Strategic Shifts

[SYSTEM ONLINE..]

[Happy New Month, host.]

[Calculating progress within the last month...]

[... progress calculated: 94.5%]

[Host should begin his Daily Routine.]

Luca rose from bed without delay, diving into what was his endless grind that paved his path to success.

Amir stood at the gym entrance, ready to start their PT-client session. "Happy new month, my friend," he greeted with his usual enthusiasm.

"Same here, mate," Luca replied, though a trace of gloom shadowed his tone, matching the overcast sky outside.

The morning was dim and cold, a blanket of gray stretching across the city. Droplets of dew shimmered on parked sedans and SUVs, their surfaces reflecting the muted light, while the rooftops of nearby buildings bore the same glistening sheen.

Luca's eyes felt heavy, despite following every recommendation his System provided and clocking enough sleep hours.

"I received your focus plans and studied them well," Amir said with a lively grin as Luca approached. "I must say, you're quite serious about developing quick reflexes while maintaining perfect balance, and enhancing your cognitive reasoning to ensure split-second decision-making on the track."

Luca nodded as they stepped inside the gym. "I need to eliminate mistakes, especially when I'm wheel-to-wheel with another driver," he said, punctuating the statement with a deep breath and a small jump to ignite energy in his limbs.

"Seems like you and your Team Principal are on the same wavelength," Amir continued. "The draft I received from him outlines a strong emphasis on situational awareness and reaction training. I've combined those elements with my own tweaks to create a program that I think you'll find both challenging and effective."

"Okay, let's hear it," Luca said.

Amir started speaking, pausing occasionally to check the thick sheaf of papers in his hands to ensure accuracy. "Multi-tasking drills," he said confidently.

[SYSTEM ONLINE...]

[System is analyzing and retrieving training program issued to host.]

[Multi-tasking Drills analyzed.]

"Simulated close-quarters racing scenarios."

[High-pressure Simulations analyzed.]

"Reaction time drills," Amir concluded.

[Reaction Time Drills analyzed.]

[Ding!]

[Successfully Retrieved!]

Amir lowered the papers with a satisfied grin. "With this program, my friend, you'll be as reflexive as a cat out there. Let's see who dares to disrupt your flow and make your car skid."

Luca chuckled lightly, already stretching to begin his usual Intermediate Bundle exercises. "Thanks for the support, man," he said before launching into burpees.

Though Luca appreciated Mr. Grant's attention to his situational awareness and reaction reflexes, it added an extra layer of stress. The last thing he wanted was for Mr. Grant's focus to be on him, scrutinizing every move. He just wanted to race for Trampos Racing with no more attention than necessary—aside from healthy media coverage obviously.

Amir kept a vigilant eye on Luca's form as he moved through his exercises. Any lapse—a knee not bending enough or a misaligned posture—was met with a demonstration of the correct stance. "Keep your core tight, my friend. That's the key," Amir reminded, positioning himself to show the proper alignment.

Luca nodded outwardly as a show of appreciation, though inside, he wished Amir would ease away a little bit. Pushing through the creeping fatigue, Luca powered through the intense drills.

"Good job to you, my friend!" Amir called out with his trademark enthusiasm when Luca finally finished.

Great. I've got an overzealous personal trainer.

"Now, let's see what we can do about Reaction Time Drills," Amir continued, signaling for them to move to the next station. "We're focusing on light reaction drills today. I'm sure you're familiar with them."

Luca followed closely with a towel draped over his shoulder. They approached a sleek, metallic vertical platform embedded with an array of colored LED lights set up against the wall. The lights flashed randomly, designed for quick-response training.

[ACTIVITY: LIGHT REACTION DRILLS]

[EQUIPMENT: LED LIGHT GRID]

[Host will respond to sporadically lit lights by tapping the corresponding area on a touchpad.]

[This will be done for 3 sets of 12 reactions, focusing on improving speed and accuracy. It also enhances reflexes and decision-making under pressure.]

As Amir spoke, Luca's System reinforced the details of the exercise. He placed his hands at the edge of the touchpad, feeling its cool, smooth surface beneath his fingers.

Amir stepped back, giving him space and an encouraging nod. "Stay relaxed and anticipate the lights. The goal is to react quickly and accurately. Don't overthink, just respond," Amir advised.

[Let us proceed with LIGHT REACTION DRILLS]

Ting!

Luca's instincts sharpened as the first light, red, flashed on. He lunged forward, tapping the corresponding spot on the touchpad with precise timing. The light blinked off and was replaced almost instantly by another, green this time. Luca's hand followed, tapping the next spot with swift precision as the exercise continued.

This is–this is.... kinda fun though. System? How fast am I responding?

[1st set completed]

[250 miliseconds]

[Accuracy: 91.67 %]

Not bad at all. This is not a bad score. That means I'm not training to correct my reflexes and awareness, I'm actually trying to make it better?!

[It seems that way, host.]

[Hosts status generating....

[..... Generation completed]

[Agility: 17

Track Awareness: 15

Reflexes: 18]

Luca studied the figures. They were solid, but not flawless. If they had been perfect, his steering would have responded seamlessly when Miles flanked him with that aggressive cut-in during the race. He pushed the thought aside and prepared for the next set, determined to do better.

He resumed the drill with heightened concentration, each tap growing smoother as the sequence of flashing lights sped up. Red, green, blue—Luca's hands moved like they were wired to the grid itself, each motion more fluid and confident than the last.

[2nd set completed]

[230 milliseconds]

[Accuracy: 95%]

Nice. I'm getting sharper.

Without pausing, Luca launched into the final round, muscles firing on instinct. His fingers struck each light with clockwork precision, every misstep minimized, his focus unyielding.

[Activity completed]

[Final Time: 225 milliseconds]

[Accuracy: 97%]

Luca stepped back, breathing steadily. "That should do," he murmured, satisfied with his progress. Time to move on to the next activity.

Amir guided him to the simulation stations, the rooms prepped for advanced close-quarters racing simulations. A female crew member was already setting up the equipment and gave Luca a thumbs-up when she finished and he responded with a smile.

[ACTIVITY: HIGH PRESSURE SIMULATIONS]

[EQUIPMENT: RACING SIMULATOR]

[Host will engage in simulated races against computer drivers on circuits designed to mimic real-world tracks, focusing on tight racing conditions. The simulation will emphasize quick decision-making, overtaking, defending positions, and reacting to unexpected maneuvers by opponents.]

[This activity will consist of 3 timed sessions, each lasting 10 minutes. Between sessions, short breaks will allow for performance analysis. The goal is to enhance reflexes, situational awareness, and tactical decision-making when under pressure from rival drivers in close proximity.]

Exactly what I need, Luca thought as he slipped on the simulator gear and settled into the cockpit-like seat. He meticulously adjusted and secured every part, ensuring each felt right against him and fit comfortably in his grasp. His hands wrapped firmly around the force-feedback steering wheel as he glanced at the curved screen before him, displaying a digital recreation of the circuit. With one last check, he pulled the visor down over his eyes, ready to begin.

Amir sat on a leather bench behind Luca, arms crossed and eyes focused on the screen displaying Luca's race in real-time. He watched intently as Luca skillfully maneuvered through tight and complex sections of the track. Though Amir was neither a Team Principal nor a racing strategist, he found Luca's driving impressive, almost instinctual from Luca's POV.

It felt as if Luca was one with the track, seamlessly anticipating each bend and chicane, guiding his car with precise tilts to ensure the cleanest exits possible.

As the race continued, the same female staff member approached and informed Amir that Mr. Grant, the Team Principal, was calling for him. Amir was surprised by the timing of the call but realized this was Luca's final session of the day and that the driver knew what he was doing. Reluctantly, Amir stood up and left to meet with Mr. Grant.

The Team Principal had important feedback and plans to share regarding Luca's progress. As Luca's Personal Trainer, it was essential for Amir to stay informed and aligned with any changes or strategies Trampos Racing wanted to implement.

[Session 3 Completed.]

[Performance Report: 87%]

[Good job, host.]

Luca leaned back, catching his breath as his heartbeat gradually slowed. The simulated applause and cheers on the display felt like a reassuring pat on the back.

By the time Luca finished his session, Amir returned from Mr. Grant's office. He congratulated Luca and assisted him out of the simulator seat.

"It's an hour past noon," Amir noted. "Get some rest, and we'll pick up tomorrow, starting a new scheme."

Not really catching his words, Luca nodded and took a long drink from his water bottle. He and Amir walked out of the gym, exchanging casual farewells before parting ways—Amir heading toward the gate.

[Good job, host. You can proceed to the next phase of your Daily Routine. Your gym session is complete.]

Just as Luca reached the steel stairs leading to his quarters, the crew member who had helped with the simulator earlier appeared, her hair swept by the gentle breeze of the still-gloomy sky.

"Gaffer wants to see you," she said quickly.

-------------------------------------------------

Luca didn't know why Mr. Grant wanted to see him, but meetings with the head of the team rarely promised good news for any athlete.

To his surprise, Mr. Grant stood on the balcony of the staff building, staring out at the Trampos Racing track, where a light fog veiled the surface.

Luca approached and stood at the doorway. "You wanted to see me, sir?" he announced his presence.

"Yes," Mr. Grant replied promptly, turning to face him. "It's about the upcoming Monaco race. I wanted to congratulate you and give you a bit of encouragement. We're counting on you to bring in points."

"It's no problem, sir," Luca said, trying to mask his apprehension.

"But there's more," Mr. Grant continued, his tone shifting. "After Monaco, you won't be behind the wheel for the next two GPs."

Luca's eyes widened. "Why?" he asked, the question coming out before he could stop himself.

"Haas will be taking your spot," Mr. Grant said flatly. "The board will explain in detail, but it's a formal decision that we believe is best for the team's overall progress at this stage. It's always good to implement strategies early in the season."

Luca's mind raced. Being benched for two main races was unexpected, and the thought of watching Haas partner with Ansel on the track made him uneasy. He wasn't sure he could sit in the sidelines for two GPs. "What about the Sprints? Will I still participate in those?" he asked.

"No, you won't," Mr. Grant confirmed. "During your benching period, you'll be briefed on aspects of race management. This decision is 90% strategic and 10% tied to your new program. You've been assigned a platinum training program, and as a newer driver, we're not entirely confident that you can handle both the strain of competing and the demands of the program simultaneously. Do you understand?"

"A new training program?" Luca echoed, needing clarity.

"Luca, I'd prefer it if you refrained from questioning me further. Maintaining a solid manager-driver relationship is essential. Your personal trainer has been informed of the details and will brief you. I'm sharing this with you personally as a courtesy," Mr. Grant said, pausing to draw a breath. "Now, do you understand?"

"I understand, sir."