Speed ​​God

Chapter 38 It’s too late to meet
perfect!

This was the only thought in Montfaldini's mind.

At the Fiorano circuit, they have tested it thousands of times. They know every corner and every inch of the track by heart. They can drive the whole course with their eyes closed. This track has been tempered and refined, and is deeply imprinted in the soul of Maranello.

Even without a stopwatch, Monfatini knew that Lu Zhizhou had pushed the performance of this race car to its limit, perhaps even beyond it.

From beginning to end, everything was perfect.

If this is a ballet on a knife's edge, then Lu Zhizhou perfectly interprets the collision of sharpness and elegance, making it a true pleasure.

Even a seasoned veteran like Montalcini couldn't resist clenching his fist in celebration.

Or perhaps it is precisely because Monfatini knows the Fiorano circuit so well that he understands even more how precious Lu Zhizhou's lap was.

Not only Montfatini, but all the technicians around him were clapping and cheering.

"Ahhh!"

"Oh my god, this is amazing!"

"Wow, I mean... wow."

Words failed me, I was completely speechless, my mind was blank, I was just cheering and jumping, I even grabbed my hair uncontrollably, I couldn't believe my eyes, I was venting the boiling emotions in my chest in the most primitive and simple way.

Then, an exclamation rang out, "Ferdinando!"

Monfatini looked in the direction of the sound and saw everyone staring at the screen, speechless and unable to believe their eyes. They were clutching their hearts, like the heroines in an Italian soap opera, on the verge of fainting from shock.

No numerical proof is needed; they can all see the perfection of this lap. It's not just about zero mistakes; it's about pushing the car and the track to their limits, making it comparable to art.

Even so, when I actually saw the numbers, the shock was overwhelming. I instantly stopped talking and breathing, and I really looked like I was about to faint.

1: 16.008!

So, what does this really mean?
At the Fiorano circuit, Ferrari does not recommend setting lap times, but every Ferrari road car must conquer this track before it is released to the market; and every Ferrari has a "Fiorano lap time," which has become a hallmark of Ferrari.

Currently, the fastest lap time at Fiorano is held by Michael Schumacher, with his 2004 F1 car, at 0:55.999.

The fastest road car lap time is 1:21.50 for the Ferrari 812, which will be launched next year.

A comparison immediately highlights the difference.

Lu Zhizhou, in the F3 training car, and even in rainy conditions, was a full five seconds faster than the Ferrari 812, only twenty seconds behind Schumacher's F1 record.

incredible!

Moreover, this was only the third day that Lu Zhizhou had officially stepped onto the track, and his first time challenging a rainy track.

Actually!

One by one, they were completely stunned. They exchanged glances, only to find their minds blank and unable to think. They seemed to be frozen in the shock, so much so that they were in a daze of bewilderment.

In just five short weeks, Lu Zhizhou had already brought enough surprises, but no one expected there would be even more, like a magician's hat:
It's endless; you can always keep pulling things out.

The brief silence seemed to last an eternity, until Lu Zhizhou's voice came through the radio.

He remained calm, composed, and professional, seemingly unaware of what he had just accomplished or what commotion he had caused.

"Wet skid control is good, with slight slippage at the tail section, but it is within a controllable range."

"The oil temperature has risen slightly; it is now entering the cooling zone."

Rustle, rustle.

For a moment, it was hard to tell whether it was the sound of rain or radio static. Montafftini was the first to react, "Roger that. The rain is intensifying, be careful."

The technician next to him finally came to his senses, looked at Montfattini, and couldn't help but swallow hard. "Ferdinando, is that considered a perfect lap?"

Monfatini didn't answer immediately. He pulled his chaotic thoughts back and quietly looked at the data: throttle opening, brake pressure, tire temperature, and so on. The curves of each data point stretched in his pupils.

There was no shock, only certainty.

He was now absolutely certain that the fleeting glimpse he had made during the trial was merely a test, and that Lu Zhizhou had not given it his all.

Even today, Lu Zhizhou has not yet tapped into his full potential, because he is still growing and improving. Perhaps Lu Zhizhou himself is unaware of his limits. He is simply immersed in the joy of constantly challenging and breaking through, a simple and pure emotion.

F3?

No, this place is not enough to contain Lu Zhizhou's limits. Given time, he can't wait to see Lu Zhizhou continue to challenge himself on the F1 track.

Montfati's Adam's apple bobbed. "Perhaps, that is indeed the case for us."

There was another half-sentence left unsaid: "But not for Lu Zhizhou."

Although Montalcini is not worried about Lu Zhizhou becoming arrogant or complacent—this young man is different from other youth trainees, his composure and wisdom far exceeding his peers—Montalcini still hopes that Lu Zhizhou can be down-to-earth, and he sincerely hopes to see him realize his full potential.

Who knows? Perhaps the hope of restoring Ferrari's glory lies in this young man.
The thought had barely crossed his mind when Montfattini was startled by his own actions—

It's only been five weeks. Is it too hasty to put such a heavy responsibility on Lu Zhizhou's young and thin shoulders?

"Hey, Ferdinando."

A call pulled Monfati from her thoughts back to reality.

Looking up, one could see Lu Zhizhou with his hair soaked through, whether from rain or sweat, his whole body drenched and trembling slightly; however, his dark eyes shone brightly, clear and luminous as he looked over, a hint of joy showing on his youthful face.

Their sight reminded them that the child was only seventeen years old.

"I'm sorry, I was impulsive just now and made you worry."

Montfati's heart skipped a beat, a warm current flowing through him, as if he were looking at his own youngest son, who, though ignorant, was exceptionally caring.

Unexpectedly, Lu Zhizhou changed the subject, "When we were pushing at full speed just now, the C curve caused the brakes to heat up faster, and the tires wore out significantly. I was thinking about whether combining the B curve and the C curve would be more effective, but I don't have time to test it right now. It seems I'll have to wait until next time."

Montfati was slightly taken aback, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

Lu Zhizhou didn't notice that he hadn't received a reply, so he looked at Montfaldini again and asked, "Could you show me the braking curve graph from just now?"

A hint of satisfaction flickered in Monfatini's eyes. "Of course. But first, take a hot shower, dry your hair, and change your clothes. Professional drivers need to learn how to prevent colds."

Lu Zhizhou looked at Montfaldini with a sullen expression.

But Monfatini's expression remained resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

Lu Zhizhou could only sigh and say, "I'm only seventeen. I can dry the rain with just my body heat, okay?"

Haha, this authentic Italian retort made the technicians burst into laughter, even the icy-faced Montalcini was no exception.

After training was over, Monfatini did not go home immediately, but went to his office on the second floor.

As soon as I knocked, a voice came from inside, "Come in."

Montfati opened the door and looked at Marchionne, who was putting on a scarf and coat. "Sir, do you have a moment? There are some things I'd like to discuss with you."

　The young author sincerely thanks everyone for their support. Racing is a niche genre, and the book's collection data has been mediocre until now, but it's still approaching the top 100 on the new book chart! Thank you, thank you everyone! We're only a little bit away from the top 100 now, so please don't stop voting! Even if you're just waiting for the book to finish, please be sure to read the latest chapter every day. Following the story is a matter of life and death, really! Thank you so much!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)