Favorite. Chapter 1. Red or Green. Part two

This novel is fictional, you should not look for intersections with historical events. This is a continuation of Nikita Savelyev’s “Race Action Movie”, the first readers of which were the readers of F1News.ru…

Chapter 1. Red or Green. Part two

For some reason, Marcel had no doubts about where to find fellow riders. The point is the slowness of thought, since they chose this restaurant, they probably rushed there today. Marcel casually dropped his cloak and hat into the hands of the head waiter and walked to the far corner of the corridor.

He desperately wanted to talk. If only the dose of alcohol wasn’t nearly lethal, and the friends kept their clarity of mind, if a little clouded. Both are quite tipsy, their ties are half loose, the table is bursting with a plethora of different bottles, decanters and jugs, and there are just a huge number of glasses. As many as four ladies of the fair sex are clustered around – of varying degrees of beauty, harmony and intoxication. Such is the fate of successful single pilots – various adventurers come like moths to the halo of money, risk and excitement.

Ronald Powell is a compatriot, recently racer Monetti, a few years older than Neville, but they started racing at the same time – in the lean post-war years. Carefree young racing enthusiasts got along easily and even rented an apartment for two for several years. Ronald has not yet achieved worldwide success, but he hopes that Monetti will help him with this. Not this season, but next season.

Piero Carbone is the leader of the Italians from the other camp, the representative of the Pontini team. Older than both Britons, he is well over thirty. Heavy smoker, favorite of women and the perfect face for advertising posters. Considered one of the most promising pilots of the Apennines. Admittedly, due to the risky and aggressive driving style, races for Piero do not always end successfully, but experts agree that his potential is far from being revealed.

Marcel looked at the cheerful company and pulled a Ronald from his familiar place, it is too cruel to deprive the ladies of both companions at the same time, otherwise they will become discouraged if the hour is unequal. Yes, and he has a closer relationship with his compatriot.

When they went to the next table and the butterfly fluttering waiter immediately brought them champagne, Marcel said curtly:

– Rambert curtails the race program.

“Then we won’t clink with glasses,” Ronald grinned as he bravely emptied his glass. – Causes?

– They want to leave at the top.

– It was necessary to press the Master more actively. Look, and snatched the title from the old man.

“I was concerned about the interests of the team,” Neville replied bitterly. – Yes, and how can you be ahead of him … He has many years of experience, often went out on one talent.

“The master will settle down”, Ronald waved his hand. ‘What are you going to do, my friend?

– It would be nice to find a place for the new season, not leave. The powers are still there.

‘Yes, come on,’ Ronald grinned. – Make a tearful face. Old man, you are one of the best pilots, no fools. If you want, you can occupy any cockpit.

“I’d like one you can win with,” Neville remarked cautiously.

– Are there options? Either at us, or… – Ronald shook his head in the direction of the table he had left behind. – Since the Germans left, there are only two decent teams left, and both are Italian, although that is a pity for national pride. The rest are private dealers with no special prospects, and these are, however you say it, car companies, albeit not large ones. Choose this or that. Waiter, more champagne!

Neville silently slammed a glass of fizzy drink, surprisingly – he felt sober and his thoughts would not regain their former harmony and logic.

“I would recommend Monetti,” continued Ronald. – No, I don’t speak for them. I am the best for you, I have not forgotten how we shared rations for two. Mario is a real motorsport fan, with him it is reliable, he will not leave the team.

Do you think there is a place? Neville chuckled. – There are six riders in Monetti, maybe with spare parts.

“I don’t think it’s a problem for you to break into the main squad,” Ronald shrugged. – And one of the boys is transferred to the reservists.

– Are you afraid of competition? Marcel looked into his friend’s eyes. “You are only just established at the base.

“To be honest, I’m scared,” Ronald admitted. “But don’t leave.” Let’s talk to Mario – taking into account your merits, he will not refuse. Negotiate the price, he is firm and he will accept it.

What do you think of Italians? Marcel asked. Mario is not easy to get along with.

“Not easy,” Ronald agreed. – Over the years he hasn’t become more lenient about it, he’s a man of good humor, shuffles riders from stage to stage, hates it when someone contradicts him, he might not let him go to the start as a warning for a broken car, but if you win, he will forgive you everything.

Are you still a stranger? The team speaks Italian.

– Start winning races – you will be the most that neither is yours.

“And looking for a place again in a year or two, if I don’t fit in, or if the company’s plans change,” Neville finished another glass.

“That’s the fate of a racer,” said Ronald philosophically. – There’s no other way.

– I would like to have confidence in the future. Doesn’t it bother you that we Brits are bringing fame to German and Italian cars? Doesn’t it make a sound when you hear the Italian national anthem when you win? Marcel grew increasingly angry. The energy bubbling inside him burst like a fizz and was already over his throat.

– Is there a way out? We pick the best teams and that’s it.

– What about changing something?

“Neville, you probably forgot, time flies and there are a lot of events,” said Ronald, clearly annoyed. – When we started, we played patriotically for the teams of our compatriots, the leaders did without us. And where are these stables? Let me remind you they’re gone. It’s great that we were able to at least give some results in time, show ourselves and move up a notch. You are in Rambert and I am in Monetti. The current few British teams are in the tail. And no worries. They don’t want to take risks.

– And the fact that we, one of the victors in the Second World War, are forced to represent foreigners does not bother you in any way? Marcel blurted out painfully.

“Firstly, I am beyond prejudice, and secondly,” Ronald’s voice became angry. Where have you been with your pride in recent years? You would keep chasing the Germans and win if they didn’t kick you out. Woke up. I wouldn’t go to them.

“Sorry, but you weren’t invited.”

– Does not matter! On principle. You were younger – and you were evacuated to the village. And I still remember – first the sound of sirens, and then the howl of bombers. As we ran to the shelter. And how they trembled there in the twilight and were terribly frightened. Sometimes at night I dream of this whistling sound. Do you know what the members of your former team did during the war?!

“Just don’t cook,” Neville asked quietly.

“I don’t like hypocrites,” said Ronald. “Either you follow the principles to the end or you chase the winners and do nothing but race.

“I think I changed my mind in time,” Neville chuckled. – I learned a lot, we should not count on the mercy of companies with pounds instead of apprentices. Otherwise, we beg for a spot from season to season. Think about it, an English car has never won in the world championship stages. Maybe it’s time to change something?

– What are you offering? asked Ronald with a cross-eyed look.

Help ours. Frankly, their racers are rather weak. I will choose the British team and ask them.

– Of course you will be welcomed with open arms, but you are doomed to drag in the back and score small points. One talent is not enough, although you crack, we depend on the car.

– But it is in our power to suggest how to win. We have experience of victories in strong teams, this knowledge will help our team to become faster. Come with me?

– Why is it an impossible task for me?! My red car can win now. And the green cars lose at least a lap against me.

Yes, it will take time, but isn’t it worth it?

“Do we have time, Neville?” It was a good year – no one died. What now? The age of the racer is short. Have time to enjoy the victories. What will happen tomorrow – no one knows. The war is over, but he continues on the trail: the soldiers die and the generals are drawn into battle, they don’t care about losing. And if I am destined to die behind the wheel, let me do it on the way to the laurel wreath, and not to the tenth place.

“I’d try anyway,” Neville said firmly. – Otherwise, it’s like running in a wheel, you need to make an effort and jump out of the cursed circle.

“Don’t forget your words tomorrow morning,” Ronald hit him on the shoulder. “Remember that you cried happily into my cardigan. Enough talk about patriotism. Let’s go to the table. The old Pierrot can’t take it anymore.

– What are the girls’ names?

– Do I remember? Now you are going to get to know it.

== To be continued…