Speed ​​God

Chapter 52 Graduation Ceremony
clap clap clap!clap clap clap!
Applause erupted.

Nicholas and Vasser exchanged another glance, their smiles blossoming into wide grins, their eyes brimming with excitement and joy, their spirits soaring.

The suspense had just begun to emerge when it was immediately extinguished.

It's not just about speed; it's also about observation, thinking, judgment, planning, and execution. Even in the midst of a lightning-fast race, one can still maintain firm control of the overall situation, without being flustered by the combined attacks of opponents or losing direction due to unexpected situations. That's the real surprise.

In the world of motorsports, "speed" is undoubtedly very important; however, it is not the only important factor.

Nicolas and Vaselle both came to Maranello today with high expectations, and after learning of Jean Todt's involvement, their expectations rose even higher. However, they never expected that witnessing it in person would bring them another surprise, which is truly rare.

My blood boiled involuntarily.

Marchionne, standing to the side, took in all these changes, but remained outwardly calm and composed, clapping politely. His actions and expression seemed to be quite normal, and there was no need to be surprised by what he saw. Lu Zhizhou had not yet unleashed his full potential.

However, the little voice inside is screaming, running, and ecstatic.

Marchionne glanced at Monfatini.

Montfatini was truly calm and composed, showing no surprise or unexpectedness, but rather an air of complete indifference.

Marchionne's pride surged within him—

It all started with the whimsical "Catfish Project," which has now achieved results far exceeding expectations, with the catfish seemingly becoming the true protagonist.

The atmosphere in the P room was electric, but no one was in a rush.

In Formula One racing, unexpected situations are countless, and the slightest difference can completely destroy all previous efforts. The race is not over until the finish line is crossed.

However, this time, the unexpected did not occur.

Lu Zhizhou led the way from start to finish, completely eliminating any suspense. As the race neared its end, he seemed to unleash his full speed, continuously setting new fastest lap times. He raced faster and faster, leaving the other three drivers far behind as he crossed the finish line first, turning the race into a one-man show.

Zhou Guanyu crossed the finish line second, while Armstrong capitalized on Alesi's struggles due to severe tire wear, overtaking him after several laps to cross the finish line first.

Alessi, at the bottom.

Wasser could feel Nicholas's gaze. In their partnership, Wasser was in charge of the racing aspect, while Nicholas was in charge of the business aspect.

Vasser's sleepy eyes brightened, and he lowered his voice to whisper in Nicholas's ear, "We don't want to miss this opportunity."

One sentence is enough.

Nicholas gave a signal with his eyes, and walked alongside Vasser, moving closer to Marchionne.

Nicholas smiled and teased in a half-joking tone, "No wonder Mr. Marchionne called personally. So that's where his confidence comes from. Where did he unearth this treasure?"

Marchionne replied nonchalantly, "You'll have to ask your father about that. He dug it up from the streets of Rome; consider it a Christmas present?"

Nicolas was about to respond, but Marchionne didn't finish his sentence: "This is a rough stone that has never touched Formula One before November."

The air fell silent for a brief moment.

Nicolas and Wasser are both professionals; they both know what Marchionne's words mean.

In just two months, it has already reached such a level?

Originally, they could have remained calm, after all, the opponent Lu Zhizhou defeated wasn't particularly impressive, and Ferrari's current star in the youth academy is Leclerc; but now the whole situation has been completely overturned. The focus isn't on the opponent Lu Zhizhou defeated, but on Lu Zhizhou's growth within two months. The shock is tenfold, a hundredfold.

The ever-joking Vasser's smile vanished, his narrowed eyes widening instantly. "Never?"

It's not that I'm questioning Marchionne's claim of lying, but rather that I can't believe the facts.

Marchionne did not answer Vasseur. "His name is not found in any of the different levels of karting, and as for regional races, it cannot be found. But I understand your concerns, and if you wish to reconsider, I completely understand."

Wasserl: ...This guy is deliberately keeping us in suspense.

On the surface, it seemed that he understood their hesitation and was worried about Lu Zhizhou's lack of experience; but Vasser believed that if they continued to consider it, Marchionne would turn around and send that promising talent to the Trident team!
Indeed, a lack of experience is a fatal flaw, but this innate talent is right in front of him. He has reached such a level in just two months. With further refinement, what heights can he reach?

My heart started pounding uncontrollably.

It's not just about replacing Fukuzumi Jinrei; that young man could become ART's rising star. In the blink of an eye, reason has already made its judgment.

Nicholas remained calm and quickly grasped the key point: "Sergio, you contacted us because you wanted this young man to have the best resources to grow up, didn't you?"

Otherwise, Marchionne should have contacted the Trident team.

“Believe me, he should join ART. I can guarantee he’ll have the best resources, the best team, and the best support to help him grow.” Nicholas demonstrated his capabilities with decisiveness.

Marchionne, however, wasn't fooled. "Higher priority than Russell's level?"

George Russell, who will turn nineteen next month, is a Mercedes-Benz junior academy student and will be competing for the ART team in 2017, already securing a seat.

Furthermore, due to the relationship between Wasser and Mercedes-Benz, ART has always given priority to their youth academy trainees.

But Nicolas did not fall for Marchionne's rhetoric, saying, "We advocate fair competition; trainees should earn their places through their performance."

Marchionne laughed, a smile playing on his lips. "That's not enough to convince him."

Nicholas didn't understand. "What?"

Marchionne stopped explaining. "He's here. Why don't you talk to him yourselves?"

Last time, he was humiliated in front of Lu Zhizhou, but now it's his turn to watch the show from the sidelines. He's a little happy about it. What's going on?

Directly ahead, Lu Zhizhou was talking to Zhou Guanyu with a big smile, gesturing wildly and showing the vigorous spirit of youth.

Indeed, Lu Zhizhou was very happy. This test match would earn him a prize of two thousand euros, bringing his youth training academy life to a perfect close and making his graduation ceremony a perfect one.

He was discussing dinner with Zhou Guanyu that evening, and they were thinking about whether they should go out for a big meal.

Armstrong immediately stepped forward to congratulate him, his eyes revealing a hint of admiration.

Seeing this, Alessi threw his helmet onto the sofa with a thud, and walked towards the bathroom without looking back. He didn't want to stay there and embarrass himself any longer. The complete defeat had shattered his dignity, and his pent-up anger was burning fiercely.

"Lu Zhizhou!"

A voice called from ahead. Lu Zhizhou looked up and saw Marchionne waving. A smile instantly appeared on his face as he waved back.

　Dear readers, the new book rankings are slowly recovering and climbing, it's really nerve-wracking! This niche racing book really needs your support, and please remember to check the latest chapters while you're reading. Thank you all sincerely once again!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)