Early Friday morning on May 21, the Circuit de Monaco was wrapped in the pale light of dawn. There was a chill in the air, and the sky hung heavy with clouds.
With some time still to go before the scheduled simulator session, Alex Sun arrived early at the team's operations area to meet up with the technical group.
The pre-simulator briefing had just concluded. Following the testing plan laid out during the meeting, the engineers were loading a new simulation profile based on supersoft tyres and running final system checks before the session began.
During the briefing, the team had focused on Monaco's defining traits: a narrow, twisty layout with virtually no margin for error. They reviewed baseline data from the previous race and ultimately clarified the core objective for this simulator session—to collect critical data that would support strategic decisions for the upcoming sprint race and the main race, with precisely defined testing targets.
The core mission was clear: use supersoft-tyre models to test performance under different conditions, with particular emphasis on tyre degradation in Tyre Management mode. At the same time, they needed to gather limit data from push-lap simulations to provide key support for setup decisions in both the sprint race and the main event. Alex Sun's provisional outlook for the sprint race was already a major focus of the discussion.
Alex Sun settled into the simulator cockpit, fastened the harness, and lightly tapped the steering wheel with his fingertips. In his mind, he reviewed the key points from the briefing while running through his planned racing line for a flying lap.
He mapped it out quietly: the first lap would be for bringing the virtual tyres up to temperature, then he would go all-in on a flying lap—enough to complete the system's Side Quest while also collecting extreme-limit data.
After the flying lap, he would pause the run to synchronize settings with the engineers. Then the focus would shift to a long-run Tyre Management simulation, with the primary goal of understanding how the supersoft tyres degraded in Tyre Management mode and building a solid data foundation for future race setups.
"No problem. We'll record everything in real time and keep a close eye on your tyre condition feedback during the long-run Tyre Management simulation," Mark added, his tone underscoring how much importance the team placed on this data.
Once the session began, the virtual Circuit de Monaco filled the simulator screens. Alex Sun eased the car out from the virtual pit exit. Engine noise, radio chatter, and ambient track sounds blended seamlessly through the headset, creating an immersive environment. After completing a single lap to warm the tyres, he immediately switched into flying-lap mode.
The engine note rose sharply as the revs climbed. Simulated G-forces pressed into his body as the car surged forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, wind noise roaring through the cockpit speakers.
Monaco's circuit was notoriously narrow and unforgiving, even in simulation, and Alex Sun stayed fully locked in from start to finish. The steering wheel delivered crisp feedback, vibrations from the supersoft tyre model crossing track seams transmitting clearly through his fingertips. Every corner was taken precisely at the optimal apex, with braking points and throttle inputs controlled down to the finest detail.
Exiting Turn 12, he deliberately delayed lifting off the throttle. The brief simulated tug as the rear stepped out and quickly recovered gave him a clean read on the supersoft tyres' grip limit.
As he crossed the virtual finish line, the lap timer flashed on the display: 1:21.430. The result far exceeded the Side Quest requirement and immediately placed him among the top reference laps in the system.
A surge of exhilaration rose in Alex Sun's chest. There was still room to go quicker. At the same moment, a system notification rang clearly in his mind: "Side Quest 'Demonstrate Strength in Monaco'—simulation stage completed. Monaco-exclusive optimization tuning approach unlocked."
The instant the tuning was unlocked, Alex Sun contacted the team over the internal channel. "Mark, the first flying-lap data is on target. I've got some ideas for setup adjustments. Let's sync and tweak the parameters based on this run."
"Copy!" Mark replied, surprise evident in his voice. "That fast? You've already nailed the flying lap and pinned down tuning ideas? We're analyzing the data now. Hold position—we'll apply the changes and reload the run." Without pressing for details, he immediately turned to coordinate with the engineers.
The simulation was paused, and the team quickly extracted the first-lap data. Alex Sun climbed out of the simulator seat and joined the technical group. Pointing at the data display, he broke down the newly unlocked tuning approach into concrete parameter requirements and synchronized them with Mark.
Mark quickly cross-checked everything against the exported data. "The logic checks out. It matches the tyre grip feedback from the first lap. Execute the adjustments."
The engineers worked with clear division of labor, modifying aerodynamic balance, suspension response, and electronic parameters within the simulator. Data verification and setup changes were carried out in parallel, efficiency pushed to the limit.
Just a few minutes later, Mark spoke again. "Setup complete. Parameters are calibrated to the first-lap data. System status is normal. You're good to resume for the long-run Tyre Management simulation." Alex Sun nodded and returned to the simulator cockpit.
He restarted the run and immediately began the long-run Tyre Management test. He followed the Tyre Management line strictly, modulating throttle and braking with precision to replicate race-day tyre-saving rhythm, all while staying fully attuned to the supersoft tyres' changing behavior.
The simulated track remained dry at first, with excellent grip. After eight steady laps, a rain scenario was introduced without warning. Fine droplets appeared on the virtual surface, and the once-dry asphalt gradually took on a slick sheen. Grip started to fluctuate.
Alex Sun reported in immediately. "The track's getting slippery. Grip on the supersofts is dropping noticeably—there's slight sliding in the corners."
Mark's reply came back at once, urgent but controlled. "Copy. Switch to Intermediate tyre simulation. And some good news: based on the optimization ideas you shared earlier, the tech team has completed a rain-specific setup. Perfect chance to test it now."
"Understood," Alex Sun replied. The run was reset, and the supersoft tyres were swapped out in the simulation environment while the system synchronized the eight laps of dry-condition data.
Mark stepped in with an update. "The wet-weather setup is ready, built around your optimization ideas. We've focused on improving corner stability and tyre grip adaptation. Once the Intermediate model is loaded, you can resume testing."
Moments later, the Intermediate tyre simulation and wet-weather setup parameters were fully loaded. Alex Sun restarted the session and began wet-condition testing.
The optimized rain setup delivered immediate results. Even on the slick surface, the steering wheel still conveyed clear feedback. The Intermediate tyres offered far more grip than expected, and cornering stability improved dramatically. The skidding he'd been concerned about barely appeared at all.
After two laps, a quiet thrill crept over Alex Sun. He realized he could precisely control the rhythm on the wet track, catching and responding to every subtle movement of the car. The panic and fear he'd once felt in rain races in his past life were gone. The simulator's high-intensity training, combined with his current 83-point Driving Technique, had erased what used to be a major weakness.
He completed five stable laps in the wet and reported back. "Rain setup adapts extremely well. Intermediate tyre grip is stable, corner tolerance is clearly improved, and vehicle response is precise across all conditions. Data collection is complete."
Mark's voice was filled with satisfaction. "Data received. Performance exceeded expectations. This sudden shower scenario actually helped us complete wet-condition testing and validate the optimized setup. A lucky break."
As the simulator session drew to a close, the team saved and archived both the dry and wet test data, finalizing the refined setup adjustments.
Wiping sweat from his brow, Alex Sun felt his confidence grow. The 83-point Driving Technique really delivered. His optimization ideas weren't just effective in the dry—they extended seamlessly into a strong wet-weather setup as well.
More importantly, he could clearly feel that he had fully adapted to driving on a slippery surface. That dual assurance would be crucial for the races to come.
After a brief rest and lunch, the team held a short strategic discussion focused on the next day's on-track sessions and the second sprint race.
Inside the meeting room, Mark got straight to the point, summarizing key insights based on the simulator data and the latest weather forecast. "Light rain is expected to remain a factor. When we get back on track, we'll likely rely on Intermediate tyres and the rain setup we've just validated here.
"For Sprint Race Two, the core principle is stability first. Use the setup advantage and look for gains only when the window is clear."
The discussion was efficient and concise, wrapping up in just a few minutes.
As the meeting broke up, Mark stopped Alex Sun before he left. He gave his shoulder a firm pat, his voice serious but caring. "Alex Sun, the Intermediate tyre model and rain setup are proven here, no issues there. But the real track will always be more complex than the simulator.
"Don't rush. Prioritize keeping the car stable, even if it means backing off a bit. We'll stay in constant communication. Be extra careful out there."
A warmth spread through Alex Sun's chest. He nodded firmly. "I understand, Mark. Don't worry—I'll keep it steady." With that, he turned and rejoined the team as preparations for the next day continued.
Later, as he settled into his chair and closed his eyes, his mind replayed everything—the feedback from the Intermediate tyre simulation, the overtaking concepts discussed, the precise line through Turn 1. Ferrari's invitation echoed like a silent drumbeat in the background.
He took a deep breath, centered himself, and when he opened his eyes again, there was nothing left in his focus but the track ahead. The next sprint race would be the decisive battle—his chance to fight for the podium and repay the trust placed in him.
...
(20 Chapters Ahead)
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