INIZIARE
Now that Giacomo Marelli has made his name in the racing world following his success in the World Touring Car Championship, he takes a step forward in his career. Along the way, he uncovers the truth about the circumstances leading to his father's downfall in the world of motorsports.
TIMELINE: Set after the events of Neo. NEW CHARACTERS: Cesar Vasquez:
Nationality: Spanish
Age: 35
Bio:
Hailing from Barcelona, Spain, Cesar Vasquez is well known figure in high levels of motorsport, shuffling between the FIA WEC and Super Formula series under the Red Bull Racing group. He has been offered a seat in the Formula 1, but he chose to settle in the prototype racing in the meantime as he wishes to avoid the excessive exposure that F1 brings. He is the current teammate of Benjamin Kanonji in the Red Bull Racing Super Formula team, and coaches him not just in racing strategies, but also in Spanish language in their free time.
He has a Belgian wife named Charlotte who he met in his formative years of motorsport career, and they bore a child named Angelica. His daughter and Benjamin often play together in the paddock, and even considers him as her "Tio Ben", although usually Cesar corrects her by instructing her to call his teammate as her "Hermano".
Aside from his impressive racing resume, he has a talent for cooking, which Benjamin always craves for whenever they meet on the track.
In addition, he is a staunch supporter of the Catalan Independence Movement, often seen in protests in the streets of Barcelona, which makes him a fan favorite in the Catalonia region and his fans stir up loud cheering noises whenever he races in Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Enzo Pianizzi:
Nationality: Italian
Age: 25
Bio:
Enzo is the son of a high-ranking FIA Executive named Guillermo Pianizzi. He has a younger sibling named Antonio. Both he and Antonio competed in the World Touring Car Championship in hopes of rivaling Giacomo Marelli only to fail due to varying circumstances. Despite that, Enzo isn't discouraged to resume his career.
With the pressure coming from his father, stemming from his rivalry with the once-famous Benito Marelli, Enzo starts to distance away from his father, vowing to compete against Giacomo in his own terms. He will slowly find out that there is more than just a tryst that ultimately befell Benito.
ACT 1: Payback Time
Location: Milan, Italy
Time: 6 pm
"Okay! The event starts in an hour! We'd better get moving!" shouted an organizer.
Turns out, it's an event organizer from Ferrari themselves. A special unveiling event will take place, typical of Ferrari for creating theatrics in every major step they make.
In the caravan, eating a piece of chocolate is none other than Giacomo Marelli. Having been successful in the recently concluded World Touring Car Championship, he was offered with a lucrative opportunity working for Ferrari, which he immediately accepts seeing that it will give his portfolio a boost.
A hair stylist enters, and Giacomo sits on the chair, wearing a white shirt but with slacks on the bottom. The artist starts combing his hair, straight back.
"Would you like a gelled back, Mr. Marelli?" the stylist asked.
"Yes. And will there be make up too?" Giacomo replied.
"Yes sir, she will be coming shortly." the stylist replied.
Giacomo looks at his smartphone. His father, Benito Marelli, has sent an SMS.
"Is the event in Milan starting?"
To which Giacomo replies:
"In an hour, yes. Wish you are here."
And then Benito responds with:
"Sorry. I'm too preoccupied at the moment. And you know, me being there might draw unwanted attention."
Giacomo can only react with a smirk and just locked his phone. Moments later, the make up artist enters as well, switching places with the hair stylist once Giacomo's hair has settled.
A few brushes here and there, with powder to remove some bits of oil on his face, emphasizing further his light complexion.
After half an hour in make up and final touches in his hair, Giacomo thanks the styling team, and then proceeds to wear his tuxedo. He then applies a dab of Armani perfume.
At 7 pm, the plaza in Milan is finally closed off, attracting the attention of the locals and even the tourists. They see red trailer trucks parked in one of the entrances, with two veiled low slung machines being pushed out to the center.
Special guests have been allowed access. They also wear in their best suits and gowns.
Giacomo finally comes out, joining him is none other than Pietro Guidicelli. The two men look at the photographers and reporters.
"I guess this is how Ferrari rolls..." Giacomo said.
"They are extravagant as always. Do not be surprised anymore." Pietro replied.
Then a man named Luca goes to the center stage, with microphone on hand to make an official announcement. Behind him are two female models wearing evening burgundy gowns holding the veils of each car.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight you are about to witness another history in the making for Ferrari. For the first time in its 75-year history, we are setting foot in another formula category, providing opportunities for aspiring Formula 1 drivers."
"Without further adieu, let me introduce to you our latest project." Luca said, as he makes a cue for the two ladies to pull off the veils.
The audience applauds upon seeing the two new Ferrari Super Formula machines, adorned in the traditional Rosso Scuderia paint similar to their Formula 1 machines, along with their new sponsor, HP.
"We present to you, the Ferrari La Super Formula. Made possible with the collaboration of Dallara." Luca said.
"And of course, our distinguished individuals who will pilot them to victory. Mr. Giacomo Marelli driving the number 40 car, and Mr. Pietro Guidicelli driving the number 45 car." Luca said, as the two men join him.
Camera flashes intensify as the photographers want to get the best shots of the cars and drivers.
Both Giacomo and Pietro look at the various cameras swarming around them, smiling and briefly waving their hands.
Then they have dispersed, Giacomo interacts with the other guests while enjoying the cocktails, sharing some more information about the Super Formula series as directed by their chief director named Anselmo De Rossi, as if having memorized a script.
Then a female journalist arrives, in the name of Mila Janson. Giacomo somewhat recognizes her since he saw her often in the championship tending to her late boyfriend, Kevin Kern, in the paddock.
"Good evening, Mr. Giacomo Marelli. I am Mila Janson of Unicorn Media. A pleasure to meet you." Mila greeted.
"Nice to meet you too. You look familiar. I saw you often in the championship." Giacomo replied.
"Oh I see." Mila said with smirk.
"I assume you have questions?" Giacomo asked.
"Yes I do. But since we are in a huge event I simply can't indulge. And you know Ferrari." Mila replied.
"Smart decision, to be honest. Well, you can ask me... in private." Giacomo said.
Then he takes out a small piece of paper out of his pocket. He gets a pen from the other, and then proceeds to write his personal e-mail address. He slowly slides the paper with his hand.
"I know I can trust you. You effectively toppled down FIA's big bad. I wish I can be as bold as you." Giacomo said.
Mila smiles, and she places the paper in her blazer's inner pocket.
"Good luck, Mr. Marelli. And I must take my leave. Please enjoy the rest of the evening." Mila said and then she turns back, walking nonchalantly through esteemed guests.
As for Giacomo, he looks at her exiting the premises. But the tension was quickly quelled when Pietro taps on his shoulder.
"Hey, some celebrities want to have a word." Pietro said.
"Oh sure. Great." Giacomo said as he turns around and joins his teammate in banter.
********************************************************************************************************
Location: Ferrari headquarters, Maranello, Italy
Time: 9 am, one week later
A week after, Giacomo and Pietro are summoned to the headquarters in Maranello.
The pair wait at the reception.
"We have a next assignment." Giacomo said.
"Well, Ferrari's peeps are busy bees. And so will we." Pietro replied.
"I'm rather excited to test the Super Formula. But I assume that won't be today." Giacomo said.
"And lemme tell you, Ferrari isn't what how the media and memes portray it to be. I've worked with them for years. So... you can let loose, you know?" Pietro said.
Giacomo giggles. And then Anselmo finally arrives.
"Apologies to have kept you waiting. Please follow me. I shall show you to your next assignment." Anselmo said.
"You know, you can at least be a little more casual." Pietro said.
They make their way outdoors, and they are greeted by two Ferrari F8 Challenge race cars, donning in matte red livery like a facsimile of their Formula 1 cars.
Pietro goes straight to work, taking out his smartphone and recording a video, going around the pair of cars, in order to show them to his and other Ferrari fans.
"We will be competing in the Ferrari Challenge series next month, so testing shall be done immediately. As a works team, both of you shall race, and we are the only one to do so. The rest are privateers, and to make it a little more exciting...
...some familiar faces have joined the fray." Anselmo said with a smirk.
"Any word on the specifications?" Giacomo asked.
"Power has been boosted to 740 horsepower. Engine components are changed to make sure they take on the grueling tasks ahead. Electronic turbos have been improved based on the findings from the Scuderia Formula 1 team. Of course, all of these modifications have made their way in to the privateers' cars as well." Anselmo explained.
"Sounds good. And I guess I will be having a tougher competition now that you mentioned "familiar" faces." Giacomo said.
"Oh absolutely. You will be in for a treat. Didn't you say you want to be in F1?" Anselmo said.
"Yes. But I know it will be a long, arduous path ahead." Giacomo replied.
Then a photographer arrives, and asks for the three men to assemble for a shoot. It will be posted in their social media pages.
********************************************************************************************************
After that brief appointment and as well as having familiarized the tournament structure, Giacomo takes his leave and goes for a drive in the hills nearby Lake Maggiore.
He stops at bay area, taking in the view of the Alps, and also taking photos for him to post on his social media page.
As the cold mountain air seeps in his skin, he takes a deep sigh. Working for a prestigious team such as Ferrari may have its perks, but it also comes with numerous stipulations.
"I don't care whatever the hell Ferrari is telling me to do. I'll just do them. No matter what, I'll set things right. This is the only way I know how." Giacomo said to himself.
Suddenly, the serenity is interrupted by a phone call. It's from his father.
"Ciao." Giacomo greeted.
"Will you be having dinner at home tonight?" Benito asked.
"Yes. I'll just have a brief run in the Maggiore circuit then go home. I want to have fun for a bit." Giacomo replied.
"Okay. Your mother will be preparing Tagliatelle. Better be home." Benito said.
"Alright. I love you, Papa." Giacomo said.
"Love you, son." Benito said. The call cuts off.
Giacomo places his phone in his pocket. Then he enters the car and leaves.
********************************************************************************************************
An hour later, Giacomo enters the Autodromo Lago Maggiore circuit. The circuit has done some major revisions a few years back, with more layouts added as well as improving the size of runoff areas.
He sees some cars entering and leaving the track, indicating that it is an open track day for enthusiasts. However, one familiar face is seen in the pit garage.
Exiting from a modified summit blue Alpine A110 are two individuals, namely Alphonse Blanchard and Louis Montagny. Giacomo feels delight as he sees his friend and rival.
Alphonse notices Giacomo as well, and when the two meet, they gave each other a brotherly hug.
"It's been a while, mon ami." Giacomo said.
"How are you doing?" Alphonse said.
"Having fun. And... fooling around for a bit. Hehe." Giacomo said.
"Hey, I'll follow your Instagram, okay?" Alphonse said.
"Thanks." Giacomo said.
"We're here because this is where the first round of the Ferrari Challenge will take place. We want to be familiar on this track." Alphonse said.
Upon hearing it, Giacomo's day is completely made. He finally has someone to look forward to in racing, and Alphonse can only provide him with a worthy challenge.
"You're joining too?" Giacomo asked.
"Wait. You are going to be on that championship?" Alphonse asked as well.
"Yes. Seems like we will be playing once more." Giacomo said.
"Great! Now I'm already excited." Alphonse said.
Giacomo then turns his attention to the Alpine.
"Alpine? Seems like a nice change from the Bugatti. No offense, but I don't like Bugattis. Hehe." Giacomo said.
"Oh you're just saying that because it gave you a hard time. Hahaha!" Alphonse said.
"Hehehe. Gotta admit, you are right. Hey, want to have a run?" Giacomo asked.
"Sure. Let's... practice." Alphonse said.
The pair then head out on the track. Louis is in the passenger seat of the Alpine.
Music: Comment Faire - Plastiscines
With the widened stance and helpings of aero parts, the Alpine is far from standard.
As evidenced with its rocket like corner exit speed.
"Woah! That's more than a pocket rocket!" Giacomo commented.
Giacomo's Giulia GTA may have more power, but the Alpine is more than eager to show its racing heritage.
"Hey hey! Where's that fighting spirit, amico mio?" Alphonse teased. Louis smirks upon hearing that.
Giacomo increases his pace, then puts up a grin.
"Belissimo... this is what I always want from you!" Giacomo exclaimed.
Seeing that his rival kept up, Alphonse puts up a smile.
"I'm a lot more excited for the championship now!" Alphonse exclaimed.
"Hehe. Very good. That's the motivation." Louis said.
The A110's agility is something that the Giulia struggles to match.
"Okay, back then I was the agile one. Now the tables have turned." Giacomo remarked.
With a considerable gap between them, Giacomo lets off the accelerator.
"Okay. You got your payback. Hehe." Giacomo said.
********************************************************************************************************
Location: Pianizzi residence, Brescia, Lombardy
Time: 7 pm
As the sun sets, majority of the people choose to settle in their homes especially on a Sunday.
In a mansion in Brescia, there resides the Pianizzis. The family has made a fortune out of selling cheese in the 1800s, which eventually have turned into a conglomerate which the successors enjoy today.
Guillermo, one of the FIA executives, is the patriarch. He and his wife have parted ways, but they do gather together on some occasions. His children, Enzo and Antonio may not have chosen to take over the cheese making business, but they become successes in their own rights.
Enzo and Antonio competed in the World Touring Car Championship, but they have concluded without even a podium finish. Antonio decides to resume his social media presence while his older brother did not let that loss stop him.
The three are about to have dinner. Guillermo has served the dishes.
"Let us eat." Guillermo said.
Enzo helps himself with meals, and peculiarly, does not make any eye contact with his father.
"Enzo. Enzo?" Guillermo called.
"Yes, papa?" Enzo said.
"You have been... avoiding me since the championship. Is there a problem?" Guillermo asked.
"Nothing. I am just... thinking too much." Enzo said.
"Well, you just keep on racing. And besides, that Marelli guy is going to compete in the Ferrari Challenge." Guillermo said.
Enzo places down the utensils with some force.
"Are you obsessed with the Marellis?" Enzo asked.
"Woah." Antonio said.
"Remember, Benito is the sole reason why your mother and I parted ways. No need to repeat myself of that." Guillermo said.
"Then face him personally. I'm not a pawn." Enzo said.
"I'm not telling you to do something drastic. I just want you to beat his son." Guillermo said.
"By MY own terms." Enzo said.
"Bro, what's wrong?" Antonio asked.
"Both of you just don't get it. I'm done here." Enzo said.
Enzo stands up. His plate has some bits of sauce left.
Enzo proceeds to the foyer, and enters in his Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.
"I'm not going to let my life be dictated by some family scandal. Why can't that old man face his own nemesis?" Enzo asked himself.
End of Act 1