yours,

Henry Baltimore
Team Principal, Archer Motorsports Super-WGP Racing Team

[Royal Nordenland]

Adrian Klaassen's Perspective
Aftenburg, Nordenland
6/22/2015
11:04 AM
Ugh... what a tiring day. Played a soccer match with some friends, meeting some fans, that sort of stuffs. I walked back to my apartment in the center of Aftenburg. I took a good shower and drank a cup of coffee. I turned my TV on with my laptop on my lap. I turned the TV to a news channel where I see loads of stuffs about me going in the World Grand Prix Championship. I would not mind that however. I logged in to my laptop, surfed the internet and did some research about the teams in World Grand Prix Championship. I found one which seems to be appealing to me, Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio a team based in Nekoni. I mean, its not bad and seems to have a solid base. I researched more about it, called my agent and such, then I finally decided that I will be applying for the Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio. I then logged on to my e-mail account, writing my application to be in the team.

Dear Sir/Madaam

First of all, let me introduce my self first. My name is Adrian Klaassen I am a 21 Year Old racer from Nordenland. I was born and raised in the coastal town of Zuidhaven . At the age of thirteen he got into Karting in a country-wide scale. After winning trophies and gaining enough fame and confidence,I advanced to a regional scale karting at the age of 15.After winning two tittles,at the age of nineteen I advanced to a greater scale, Formula Nordenland, an open wheeled championship that takes place in Nordenland,I was representing a famous team called Azkaln GP.During my carreer at the Formula Nordenland, I have won two driver's championship in a row, at 2013 and 2014. My driving style is rather aggressive, I overtake and corner well I suppose.

This year, I have shown interest and finally signed up to be in the WGPC season 13. After looking and researching through all the teams I feel that your team is the one that appealed the most to me, the Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio. I feel that your team has all the necessity to be a top WGPC team. Therefore by this, I want to formally apply to your team. Below are my list of achievement throughout my carreer.

-Driver's Championship Season 6 Nordenland Youth Karting Series
-Best U-18 Driver of the year award Nordenland
-Regional Open-wheel series Tittle, 2nd on the Driver's championship.
-Best U-21 Driver of the year award Nordenland
-Nordenland Record for the youngest driver's champion of Formula Nordenland
-2013 Driver's champion Formula Nordenland
-2014 Driver's champion Formula Nordenland

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NORDENLAND TIMES ONLINE

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Adrian Klaassen enters World Grand Prix Championship

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(Aftenburg,6/22/15)-Adrian Klassen, the two times Formula Nordenland champion has finally been approved and confirmed to join the latest World Grand Prix Championship season thirteen. The young driver from the coastal town of Zuidhaven had won awards from various grades of championship, the most famous being Formula Nordenland. He had shown a great interest in Automobiles at a very young age. At the age of thirteen he got into Karting in a country-wide scale. After winning trophies and gaining enough fame and confidence, he advanced to a regional scale karting at the age of 15.After winning two tittles,at the age of nineteen he advanced to Formula Nordenland, a small open wheeled championship that takes place in Nordenland, representing a famous team called Alzkaln GP .He was very successful in his career at Formula Nordenland, winning two driver's championship in a row during 2013 and 2014 .He is known for his aggressive driving style,in other words, for him "best offence is the best defence".

Nordenland Times had the chance to briefly interview the rising star himself, Adrian Klaassen. Here is what he had to say when asked about various questions in regards of joining the World Grand Prix Championship 13. At first, we asked about how he feels entering WGPC, " I feel very pumped for this season, it is my first time entering the World Grand Prix Championship, therefore I do expect upcoming Challenges. However, on my side I am totally prepared and I am confident that I can face all the challenges well in the current season." the 21 year-old said. Then we asked about what team he will be joining this season, Adrian stated that he had applied for Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio. The yound racer also stated that racing in WGPC has been his dream since it started in season one. "One thing I must say to all young drivers across the world is that never give up on your dreams and you will be successful" he said just before ending the interview.

Adrian Klaassen's popularity has surely rocketed in Nordenland since he announced that he will join the World Grand Prix Championship. Since then, he got invited to various TV-shows, interviews and etcetera. Adrian Klaassen has also seem to be popular among Nordenland's young population. According to his friends, Klaassen is a confident, humorous, straight-forward and humble person. Will Klaassen make Nordenland proud by winning the tittle in the World Grand Prix Championship? NT Online will cover all the news regarding Klaassen in the World Grand Prix Championship.

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159,387 comments ^

[Eastfield Lodge]

"Well, a few of the teams are out early doors Vicky, and we've already got some interest in you as well."

Victoria was on the phone with her agent, Ruwaida Asif, who had been keeping track of news coming from the teams, and rumours in the motorsport grapevine. "I know, I've seen the e-mails from Frontière and Archer. Do you know anything more about them?" replied Victoria.

"Frontière, as you probably know, as based in Yttribia, and they're one of the richer teams on the grid, so they can afford to spend on the car, and then upgrades as well. There are pretty strong rumours that they've dropped the Yttribian driver that's vying for a race, guy called Tyler Brooks. And I've also heard that the team principal is a bit weird, someone to be very careful around."

"Right. So what about Archer? Seems like a weird proposition."

"I agree, it is quite an interesting one from the Barunian lot. My only ... doubt, if that's the right word, is that it may be a long-term thing, and I don't think you want that commitment, what with the possibility of a domestic team planning to apply in the next edition. As for the here and now, they don't seem to be all that wealthy, but on the other hand, their credentials suggest that they know how to make a racing car. You may not be the fastest on track, but that car's reliability and your driving style will almost guarantee finishes every time."

"OK then. So who do you think would be the best between those two?"

"I'd suggest contacting both, because competition for places is pretty hot. And before I make you choose, I've got a TV clip I want to show you. I'll send you the link now."

"Right, I'll talk to you in a bit then," replied Victoria, ending the call. Moments later, a text came up with the link. It was from that Audioslavian motoring programme Full Throttle, which was somewhat popular in Eastfield Lodge, albeit more for the comedy than the actual motoring aspect. Victoria had been turned off by that, and only watched it if her husband wanted to.

The clip was from the 'Star in the Affordable Car' section, and Victoria was momentarily surprised to see Alex Lund as the guest, before remembering that he was from Audioslavia.

...
"No, well, yes, I suppose, but there's teams from Glorious Han and Yttribia this season, and they may well want to stay at home. I'd love to have Roger Bunn on my team again, but...."

Jeremy's ears almost noticeably pricked up. Alec let out a short, sharp sigh. He wasn't supposed to let that one go.

"Roger won't be signing for McPahan again?"

"Well..."

...

"So what drivers are McPahan interested in to replace Roger?"

"Well, we don't yet know that Roger has gone, but McPahan are coming up with contingency plans in case he doesn't."

"Like who?"

"Well there's..." began Alec. He'd paused because he could only imagine Jeremy's response. He closed his eyes and tried to keep his plastered smile. "...Crimson LaRoja"

...

"Who else?"

"Well of course there's Victoria Gardner, she's been mentioned, as has Wayne Forest, Oliver Bliss too, but it really depends how interested they are in becoming a pay d..."

At that point she stopped the clip, and found herself quite speechless. Nothing was certain, obviously - for all she knew, Bunn could well stay at McPahan; but the fact that she was mentioned as a possible replacement, as a possible team-mate to the current World Champion, was just a bit too much to take in at the moment.

She took a few breaths to calm herself, before calling Ruwaida.

"So, what did you think?"

"Was that for real?"

"It was. Frankly, I'm surprised you haven't heard about that before now. But hey, McPahan's still a possibility. I mean, it's not certain yet if Bunn's leaving or not, but even then. We'll just have to wait and see about what happens."

"In the meantime, I want to meet with Frontière and maybe take up the offer of a test drive. I'm not sure what to do with Archer."

"Maybe you should go and meet them as well."

"Good idea."

To: Frontière Racing
From: Victoria Gardner
Subject: Re: Frontière Racing

Hello.
Thank you for considering me as a possible driver for the upcoming WGPC season. I would like to take up the invitation to meet you at your headquarters, and would also like the opportunity to test drive your car. Should you agree, my agent, Ruwaida Asif, will be in contact to arrange a suitable time.

Yours sincerely, Victoria Gardner

To: Henry Baltimore, Archer Motorsports Super-WGP Racing Team
From: Victoria Gardner
Subject: Driver Position

Hello.
Thank you for your informative e-mail. If possible, I would like to arrange a meeting to further discuss the possibility, and if possible, to test drive your car before I make a decision. Should you agree to a meeting, my agent, Ruwaida Asif, will be in contact to arrange a suitable time.

Yours sincerely, Victoria Gardner

[Nekoni]

Hotel Virage, Piazza di Majore, Varea, Nekoni
Saturday 8, June
00:35

Alexandra Mayari lay back on her king size bed and tossed yet another grape into her mouth. It had been a fairly standard charity event for her, a black-and-white themed masquerade ball for a children's charity. Sure, she had been photographed plenty, but couldn't quite knock the thought out of her head that the paparazzi on the other side of the camera lens were thinking that she was resting on her laurels somewhat. Yeah, she HAD done well in the last Grand Prix season, but...that was 15 months ago. Surely one could only ride the wave of a single achievement for so long, she thought. It wouldn't be too long before people started asking questions. "What has she done recently? Is she trying to milk her fame? Are we overstating her achievements? She only came 12th, you know!" came the press babbling through the thoughts in her head. She couldn't get to sleep. Not like this.

Slipping the velvet mask off her face, she slid the glass doors open and advanced to the balcony. Lighting a cigarette, she gazed out into the vast greenery of Varean suburbia. Taking a drag, she then flicked out her smartphone and flicked through her social media profile. It seemed to be the usual responses, a wave of people she didn't really know going about their business, with the occasional keyboard warrior calling her a washed-up has-been, but a lot coarser than that. She sighed heavily between cigarette puffs. She knew this was going to happen, since the advent of social media it's always had people complaining about anybody with fame, but still, it was her. And even if she would never meet a certain redfalconxx2 in the flesh, it still got to her. After a few minutes of scrolling, she affirmed to herself "I've got to get back in there. Somehow."

---

Test Track, Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio, Neocastella, Nekoni
Thursday 18, June
14:25

"Did we get the stats back from the dyno?"
"All recorded, Mr. Rabandt. 925hp, 0-62 in 2.15, top speed of 223. All the parts are holding up well, with further engine tuning there's nothing stopping us from the top speed hitting 225."
"Ah, excellent. Get it to 225, and we shall be ready." Francesco Rabandt smiled at the head mechanic as he stirred a creamer into his coffee. "Your boys have done a fantastic job. I knew hiring you was the right decision."

It had been a relatively smooth start into the world of WGPC for Rabandt. Aged 62, he was the guiding force behind the creation of Grande Scuderia Nekoni. Starting from a national team in the early 1970s, his graft took the team from humble beginnings as driver under his father's wing through to his leadership following his father's death from natural causes in 1992. Since then, GSN became the last word in racing in Nekoni, taking part in the NSFC, winning it one year. Over the last couple of years, he bought Nekoni's secondary racing team, Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio. In local news, this divided critics, with some fearing a monopoly of the national racing teams. However, soon after, he disclosed in interviews that it was no longer his intention to race in the national leagues, and by taking SFeG to the international stage, the Formula Nekoni series would benefit from some new blood. It was, in his eyes, win-win.

Now, he knew all along that as good as the vehicle was, it would be useless without a driver. And they needed two. That evening, the SFeG top brass entered the briefing room, and remained there in debate for several hours. On the table spread several of photos of Nekoni's finest drivers. In the middle of the table, with a large red circle around her entire portrait was one of an Alexandra Elizabeta Mayari. The suits argued long into the night, mainly about Mayari. Had 15 months been too long a break? Granted, she had very recently participated in an invitational in Rapoxha, but the results were mixed. She had driven well, but a collision with another driver had sent her down to last, but she had been able to stage a comeback and end up 4th, valiant, but behind both GSN drivers. The dilemma waged long and hard, until at daybreak the following day, they had come to a decision.

---

NTR News Network: Sport // 22, June 2015 EVENING EDTION
Mayari fights with Fire and Ice!

It's the worst kept secret in national motorsport, it seems, but Alex Mayari is back in the driving seat after so long out for this year's WGPC. In a press release from Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio with both her and the team bosses in attendance, it has been revealed that Alexandra will be receiving the First Driver role. When asked about the season, she replied "Ever since I stepped out of the car in Balleyfeeaknock, I was missing the action. The fact that I'm not only back, but driving with the colours of my flag in a team based here? I feel blessed, I cannot look more any forward to this season."

In response to questions about the second driver slot, team boss Francesco Rabandt replied "As Alexandra has said, it is important that we fly our national flag on the world stage. However, it is equally important that we cement links and reach out our hands to other countries in this sport. Therefore, we shall be only considering international drivers for the second slot. We plan to host internal track days to select them, using our test track. We openly welcome any unsigned driver to take part and join the team."

After the conference, Mayari took part in a reveal of the FeG-Maelstrom car this season, showing the new, silver-based livery. It was also revealed through the session that Mayari shall be driving with the number 74 this season.

[Gloriax]

Wayne Forrest set to make his WGPC debut

All of the Gloriaxian racing community cheered in unison, it seems, when the following news flashed across all TV chnnels...

"Wayne Forrest signed by Telaris on a 4-year deal!"

'It's a huge day for us Gloriaxians, you know,' said Tony Bleuman, chairman of the GFAR (Gloriax Federation of Automobile Racing), 'seeing a fellow Gloriaxian driver being selected for an event as important and precious as the WGPC!' he beamed with pride as he ended. The video clipping of Forrest driving through the streets of Moncada and through the Angel of Liberty seemed to be going viral as one channel after the other left no stone unturned to cover the story better than their fellows.

Here are the terms of the deal signed by Telaris Racing and Forrest:
1) Sign-on fee: 32 million NS$
2) Wage p/race: 350k NSS$
3) Length: 4 years
4) Bonus: NS$ 20 million if he manages to finish within the top 5 at the end of the season in drivers' championship.

Having spent a long 14 years of his life in San Jose Guayabal, now, Forrest is a home kid already and the kind of respect he has amassed from the Guaybalense petrolheads is worth noting! It seems as if glory is just at his doorstep. TIme is the only barrier...

[Aels]

CLOCKWORK GARAGES AND INDUSTRIES

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Macllynlleth Clockwork Racing Team Limited
MCR Head Office
34 Eastern Seawalk
Drayfill
Aels
DR2 EA34

Kapranos Sport Management
434 Hoffman Avenue
Suite D
Fontvieille
Yttribia
6FT 037

Attention: Mr Harrison Kapranos

Dear Mr Kapranos,
I have the great pleasure of writing to you today with the view of offering your client, Tyler Brooks, a race seat with the Macllynlleth Clockwork Racing WGPC team.

Firstly, let me take the opportunity to introduce myself and my team. I am Rhys Macllynlleth, team principal of Macllynlleth Clockwork Racing. We are the top-ranked racing team in Aels, having won the constructors' championship on the national circuit for the past six seasons.

In the global world of racing we are but a new team – wealthy and able to attract highly-skilled individuals, but for the most part short on experience at the very top level. Your client has come to our attention as someone who matches the profile of our team, and we would be very interested in forming a strong and lasting partnership.

While we have only been established for a short amount of time, Macllynlleth Clockwork Racing has already been able to use our wealth to attract some top talent. Our chief race technical advisor is Matthew Portland, the two-time WGPC world drivers' champion and also a former NS Stock Car Racing Association driver, who will work closely with both our drivers during races as well as on a one-to-one basis away from the racetrack.

I believe this to be a very attractive package for any driver, not one that can be offered by many other teams on the grid if at all, and hopefully you will agree that it would suit Mr Brooks well.

I would like to extend a formal offer for Mr Brooks to attend our team headquarters in Drayfill, Aels, where he will get the chance to meet with myself and Matthew as well as undertake a trial in our race simulator.

Should the visit prove fruitful, the team would be looking to contract Mr Brooks as our lead driver. As he is, much like us, relatively unknown to the general global racing public, we are hesitant to offer a substantial amount for his services. We would certainly not ask Mr Brooks to pay to drive for us, but we believe the mentoring Matthew is able to provide Mr Brooks with should make up for the money he may be able to get elsewhere.

I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely,
Rhys Macllynlleth
Team Principal
Macllynlleth Clockwork Racing Team

cc: Matthew Portland, Race Technical Advisor, Macllynlleth Clockwork Racing
cc: Elfyn Macllynlleth, Chief Executive Officer, Macllynlleth Clockwork Racing
cc: George Sefton, Chairman, Clockwork Garages and Industries

[Nekoni]

The following message has been supplied to all drivers currently awaiting a team place.

SCUDERIA FUOCO E GHIACCI SEARCHES FOR A SECOND DRIVER!

Dear Driver,

As you may well know, the WPGC13 signups are well underway, and the race for the 24 places is very much on. As you may also know, SFeG has a seat up for allocation, reserved for international drivers. And so, Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiacci invites you to a free trial, held at la Scuderia's Black Diamond Test Circuit in Neocastella, Nekoni. Enclosed is a map of the track for pre-race study:


Length: 5262m
Track Rating: 5.5A/4.5C
Lap record: 1'33.591

As you can see, the track is intended to push drivers to their limits, with a technical section to test your control, and a very fast, looping end of the lap to stretch your nerve to breaking point and beyond. It goes without saying that any driver who uses the brakes from turn 17 onwards is unlikely to make a strong impression.

The trial shall come in two parts: a 15-minute time trial, and a 32-lap standing start race with one-shot qualifying. Both of these results will be combined together, and the top performer shall have first offer of the coveted seat.

So, if your interest is sufficiently piqued, the team will be glad to hear from you. The trial is scheduled to take place 28, June.

We await your response,
Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiacci

[Audioslavia]

Pausing outside the vast glass door that marked the entrace to McPahan Racing Ltd.'s brand spanking new offices, Alexander Lund reached to the rim of his black trousers and hoiked them further up over his stomach. It was a stomach that, despite three weeks of circuit training that he was contracted to do before the team's first February meet-up, had failed to truly dissipate. He'd taken off a full fourteen pounds in weight and still that bloody stomach hadn't budged. Was he truly fighting fit? Maybe not compared to last season, and certainly not compared to the perma-trim Roger Bunn, but surely he wasn't in such bad shape?

He had a discrete feel of his armpits as he made his way through the glass door. Dry. The forty mile drive from Cathair to Ceilerden hadn't made him sweat, nor had the walk from his sports car to the front door in frozen February weather. That had to be a start.

"Hello Mr. Lund, a pleasure to meet you" came a voice. A woman's voice. Alec looked up to see the beaming smile of what was apparently the team's new receptionist. Alec tried to surpress the urge to raise a confident smirk, casually mention he was world drivers champion and ask her if she'd like a bottle of champagne, as he had done with most attractive girls he'd met recently.

"Pleasure to meet you too, Ms..."

"Flower" said the young girl, "Samantha Flower"

"Well aren't you j... bleurk" said Alec, as he felt the sting of a $400 screwdriver being pressed into the back of his neck.

"Pay up" came another voice, another female, from behind Alec's back. Ms. Flower rolled her eyes, approached from behind the desk, and desposited a five dollar note into the waiting hand of whomever it was that still had the cross end of a screwdriver poking into his jugular. "Samantha told me he didn't think the famous Alexander Lund would stoop so low as to make a bawdy James Bond-lite joke at the expense of her name"

"Nothing wrong with 'Samantha' as a name"

"You know as well as I do that you 'A', are not funny, and 'B', were not going to make a pun about the word 'Samantha'."

"Whether or not that's the case, are you going to take that screwdriver out of my neck? Ms... Ms..."

"Johanson"

"Ms. Johansswaitaminute"

Alec felt the screwdriver give just a little, and he afforded himself the opportunity to turn his head and look at all six feet of Jacky Johanson, her face partially obscured by a bright blue McPahan team baseball cap, twirling said screwdriver around her fingers like a propeller.

"Johan spoke about you a lot"

"Still does. You speak to him later. He's up there speaking to Stan" she said, motioning towards the elevator. "In the mean time, I've been told to show you around the new offices"

"Johan's back?" said Alec, following Jacky into the next room, a large, square room with a plain concrete floor, a large plain conrete ceiling, yet surrounded by four glass walls, one of which looked back onto the reception area. It must have been a two-way mirror designed by people who wanted to ogle the secretary without her being able to see. Two of the other glass walls revealed the outside world. One revealed a smaller, yet equally box-shaped, room which housed a very familiar shape.

"This room is empty for now. It'll be the main 'activities' room when we have the press or visitors round. I see you've already seen the main feature of the next room..."

The second glass door was opened, revealing the smaller box room - all eighty square metres of it - and the object sat within, which Alec quickly surmised to be a McPahan F170c: the car in which he'd won the world championship. Well, actually, that wasn't quite the case. He made out the large number 17 on the wing. Bunn. It had been Roger Bunn's car.

"Don't worry. This one probably won't explode" said Jacky, "I threw water on it to check"

"It's beautiful" said Alec, before blinking himself back into the room. "I mean, not just the car, the building, it's awesome. But... I have to ask... you... what are you doing here? And your dad? He's got his own racing team now..."

"He has. A fine racing team it is, too. One problem, though: Him having his own team means there's a vacancy for race director here at McPahan. And, well, if only there was some kind of younger, better, more go-gettem Johanson to take the reigns..."

"Ah" said Alec, "but..."

"But what?" said Jacky, jabbing her screwdriver at the 'up' button on the elevator. The doors opened silently. She beckoned Alec to go in first with a flick of the screwdriver's handle. Alec obliged.

"Johan was a brilliant race strategist, but that was because he's been around for years, been a racer, been a mechanic, hell he'd even been a tea boy at McPahan. You think you can do just as good a job because you've the same blood?"

Jacky rolled her eyes. She set her screwdriver behind her ear, tucking the sharp end in under her hat. "I've been in and around garages, race teams and the like for longer than you have. I'm not saying I've seen it all before, but I've seen some shit.."

"Seen some shit? Jacky, you're what, 25?"

"31. Still not old, but older than you. Either you trust me or you don't. All I care about is..."

"How come you aren't driving?"

Jacky went silent for a second. Alec wondered if he'd said something wrong. He was sure Jacky's brother - Johan's son - was a driver over in Hodori. Jacky seemed fit enough, definitely adept enough if she had her father's reaction speed as well as his knowhow. It didn't make sense that she'd 'just' be a strategist-cum-mechanic.

"Thanks" said Jacky, as the door to the top floor opened.

"For what?" asked Alec

"For saying I look six years younger. Pray that it's the last time you ever compliment me, though. I've seen what you do to those page three models"

"They're not page three models, they're 'Hello' magazine high-society 'it' girls and I don't believe I'm actually saying this out loud"

Jacky made a point of stepping ahead and opening the door for Alec to the main office. Alec gave her an ironic smile and walked in.

"...couldn't drive his way out of a Burger Hut drive-thru in a tonka truck" came a familiar voice from inside. That of Johan Johanson, father of both Jacky and Vassily, and a pretty damn good friend of Alec Lund. He hoped they weren't talking about him.

"Alessandr!" came a voice from the opposite side of the room. Alec turned to see a large coffee machine that must have cost about six figures to buy. Standing next to the coffee machine was a short, wiry figure with a thin, wispy black moustache, thin black hair around the crown with a very large bald spot on top. He was holding a small, hollowed out plum, into which he was pouring coffee.

"Good for the wentricles!" said the man, nodding at his plum. "The heart wentricles, Alessandr. Plums and coffee, they bose contain in sem sese sings sat are good yes for the heart"

"I miss you, Radoslav" said Alec, grinning

"And I have yes missed you, Alessandr" said Radoslav, coming around the table to kiss Alec on both cheeks - a cultural habit Alec was pretty sure didn't exist in wherever the hell Radoslav was from, but that he suspected Radoslav had adopted in order to fit in with how Alec suspected Radoslav had thought was Audioslavian culture.

Alec turned to see Johan approach him. Alec held out a hand. Johan gave him a quizzical look and leapt in for a hug - difficult to do when you have a wooden leg, but do so he did. Alec grinned and gave the old man a squeeze.

"You've met Jacky then?" asked Johan, while hobbling back to his seat. Alec pulled out Johan's chair and made sure the old man got there in one piece.

"She's just how you described, only much, much worse"

"Knew you'd like her"

"You owe me a tenner, dad" said Jacky, nodding at Alec as she sat down on the opposite side of the table.

"Oh, you didn't.." said Johan, to Alec, rolling his eyes and fishing in his pocket for a ten dollar note.

"Why did everyone suspect I was going to try it on with the secretary?" said Alec, trying to feign innocence. "Even the secretary herself bet a fiver on it"

"We all had a fiver on it" came another voice. It was that of Stan McPahan, team owner, nephew of Linco McPahan. Alec wouldn't have recognised him if he wasn't standing in the doorway of the head office in a McPahan building. Gone was the thinning brown hair and permanent racing overalls. Stan now sported an almost shining buzz-cut and a black suit that looked like it had cost the GDP of a small continent. Alec had seen this transformation quite gradually over the last year, but had yet to truly contrast it with the gaunt, permanently stressed figure of Stan from last WGPC season. He did, in truth, look about ten years younger, and looked like he'd filled out to a much more healthy shape too. Alec watched as he took a tenner out of his inside pocket and slid it across the table towards Jacky, who collected her winnings and stuffed them inside the back pocket of her black trousers.

"Why are youse guys all giving her a tenner, then, if the bet was a fiver?"

"She bet you'd come in overweight, too"

---

'All Go' at McPahan, But for Identity of Second Driver

The McPahan Racing team yesterday officially announced the team that they hope will take them to the constructors championship in the coming WGPC season.

Stan McPahan continues as team principal, and will have the last word on any decision made at the team.

Taking over from Johan Johanson as race director is eldest daughter Jacky Johanson, formerly of the Johanson Motorsports team, who joins McPahan as part of the talent exchange program the two teams enjoy. McPahan's pit-crew had previously helped out at the Formular Hodori team, with the understanding that the partnership between the two teams would last until they found themselves in opposing paddocks. Jacky, never a senior racedriver herself despite strings of successes as a teenager in Kart racing, is said to be 'raring to go' in her first WGPC position.

The previously unknown Radoslav Salihamidzic will continue as the head of McPahan's 'technical advancements' division - a unit said to be 'instrumental' in refining the car for Alec Lund's late-season push to the WGPC12 championship two years ago.

The team's new technical directors, charged with getting both McPahan cars up to spec for the drivers, will be Stewart Clark and Gilles Denis, who will take care of the team's number one and number two cars respectively.

Alexander Lund will, as previously reported, be the team's number one driver, but there is still uncertainty as to who will join Lund in the second car. Syndicatian fan-favourite Roger Bunn had been expected to continue his role, but Bunn has been reluctant to sign a contract and is rumoured to be in talks with Mertagne's Synclair team. McPahan have been said to be keen to make a deal with the young Syndicatian, who had the record number of pole positions last season, but no deal has been forthcoming as yet.

Some other names have been thrown around, supposedly in connection to that second driver's spot. One 'Swift Curse' LaRoja - WGPC's first potential pony pilot - has been mentioned by Lund himself, who also said the team had been looking at R.L. Cruisin, Oliver Bliss, Victoria Gardner and Wayne Forrest, although the latter has since confirmed he will be racing for newcomers Telaris on a big-money deal said to dwarf even the six-figure sum Lund will be getting from McPahan this season.

Also in the running is Smith Snick, the young man from Frenline Delpha, about whom a McPahan insider is quoted as saying as 'very much in the McPahan mould', and the former NSFC driver Rudolf Ibuna who has supposedly impressed the McPahan team during his time in the Hodoran series.

[Mangolana]

After a long day of meetings, Scotty Tucker was ready to retire to his hotel room in Mascona. Though he had been born just outside the city in a farming town, Scotty had never spent much time in the capital city of Mangolana. Taking in the sites from his 14th floor hotel room, Scotty was brought back to reality by a knock at his door.

Bang Bang! "Scotty, you in there, we need to talk."

The voice of his agent, Tonya Gloss rang through his mind. Though he did not want to talk business at this late hour, Scotty knew there was no point arguing. In the end, Tonya would get her way, after all, she always got her way when the two grew up together. Tonya had met Scotty thanks to a connection between their mothers. Getting up to answer the door, Scotty hoped that at least some good news had come through.

"What's up Tonya?"
What's up? Whats up? I just heard back from the Mascona National Bank, they have decided to tentatively back you this season. However, they will only confirm this should you get a race seat. No test driver roles, not like we were going for any."

Scotty looked at his agent with a sense of bemusement. She knew he would rather return to Mangolana next season over taking a test driver seat, but she didn't need rub his face in his own stubbornness.

"Listen Ton's, that's great. But unless you got anything else, I would really like to get to bed some time tonight."

Down deep, she knew this tedious process was taking its tole on her client... her friend, but she also knew without some backing in the fiancial aspect of things, Scotty had no chance of landing a top team ride. Even then it would all be the luck of the draw.

"Hey, Scotty... I do have some good news for you as well. Take a look at this, I just got this a few minutes ago. It could be the big break you have been looking for."

Taking the tablet from Tonya, Scotty noticed that her email was open. Two emails sat, tagged under the WGPC tag. Both appeared to be oppertunities to prove himself, but we not know what there contents were until he opened them.

To: All Potential Drivers

My name is Henry Baltimore, principal of Archer Motorsports Super-WGP racing team, and I'd like to formally invite you to be part of the Archer family. While Archer might b new to this tournament, we have a proud history of motorsport going back over 50 years, winning both national and international competitions in GT Circuit racing and rallying. Our designers have poured all that experience into the car that you will be driving. We stake our reputation on the reliability of every car we make, and our dedicated team of mechanics will make sure you stay on the track. Archer Motorsports prides itself on hiring only those with a passion for the brand, the sport, and above all, the cars.

Which leads me to the biggest reason why you should join Archer. Because we are a Barunian company, our employees are entitled by law to a part share in the business itself! That's right, you have a say in how the company you race for operates. What's more, employment in Archer Motorsports means employment in the Archer Motor Company, meaning you will see a dividend from Barunia's largest car manufacturer, producing nearly 6 million units a year!

This is why we call Archer a family. When you work for us, wether you are a mechanic, a driver, or even the cleaner, you're not just an employee. You are one of us.

If you would like to be part of the unique Archer family, please contact me.

Yours,

Henry Baltimore
Team Principal, Archer Motorsports Super-WGP Racing Team

Another racing opportunity, but did he really want to race for a team that would refer to him as family. In the past, having a family member with him was good but stressful. Whenever he decided to slack off, his Uncle was always there to scream and holler. Though thats how their relationship worked, Scotty was not sure about entering another relationship along those same guidelines. However, another email remained for the Mangolana driver to open.

SCUDERIA FUOCO E GHIACCI SEARCHES FOR A SECOND DRIVER!

Dear Driver,

As you may well know, the WPGC13 signups are well underway, and the race for the 24 places is very much on. As you may also know, SFeG has a seat up for allocation, reserved for international drivers. And so, Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiacci invites you to a free trial, held at la Scuderia's Black Diamond Test Circuit in Neocastella, Nekoni. Enclosed is a map of the track for pre-race study:

(Image)
Length: 5262m
Track Rating: 5.5A/4.5C
Lap record: 1'33.591

As you can see, the track is intended to push drivers to their limits, with a technical section to test your control, and a very fast, looping end of the lap to stretch your nerve to breaking point and beyond. It goes without saying that any driver who uses the brakes from turn 17 onwards is unlikely to make a strong impression.

The trial shall come in two parts: a 15-minute time trial, and a 32-lap standing start race with one-shot qualifying. Both of these results will be combined together, and the top performer shall have first offer of the coveted seat.

So, if your interest is sufficiently piqued, the team will be glad to hear from you. The trial is scheduled to take place 28, June.

We await your response,
Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiacci

Looking at Scotty, Tonya also began to ponder there next move. Scotty had already expressed interest in joining Frontière Racing Opening, but had yet to hear a response from the team. Knowing they should set up as many meeting as possible, Tonya had already written and set the reply emails.

To: Archer Motorsports Super-WGP Racing Team
Re: Driver Opening

Greetings,

I would like to express that the interest is mutual between the both of us. I would love to meet and take a look at your organizations racing home. If possible, I would also like to be able to test one of your WGPC cars for the upcoming season in an effort to find out more about your current car. My agents information will be attached at the conclusion of this email. If interested in setting up a meeting, please contact her in order to set up an appointment between the two of us.

Sincerely,

Scotty Tucker

To: SCUDERIA FUOCO E GHIACCI
Re: Driver Opening

Greetings,

I am interested in attending your open test session at the Black Diamond Test Circuit in Neocastella, Nekoni. I am also interested in meeting with the team and taking a tour of your raceshop to observe the cars and team up close. My agent and I will arrive in Nekoni on the 26th of June, any changes to the testing schedule should be sent to my agents email which will be attached at this emails conclusion.

Sincerely,

Scotty Tucker

Showing Scotty both emails she had written for the driver, all that was left was for Scotty to press send.

"If you think these emails are what you want, just click send and the process can begin. I have already called and made tenative reservations for a flight into Nekoni on June 26th. If anything changes we can always make a change to our plan."

Looking at his friend, Scotty knew all the hard work Tonya had put in for him.

"Thank you Tonya, for everything you do."
"Hey, its no problem Scotty. If anything, when we make it to the top this season, you can treat me to a burger."

Nodding at his agent, Scotty tapped the send button on the tablet, sending out both emails to there respective teams. Now all he could do was wait... and pack for his trip to Nekoni!

[Northern Sunrise Islands]

*shot*

Unified Sunrise's at the time best driver, Crimson LaRoja had a pretty boring week. Here she was, on her house, bought with all the money she got from racing and tuning, doing shooting practice at a couple of soup cans. Money wasn't lacking, per se. Hell, she just had won a Ponyta racing competition not a while ago back at Brentwood that paid enough for the rest of the year. That being said, she knew better. And her recently confirmed registration at the WGPC meant that there was even more money on the way. And sure as hell having more wouldn't hurt. Competition on the other hand, was moot. The wanderer from Saint Elsewhere didn't have the same pedigree the rest of the competitors had. Unlike many of the names on that list that went through the old patch of driving cars from tier to tier, Crimson raced using... hell, anything.

Her earlier memories of racing were sliding down the old road near her house on a cart made out of the remainders of a sofa, four wheels and a flag. And at the last minute, she used an archaic version of what would be Nitro and boosted her little cart to the finish line to the shock of many. The young red-haired girl, who at the time had giant glasses grew up to be one of the best combinations of a racer and a mechanic. Suffice to say that even if she wasn't a regular at that kind of racing, Crimson went through all of the other ones and was interested on taking this one out as well.

*shot*

Sure enough, she received two invites. Two out of twelve doesn't seem like a bad number, specially on racing, something the Sunrisians did never have a name at. But hey, these things are pretty much made to be broken, aren't them? And these two teams were somewhat interested on helping such a thing to happen. The first one (and the most interested one to boot) was Frontière Racing, a small and new team from Yttribia. Hailing out of Gaillard, the team just barely made the cut for this season and it sure as hell felt like it. The e-mail she received looked a tad amateurish. Seemed like some old man had decided to do the secretary job and type it out on an old keyboard or something. It also sounded way unenthusiastic, but if that's what was around, well... she didn't bother dressing on purple.

The other one came from another Esportivan corner. San Jose Guayabal. The land that speaks Spanish, was the one thing she first thought of. At least she would somewhat fit the ambient, seeing as her father was from San Jose, Northern Sunrise and all. Should her give the Guayabalian dogs a bone, she would most likely be the second driver as Wayne Forrest, Gloriaxian prospect and all around charismatic kid had already snatched the first spot. She did, however, feel like her name was a last minute addition. And the fact the changes information on the e-mail, a handy feature CLRmail added a while ago showed that her e-mail was linked quite a bit afterwards. She was probably the last option, something to fit in if, say, everyone else found their way to another team.

*shot*

And then there were the teams that were willing to give each racer a shot. Sounds simple enough, though not as simple as entering Project +90 or something of the kind. They were to have tests, but didn't really mention names. Crimson didn't bother much with the fact that these were open spots that probably didn't have the glamour of more established names, but hell, she could find herself well suited. On the same day she got the two e-mails, Crimson answered them fast. Crimson was going to apply for a test at Telaris Racing, Frontière Racing. Archer Motorsport, and Ensadrink GP.

As Crimson finally decided she had enough of shooting practice, she raised one of the cans she shot, looking straight at the picture of one of the racers. Turns out all of the cans she shot had pictures of her competition. It was all a ritual, in a way. Something to justify the nickname of Quick Curse. It wasn't particularly rare for her to go all out when competing and opposition would sometimes pay a bigger price than the usual. "Run away, kids. Or else the Quick Curse will strike you down."

She sighed.

"Specially when they call it a fuckin' pony."

And with that, she finally left her house, on her way to Yttribia. Her first stop of what would be a long signing period.

[Rapoxha]

Ujkan Sadiraj was doing an admirable attempt to stop his jaw from dropping to the floor, but the ludicrous amount of marble in the vast hall of the sole airport of Rapoxha tends to have that effect on people. It contrasted starkly with the emptiness of the space and their steps send a hollow sound around as they strolled towards the benches in the furthest corner. As was customary with anything transport-related in this contrary, there had been a delay.

Their steps, we said, as it was a party of four. Enver Latifi couldn’t but grin as he saw how his younger compatriot tried to grasp all this. One should realise that all Sadiraj knew about public transport were rotten bus stops, shabby train stations and unprotected railroads. The mere magnificence of this hall simply made it come out of a different world, one where luxury, beauty and abundance were no longer words from old people’s tales. That a regular Rapoxhan, as Sadiraj still was despite his sudden rise to hero of the nation with this WGPC adventure, had difficulties understanding this coming from a pool of poverty, was only logical.

”The Komandat wants to impress foreign visitors,” Latifi attempted to excuse the frivolous extravagance.

What he failed to mention was that in all those times he had passed here, he’ld never seen someone whose passport didn’t have the black-and-red flag with the golden eagle printed on it. Latifi was well aware that he belonged to the happy few as his keen eye for business allowed him to travel abroad. Even more, it had brought him into the inner circle – a group which was despised by those aware of its existence, but only by those who weren’t in it. Quick with the tongue, he had forced his entrance towards special advantages and extra treats. In exchange, he travelled the world to secure the exuberant wishes of the Komandat for a zoo, infamous international artists or – as of today – a participant in a car race championship. All of this of course out of sight from the toiling community.

Latifi didn’t know the first or last from high-speed vehicles but the little black suitcase in his hand should give attentive team owners about the right pointer of who to talk to in case of interest. For the ‘additional’ things, such as the cars itself, Ardit Caka would board their flight. He was the eldest of them all, his grey hairs slowly losing the war against a wrinkled forehead and his puffy appearance refusing to testify to a once fairly decent career in road racing. He had been monitoring Sadiraj for quite a few years now and just like his pupil, he was flipping his eyes out at the sight of the airport – or at the idea of crossing the border at all. As he seated himself in the plastic chairs which were lined up near the sky view of the tarmac, little bits of sweat were dripping down his chin. Ardit had never flown but already knew he wouldn’t like it.

”So, ehm…” he brought up, ”Birania, right?”
”Barunia,” Enver corrected him, ”the land of milk and honey. A Henry Baltimore is accepting applications and it could be a full house at once. Well, let’s hope, shall we?”

His broad grin was lost on Ujkan who stared to the taxiing plane in the distance like cows tend to look at trains. Bit by bit, the sheer madness of this all started to hit him. In the upcoming weeks, he would have to convince foreigners to give him a seat in one of those lightning fast cars. And even if Enver seemed fairly confident about it (”There are like, a gazillion spots,”), all the testing reminded Ujkan of the Opening Race in Broxha, just a few weeks back. It had been his first time in one of those real oneseaters. Of course he had driven before, umpteen times of course in his army truck and only a few times less in race cars but… Those had been Rapoxhan ‘race’ cars. Regular vehicles with a silly-looking spoiler and a tweaked engine that didn’t stand any comparison with the monsters driven in the WGPC. He had gazed at the car with which Mayari had taken the lap record and realised one thing.

That it scared him shitless.

Not a stellar knowledge if you’re not only supposed to drive those things, but also become a hero of the nation in the process. The Komandat had received him in a personal meeting the other day which had turned out more to be a monologue for the great leader, as it should be, thought Ujkan. But when he asked Sadiraj to bring home victories, a shiver went down his spine.

”So, we’re staying there for a while?” Ardit snapped Ujkan back to the real world.
”Not really,” Enver corrected, ”Up next is Nekoni – there’s an interesting test race over there to showcase yourself, Ujkan. And in between, I’ld like to squeeze in a little visit to the McPahan headquarters.”
”Oh, you’ve got another invitation,” the innocent Ardit posed.
”Let’s say,” Enver banged the little black suitcase, ”that I’ve got my invitation right here.”

And as he mesmerized about Lund’s haphazardly confessions in Full Throttle about pay drivers, a dry cough immediately made clear what the chain of command on this trip was. As you could fit three regular men between his shoulders and in his black tuxedo, Mevlan Januzi could pass off as the bodyguard, the dumb force of the group. But the party card in his back pocket and direct connection to the Komandat said otherwise.

”I strongly suggest, mister Latifi,” Mevlan spoke with his deep graveyard voice, ”not to splash around the money of our glorious empire.”
”Of course, of course,” Enver accepted his position, thinking his two cents about the ‘money of the empire’. He had brought one too many elephants and firebreathers to the palace of the Komandat for that.

[The Glorious Han Chinese]

On a popular Glorious Han talk show:
"Ladies and gentlemen, loyal citizens of the Glorious Han, let us welcome Maxwell Song. The first Han driver to ever participate in WGPC"

The host, David Letterhan, beamed at the audience as Maxwell song enters and takes a seat.

"Now, Mr. Song, tell us more about what's going to be happening. Are you excited to represent our glorious nation, long live the Han, internationally?

"Yes, yes. I'm very pleased about being able to represent our nation internationally. Of course, it's a great honor and I wouldn't be in this position if I wasn't born into the nation's wealthiest family. "

"Well, I assume being rich does help you with other things too. Like signing for our nation's team, SinoMotors?"

"Oh, no. I had nothing to do with that. It was a direct command from our most glorious Chancellor. The team can't exactly disobey that can they? So all I had to do was show up tto their offices, put on some team clothing, and take a few pictures with the car. I even brought some of those with me. They're autographed too."

*Maxwell pulls ou a few laminated photos out of his pocket and hands them over. David Letterhan forces a grin as he quickly shoves them over to a corner of his desk*

"Oh, uh...how very handsome. But about this car, can you tell us moe about it?"

"Well...I really can't tell you too much about it. But it seems to be a solid car and I'm quite pleased with the development progress. Probably not going to be a title contender, but I most certainly think it won't be a backmarker...I hope."

"Thank you, Mr. Song. Now I understand that you have to get going now, so one last round of applause for Maxwell Song (#14), who will be driving for SinoMotors Racing this season.

[The Glorious Han Chinese]

Official Announcement

EDIT: Invitations have been issued by SinoMotors Racing. Applications will not be accepted.

[Krytenia]

"So, how's the car coming along?"

Michael Dewhurst, team principal of ATR, was poring over various blueprints, documents, and technical drawings for their new vehicle, the A8. Progress had been coming along quickly, but the real test, getting the damn thing built and on tarmac, was yet to be seen. His chief designer, Adam Tilbrook, pulled a wry smile.

"Well, considering we've got a lot less money going around - and yes, I know it's not the fault of the commercial team, three years out puts you over a barrel for sponsorship negotiations - it's looking good. The engine is eating the dyno for breakfast, the monocoque passed the safety tests...all we need now is to get it shook down and work out what we need to tweak before the season starts."

Dewhurst nodded. "Sounds good so far, then. And as for the shakedown tests, I have some good news at last."

"Oh?" Tilbrook gave his boss a look that was a combination of pensiveness and intrigue.

"Oh yes. ARDAK have given us permission to do some runs of the mule on the Argentring - and for free, too! Apparently, they want to see how a WGPC copes with the circuit before they apply for a place in Season Fourteen. And that's not all!" Dewhurst pressed his intercom. "Stacey, bring up our new employee."

The door opened, and in stepped a young man, looking resplendent in a brand new orange and black ATR team polo shirt, topped off with a white cap carrying the legend "EN11" on the side. That man was Enu Noel, ATR's new lead driver.

"Good afternoon, Enu. Welcome to the team, hope you've enjoyed the tour. Now, I understand you've got a good brain for mechanics?"

"Oh, absolutely, Mr Dewhurst."

"Please, call me Mike. Anyways, I'd like you to meet Adam Tilbrook. Adam's head of our design team, and with us pretty much ready to shake down your new chariot, I thought it might be a good idea to talk shop and get a plan of action down. There's no better way of improving a car than getting a driver - and a damn good one in my opinion - to put in his input. All those things that don't show up on the telemetry, how it feels, how easy the gears change, how the power, the brakes, the ERS, how it all feeds in. I want you to help make this car the best you can; in return, of course, we'll do all we can to get you on the top step of the podium. A lot."

Enu blushed slightly at the complement. "That sounds like a plan. Thank you for your faith in me, I won't let you down, sir. Mike."

"I've seen the tapes of your driving. You couldn't let me down if you tried."

[Barunia]

OOC: I hope to be able to get responses to those interested in Archer up tomorrow. It is quite late here though, so I should get to bed. Also, so it is clear, Lauren Ashburton is interested in joining Synclair Automotives, ENSADRINK GP Team Dekijika-Tarogama, Frontière Racing, or Telaris Racing

---

Lauren started racing modified street cars on Barunia's legal street racing circuit at the age of 18. After her first few amateur races, Lauren was scouted for Whitehorse Racing, one of the better professional racing teams on the Barunian GT circuit.
In her first year racing, she ended the season with a top-15 finish, coming in at 14th overall. Within three years, that was a top-five position, and in her fifth year, aged just 23, she finished first in the Barunian GT-1 Championship. Earlier that year, she had taken the prize at the Porthaven GT Driver's Championship, and finished second in class at the Sheppardton Speed Festival.

Lauren has moved into new territory after being confirmed as a driver for the 13th World Grand Prix Champions. Lauren is excited for this opportunity, as this give her another chance to expand her horizon in the world of motorsport. Lauren has yet to select a team for the coming season.

Lauren read the biography her agent had put up on the web two days ago. She knew that it would have been read, re-read, and maybe even printed out by the journalists now waiting for her in the conference room. It was, of course, hyper-positive spin, but positive was always a good thing. She didn't have the best relationship with the media. Lauren sighed and walked out to the conference room, to the sound of camera's clicking.

"Miss Ashburton, is it true you'v never raced a WGP spec car before?"
The journalist stood, even though there was no need. His pen hovered over his pad.
An old schooler, she thought. I'm almost surprised he's not wearing a brim hat with a press label stuck in the band.

"I've never raced one, but I have driven Archer's test car, and set the lap time for both Raksha hill and Alexwood."

He scribbled away, while her agent nodded at another man in the front row. He threw his question fast and without hesitation, as if he'd been waiting for hours to say it.

"Lauren, is it true that you engaged in illegal street racing during your youth?"

Here we go. It's the same question every time. I swear, one day I'm just going to say yes and see what happens.

She paused, just a little too long, and she could see the room twitch, as if the assembled press had acknowledged her silent admission. Well, let them have an ambiguous answer to stew over.

"If there's any truth to it, let me see the evidence."

Immediately, another had went up.

"What about your ex-boyfriend, who told us you were tearing around Porthaven streets at 15."

That was Jarrod. I thought he was so cool back then, all us girls wanted to be with him. God, how stupid we were.

"I did a lot of stupid things when I was 15, like sleeping with pricks who are bitter about my success."

Of course, that bitterness might be because I beat him every time we raced.

Her agent stepped in to ask that any further questions be about the current WGPC season.

"Lauren, are you going to stay with Archer?"

"At the moment, I have no plans to do so. But they have not made me any offers."

"Why have you decided to leave Archer?"

"All the Barunian national drivers, very single one ever, has raced for Archer. I want to be different, spread my wings a little, see how the rest of the world does things."

The same journalist who had asked her about Jarrod put up his hand. "Did you get that rebellious streak from your days as a criminal youth?"

"I'm not going to answer any more questions on that topic. A question on WGP, please."

At the back of the room, another hand.
"Miss Ashburton, who are you planning to race for?"

"I have no plans, I've not been made any offers. But if you mean, who would I like to race for, then my number one choice would be Synclair Automotive."

That caused a buzz. Every hand in the room went up. Her agent picked one at random.

"Why Synclair?"

"I've always liked them as a brand, and that car seems like it is going to be really good. Pus it's got a Tarogama engine, and all of us we all know what they're like in the Hodoran Championships."

"Who would be your second choice?"

"The Hodori team are probably second. As I've said, Tarogama make a very good engine. Frontiere look pretty good, maybe Telaris but I don't really care for 2nd driver."

"Do you think your criminal past may deter potential teams?"

"I have no criminal record, thank you. That's all I'm going to say on the matter, and in fact that is all I'm going to say. Goodbye."

With that she stood up and left, ignoring the sudden burst of questions fired at her as she walked off.

[The Royal Barangay]

"Rudolf, there's someone who wants to conduct an interview with you, his name is Edgar Malikay." "Oh, I know that guy, let him in."

Edgar Malikay, who formerly worked at BalitangBarangay, wanted to have an interview with Rudolf, upon hearing the news that Rudolf will make the step up to the World Grand Prix Championship, after 3 1/2 seasons of open-wheel racing at Formula Hodori and the NSFC.

EM: Rudolf, long time no see.

RI: Hello, Edgar, what brought you here?

EM: I heard from the news that you will be embarking on a journey to participate in the WGPC. Can you give a brief outline of your plans for this season?

RI: Nothing is set in stone yet, though some teams have opened up their seats for us aspirants over there. I am actually heading to Yttribia to meet the Frontiere team there for a test their car. I'm also open to join other teams, though it all depends on the offer at hand.

EM: Do you prefer a lead driver role or a support driver?

RI: It depends. You see, my previous performance at the second NSFC season was a so-so performance, we managed to qualify the Anutin Tabu car well, but circumstances and the frailty of the engines really prevented us from performing well on races.

EM: Let's see, well, your NSFC career had only two DNF's

RI: True enough, but when you see my performance over a two season career - only four points finishes, two of which are podium finishes, and some close calls, but those finishes near the bottom of the pile are caused by the unreliability of the car. However, I still thank the guys at Anutin Tabu for giving me a car to compete well every qualifying session, and they will be supporting me financially for my WGPC effort.

EM: Any preferred teams?

RI: My top priority right now is to join a stable team that can fight for the accolades. I believe that Frontiere Racing has the capabilities to do that, despite being a new team in the block. My other preferences are Synclair, Aston Tickford and Dekijika-Tarogama, but like I said earlier, anything can happen.

EM: You are one of the rumored drivers to pair Alexander Lund at McPahan. What can you say about it?

RI: I'm actually surprised at the rumors. I never expected that a team with a very high caliber would express interest in me. I think that boils down to the experience I had in the international racing scene. That depends however on his partner Roger Bunn returning to the team.

EM: About Bunn, he is rumored to turn down the second seat at McPahan and sign for Synclair. Will it hurt your chances of making it to that team?

RI: I'd rather not comment on that. I would still try to get a racing seat for the team if that ever happens.

EM: OK, regarding the Anutin Tabu, you have raced for them last season, and they looked to be interested in fielding a WGPC team, but never applied. Any thoughts?

RI: Sorry, but I don't know why they didn't enter. Maybe they were still tweaking their programme.

EM: Will they return in the NSFC or the Formula Hodori soon?

RI: Right now plans are on hold according to them, but let's see, when these series return. I think Bryant [Gambal] will drive for them and likely Ramil [Raganit] for the NSFC.

EM: OK, last question. Archer and Scuderia Fuoco e Ghiaccio are opening their spots for drivers, are you planning to join their tests?

RI: Actually I have seen Archer's announcement, and I already plan to head to Barunia after testing at Yttribia. The Nekoni team has only one spot left, but I think I'd still try for a test, unless it conflicts with the schedules for the other two teams.

EM: Great. Thanks for your answers. I hope to see you on the grid.

OOC Note: Just to inform everyone, Rudolf will attend at least the tests in Yttribia and Barunia, with the Nekoni open test depending on the schedules of the two tests. He intends to apply for the seats at Audioslavia, Krytenia, Hodori and TIS.