No Going Back (Nyck de Vries X OC)

Backwards at the Monaco E-Prix

The tension in the Marussia garage is high. Even though it is the Monaco Grand Prix my brother has the chance to score some much-needed points for the team. I'm just glad that I was able to get some time off from my own commitments to see this. I am flooded with relief as my brother crosses the line in ninth.

It is at that moment I am pulled out of my dream by my alarm clock. Dammit. I was enjoying the dream/memory. It was of the time that Jules scored his first Formula 1 points. I hesitantly get out of bed as today is the media day. Sure I do have free practice to look forward to however I do have to sit through the media stuff. I am drawn to the kitchen where I can smell breakfast being made. That must mean that Nyck was up before me. I can't blame him for getting up early. It is a race weekend.

"Morning Jess," Nyck greets me. I can tell that his attention is more on the food.

"Morning Nyck," I responded. Thankfully Nyck is quick with finishing making the food. He passes me a plate as he sits down but I am hesitant. Mostly due to the fact that I have something on my mind. I have unfinished business with this track because of a certain Russian. It will be interesting to see if I can actually finish this race without any drama. I just hope that my wishes in regards to this race come true. I can feel Nyck's concerned glances so I quickly get to work on eating the food. At least Nyck makes for a good cook. It doesn't take long for me to finish the food. After another hour of getting ready Nyck and I begin the short walk to the garage. At least it is peaceful as there are not many fans. The truth is they will only be there tomorrow. We soon make it to the paddock where Nyck and I get to work on our various media commitments. The first on the list is the official press conference. This time I am finally with Nyck. After a few glances at each other, the press conference begins.

"How are you all feeling heading into Monaco E-Prix. Especially Jess and Nyck, given your experience at the track?" The standard opener with a twist.

"Well the truth is I haven't done so well at Monaco in the past but I am feeling a little confident," I kick start the conversation.

"I'm sure you will be fine. At least you have a benchmark," Nick Cassidy chimes in. He has a point. I am just hoping that the race won't end in a DNF like the other times that I raced in Monaco. Thankfully the questions move to the standard lot such as how confident I am about winning the championship. As always the answer is the same for me. We will have to wait until the last race in Berlin to see if I will win the championship. I realise that my answer is boring but Formula E is the most unpredictable motorsports series. After what feels like an hour of questions the press conference has come to an end. Now for the part of the day that I have been looking forward to the most. The first free practice session. I am looking forward to seeing if I can actually do well.

"Well, that was boring," Nyck remarks.

"Yeah. Now you know how I feel," I retort. I have never understood the reporters' desire to ask the same questions over and over again. At least no one asked what the difference between Formula 1 and Formula E is. We soon make our way to the hospitality area where we are met by our respective lead engineers. I find it funny that Kai has his head buried in sim data whereas Marcus is discussing some things with Nyck.

"Hey Kai, what is the likelihood of me getting into the points if I end up last?" I pull him away from the data.

"It depends on who the drivers are around you. Why do you ask?" Kai responds.

"Let's just say, if my previous attempts are anything to go by, I won't have much luck," I fill him in. I can see the stern look on his face give way to a more friendly look.

"We will use the two free practice sessions to give you the best chance," Kai gives me the answer that I thought I would get. After twenty-five minutes of doing various bits and pieces, I am finally ready to go. It may only be the first free practice session but I want to do well enough. With a gesture from Kristy, I leave the pits. Well here goes nothing. I get to work on establishing a rhythm. It feels weird being on a track like Monaco and being fast. I put it down to the fact that Formula E cars are designed with the sole purpose of racing on street tracks. Maybe I do have a chance of getting somewhere this time around.