Page 50 of Hot Lap
CHAPTER ELEVEN
QATAR GRAND PRIX | THURSDAY | MEDIA DAY
"Media center in fifteen."Ona falls into step beside Reece as they exit the fitness center after his morning workout. "Then setup meeting with Asuka, lunch, and Claudia has some one-on-ones in the afternoon."
The Qatar International Circuit's gleaming facilities might look like a mirage rising from the desert, but there's nothing illusory about the buzz in the paddock. Fortunately, Ona towers over most of the personnel they pass, her six-foot frame and athletic build creating a natural buffer zone around Reece. She's more than just his physio — she's physical trainer, nutritionist, focus coach, and personal assistant rolled into one formidable package. Today, he's particularly grateful for the way people step aside when she approaches. Ona commands respect.
The last thing he wants right now is casual paddock conversation, because each step toward the media center feels like moving deeper into enemy territory.
His phone buzzes with a message from Claudia.
Media center at capacity. Entertainment outlets crashed the party. Brace yourself.
Just what he needs. Sports journalists at least care about lap times and overtakes. Entertainment vultures are only here for gossip.
Fuck.
Ona glances at the same message on her phone. "Mm. This will be unpleasant." Her dry humor helps. Always.
Reece steels himself as he approaches the doors of the circuit's media center. Inside, the crowd is three times its normal size, camera equipment and people crammed into every available space.
The largest conference room hums with anticipation as Reece seeks Claudia. Ona takes a position by the side entrance, arms crossed, gaze roaming. The space is crowded beyond capacity — journalists from motorsport publications sharing space with entertainment reporters who don’t know downforce from DRS.
"They're here for the soap opera, not the sport." Claudia scrolls through her tablet and shakes her head. "We've received sixty-three additional interview requests since yesterday. All wanting exclusive access to 'F1's newlywed driver and his bride.'"
Reece adjusts his Nitro cap. "Thanks for running interference."
"That's my job." She looks up at him, eyes sharp behind designer glasses. "Coy and the owners believe your private life is your business. I agree.” She gestures toward the crowd. “Those piranhas don’t.”
"What's the strategy?"
"Shut it down. Hard." She straightens his team jacket and picks off a tiny piece of lint. "Then redirect to track talk. Ifthey persist, you're authorized to walk. We've already sold out of hospitality packages for the remainder of the season. They need us more than we need them."
Reece nods. He appreciates the team's protective stance.
She checks her watch. "Let's go."
The press conference setup is standard — a long table, PNW Nitro backdrop, microphones, and water bottles. What isn't standard is the crowd. Usually, these technical briefings attract dedicated motorsport journalists who care about tire compounds and aerodynamic adjustments. Today, the center is standing-room only, bristling with cameras and reporters who look like they'd be more at home on a red carpet than a racetrack.
Claudia taps a microphone. "Good morning. We'll begin today's press briefing for PNW Nitro Racing with drivers Reece Pritchard and Petra Hayter."
A flutter of excitement passes through the room at Reece's name.
Claudia picks up on it immediately. "First, to address the elephant in the room. No questions about our drivers' personal lives will be answered today. I know that's a disappointment, but PNW Nitro respects their drivers' privacy. We ask that you do the same. Thank you."
A reporter raises his hand. "How are we supposed to get information about this development?"
"The same way everyone else does, Jonathan." Claudia doesn’t miss a beat. "Consult the online rumor mill."
Laughter ripples through the room. Reece doesn’t react, aware of cameras capturing his every micro-expression.
"Now, our drivers will take questions about the upcoming race and technical considerations for the Qatar circuit."
A journalist fromMotoMouthraises his hand. "Question for Reece. With Sutton's penalty from Vegas carrying over, does that change your approach to qualifying?"
Reece leans toward his microphone. "Absolutely. Lynch starting five places back opens opportunities for us, no question. Overtaking's difficult here, as we all know, so we're focusing on maximizing straight-line speed while preserving enough downforce for the complex middle sector. Finding that balance will be critical."
A woman fromGran Premio Directoraises her hand. "Petra, you've been consistently strong here. Do you see Qatar as a track that suits your driving style?"
