The second theme song for that season boomed in the background—"Chop Suey!" by System of a Down—as the cars stacked up beyond the grid, the atmosphere humming with engine heat, a stark contrast to the cool night air.
The commentary resonated throughout the city, blending with the roars of the spectators leaning out of the high-rise windows and cheering from the stands behind steel barricades. After an intense hour and forty-five minutes of racing, the leaderboard finally solidified, ready to record the night's unforgettable outcome.
Luca's System displayed his final position, the yellow glow of number 2 reflecting off his helmet and casting a warm light across the cockpit. He felt the power of his car wind down, only then allowing himself to release the steering wheel, his fingers stiff and tingling.
[Congratulations, host! You have made a podium!]
**You are the man, Luca. You guys have done it!**
Luca chuckled, exhaling deeply as relief coursed through him. With the help of that powerful Sync Buff, he'd secured 2nd place even with only 60% Operational Status. "Second podium for me, it is!" Luca grinned as he lifted himself out of the single-seater. The rush of the night breeze, the glow of the track lights, and the distant roar of the crowd washed over him.
In the cool-down lane, drivers from smaller F2 teams pulled up, their cars decorated in varied hues, and exhaustion was marked on their faces. Luca's eyes searched for Ansel, finding him atop his car, jubilantly pumping his fist toward a group of fans waving from the roof of a nearby building.
Luca removed his helmet and climbed down from his car. He caught sight of Miles and, without hesitation, brushed past him with a deliberate shoulder nudge on his way to Ansel.
"...and it will surely be a night to remember for Trampos Racing. Look at their boys go, demonstrating teamwork on par with Formula 1 class. This season is shaping up to be theirs. Now, let me ask my co-commentator for his thoughts..."
"...if I were you, Steve, I wouldn't start handing out trophies just three Featured Races into the season. We've got a long year ahead, and luck can turn faster than a car blowing out its tires..."
"...and speaking of luck, it certainly ran out today for the reigning F2 champion, Max Addams. Just look at him kicking his tires in frustration. Two young challengers took him down, officially ending his nine-podium streak. Meanwhile, Aaronson looks crushed and is already heading back to his team. For a driver who claimed bronze last season, this is turning into a brutal campaign..."
Luca and Ansel returned to their team's garage with wide smiles, welcomed by their crew's cheers and shouts of excitement. The 45 points (25 from Ansel, 18 + 2 from Luca) represented a significant boost for the season ahead.
The teammates were showered with pats and congratulations. Even Mr. Grant couldn't help but applaud the incredible show of motorsport from his drivers. He clapped firmly, a proud smile on his face, before pulling Ansel aside for the press.
Luca found himself surrounded by the cheering Trampos crew beneath the bright lights, which illuminated a replay of his fastest lap. It showed him overtaking Addams and expertly cutting in front of Miles. Watching the footage of his red-and-black Dallara slicing through Circuit de l'Étoile, Luca felt a surreal wave wash over him, as though the reality of the achievement hadn't yet sunk in.
Glancing up at the sound of his name, Luca was surprised to be called for the quick press interview. He swiftly maneuvered through the cluster of the crew, out of the garage, and halfway down the side of the pit lane. "Chop Suey!" continued booming in the background, mingling with the distant cheers of the crowd.
As the interviews commenced, the podium was being prepared at the grand edge of Circuit de l'Étoile, where a magnificent fountain illuminated by white lights added a touch of splendor to the scene.
Luca responded smoothly to the press, doing his utmost to keep his excitement in check. His face lit up the top screen of one of the tallest buildings nearby, broadcasted on every channel in real-time. After the interview, Mr. Grant approached Luca in the bright tunnel, congratulating him and expressing heartfelt gratitude for following orders and executing the strategies flawlessly, which had secured Trampos's victory.
Luca appreciated the encouraging words and acknowledgment from Mr. Grant. He wanted to ask then and there if the result of this race would change the plans to reserve him for the next two races. But he decided against it, not wanting to push too far too soon. After all, Mr. Grant was the Team Principal, and his decisions were for the benefit of the team.
The podium celebration soon followed.
Luca, who had practiced popping champagne bottles, eagerly awaited the moment as he watched Ansel step proudly to the top spot. Luca took the second position, and Bellingham stood at third. Their names were announced to the electrified crowd as medals were awarded with due ceremony, and Ansel received a gleaming trophy.
Bright confetti rained down from the dark night sky as they were handed their champagne bottles. Luca smirked, catching Ansel's wide grin. They shared the same thought as they gripped the corks of their bottles, aiming at each other.
In a show of pure joy, they soaked themselves in victory, laughing and leaping on the famed Monte Carlo podium while officials and spectators cheered and clapped. Miles, barely engaging, half-heartedly sprayed some champagne before stepping down to join his team.
Celebrations continued for Trampos Racing through the night. They were able to get in contact with some fans who had eagerly flown to Monaco just to watch the race. Luca was surprised that he had gotten the likings from many Trampos fans already, and they seemed eager to know more about him as he took pictures with some of them under the cool night sky.
April 10th, the Celestial Riviera Hotel belonged to Trampos Racing as the 5-star venue roared with festivities well into the night.
Luca eventually crashed and slept on a couch in the penthouse, while Ansel lay sprawled on the floor next to the fireplace.
A/N: Premium will soon begin from Chap. 32