No Going Back (Nyck de Vries X OC)

Drama in Mexico (Race 1)

A\N Since the chapters with racing are long (for my standards) I have decided to divide the doubleheaders into two parts as I don't want to exclude too much of the action. Since there is an author's note I am going to remind you to vote and/or comment if you are enjoying this story.  

It has been a month since the ball and the only thing of note that happened was the fact that Nyck and I spent some time at Mercedes' HQ for some media work and simulator work. As per usual Nyck and I were a little competitive. That's what you get for putting two race car drivers in the same room. It of course led to some interesting scenarios. One of the hardest ones was the wet race scenario. I just hope that it doesn't happen but based on the weather forecast that Kai sent me, it is not looking too promising. At least the simulator time has boosted my confidence just a little for the next race. I am still not looking forward to the race as like Valencia it is a dedicated race track however the track is in poor condition. It will be the kind of challenge that I don't want as it is the first of four double header events. The reason why it will be challenging is due to the fact that the drivers, not just me, will have a lot of things to manage. At least I will have help from Kai and Kristy. I am pulled out of my thoughts as the familiar thud of the plane hitting the ground rumbles through the plane. I am glad that we have finally touched down. I find myself glancing at Nyck who seems like he is thinking as well.

"Nyck we have made it," I gave him a gentle nudge just to emphasise my point.

"Sorry I was thinking about the data that Albert sent me. It's not looking great," Nyck explains. He is referring to Albert Lau, his lead engineer.

"Let me guess. Doom and gloom," I responded. I get the feeling that it was a copy and paste of Kai's report based on the look on Nyck's face.

"Yep," Nyck replies with a slight nod. Well, we will have to deal with it on race day. Not that I mind as the only driver that I really have to worry about in regards to the championship is Edo. It has been a couple of days since we arrived in Mexico and it is the day that we have all been waiting for. The first free practice had a few dramas. A couple of the other drivers ended up in the wall but that goes to show just how hard the track in Puebla is. Luckily for me, I had Kai making sure I knew where to be careful. Right now I am getting ready for the last of the free practice sessions. Be careful down into turn one. Watch out for the grass and last of all try my best to carry enough speed around turn fifteen. I go over Kai's checklist that he suggested as I pull my balaclava over my head. There is definitely a lot that can go wrong but I am sure I can overcome the challenge.

"Jess I wanted to go over some things before you get your helmet on," Kai remarks as he joins me.

"Go ahead," I reply.

"So it turns out that the forecast for the weekend was wrong but I still want you to be a little more careful than usual," Kai says as he makes a few notes in his journal. I have never seen him this concerned. Even during Valencia, he was calm.

"You know I will be careful. Again it is what the other drivers do that you have to worry about," I retort. I am in the lead of the championship so I don't want to waste any opportunity I have to score points.

"Anyway I should let you do your job," Kai remarks as he gives me the standard good luck pat on the shoulder. With that, I get my helmet and HANS device on comfortably. After five minutes of waiting, I am sent out. It doesn't take long for me to find my rhythm however I am taking it easy for Formula E standards. Don't get me wrong I am still pushing but I know I can easily do more. The thing is I am conscious of the fact that I should only really push at my hardest during the race. I soon encountered an interesting problem. I can feel the tires making contact with the ground or rather the grass. I desperately try to keep it out of the wall to no avail. I am relieved to notice that there is only damage to the bodywork but I am a little peeved that I made a mistake that put me in the grass. Oh well luckily for me Kristy and her team are quick.