Wow, ten chapters and over 50 k words. Thanks to the few people who have been following this story and reading it with enjoyment. It's been a true pleasure creating this story, it continues to be my favourite. I hope you enjoy this special tenth chapter. (By the way, chapter 12 will be the season finale.)

DF1 Chapter 10, Driver 02

(This is a run through / drive to survive episode. This means we're moving through the races quickly.)

The Italian race weekend.

'Good afternoon ladies, gentlemen and dogs, it's qualifying for the Italian grand prix in Monza. Today is a very sunny day, but tomorrow will prove to be the total opposite. Who will start from the front at an extremely wet Italian race tomorrow? We'll find out in the coming hour! Martin, who are we going to be looking at today?'

'Of course we'd have to watch Marshall and Danny, those two have been going at it all year and have never been closer. Marshall has been on an exceptional run of form, Danny will have to pull back today.'

Will Buxton sat down on the chair, the video edited in a dramatic way. 'Here we are again.' The interviewer said.

'The fight continues.' Will Buxton said with a smile.

'I think no one expected Marshall to come running out of the blocks like this. Like crofty clearly said in his commentary last weekend, Danny's headache is probably bigger than ever.' Will Buxton continued. 'Marshall has been in a league of his own, compared to Danny, and also compared to his teammate.'

Chase also sat down in front of the camera, the interviewers putting a mic on his collar. 'Belgium was a big learning curve from me, that crash didn't quite put me up for success. What followed in practice at Zandvoort made it even worse.' He said. 'The race was very important for me, we recovered decently well, and with some help from my engineer and Marshall, I was feeling a lot better for the Italian GP. "Time to get back to it" I said.

'Here comes Chase with his first lap, his opportunity to get back up after the tough previous two weekends. What does he have in store today?'

'He puts in a decent time, but I'm sure he will be going out again. Here comes Marshall for his first lap of the session, what can the championship leader pull out of the bag?' Martin Brundle asked the world.

'You know that moment when you just know that something's off, well i sure had that feeling.' Miles, Red-Bull team principal said.

'Marshall is far from setting the time tables alight, he is way off the pace, he is already two seconds down on Danny at the end of sector 2!' Crofty said curiously.

'I'm missing power.' Marshall said calmly through the radio.

'I see, we're looking at it.' Cole responded.

'It's broken, it's broken. I can't get it better.' Marshall added.

'Box box.' Cole said.

'Ahh look at that, half of the power is gone now, Marshall limping home to the pitlane, this could be a big disaster for Red-Bull!' Crofty called out.

'What do you think in a moment like that when you drive to the pitlane at half speed?'

'I'm thinking the Tifosi are gonna have a party tonight.' Marshall joked. 'But truthfully; it's not where you'd want to find yourself. If you start from the back, you have all 19 drivers starting in front of you. Isn't that right, Will Buxton.'

'You don't seem to be too bothered by it.'

'Of every qualifying that my car decided to go in relax mode, it's gone in qualifying for a wet race, in which everything can happen. All eyes on tomorrow, at least now I can take all the penalties for the new engine without feeling too badly, would've started last anyway.' Marshall explained.

'Okay Chase, we need to go again to improve, full focus, you got this.' Cameron told Chase.

'Copy that, let's do this.'

'Chase out there very late, he needs everything to go well here, he has one shot at this.' Crofty stated.

'Here he goes, Chase starts his lap around this very iconic circuit in formula one. A very long straight into the hard braking zone ahead of the chicane that has been made iconic for some pretty interesting overtaking, (or missing the corner completely cuz of brake failure.) He will have a bit of company on his lap, some drivers have already completed their laps.' Crofty reported

'Chase, looking very quick in sector one, not quite as fast as Danny but the rookie is up there.'

'Now that you say Martin I keep forgetting he is a rookie, even though he's had crashes the last two weekends, that driver overall has not looked like a rookie to me.' Crofty responded.

'Like a veteran number 2 driver Crofty.' Martin responded

'Ouch.' Crofty said before bursting into laughter.

'Some traffic ahead.' Cameron reported, nervously watching his driver go through the lap.

Chase continued to focus on his driving, staying aware of traffic. He drove through turns eight, nine and ten, knowing he wasn't far from the end now. He put the power down for the final time in the lap, feeling good about his lap, when suddenly, a yellow flag was being waved up ahead.

'Keep going, stay on the racing line, slow traffic, slow traffic!'

'Here comes Chase, There's a slow car on the racing line there, THAT CAN'T GO WELL!'

'Avoid go left!' Cameron exclaimed over the radio, Chase suddenly seeing a rear wing appearing in the corner. Chase makes the correction to the outside to avoid the car, he brakes as well, the car losing grip almost immediately, sending Chase spinning into the gravel where he quickly comes to a halt. The crowd cheered loudly. 'Can you continue, can you continue?' Cameron asked.

Chase tried to get his car to move, but it was only sinking into the gravel. He slammed his paw against the steering wheel in frustration. 'It's stuck! It's flipping stuck! Why on earth were cars going 5 miles an hour! Ridiculously dangerous! They want to kill us or what?'

'Agreed mate, unacceptable.' Cameron said. 'The Red flag is out, you are free to climb out of the car. Don't cross the track, the marshall's will take you back. Unlucky day for us all.'

Chase jumps out of his car and looks at his car sitting beached in the gravel. He then turned around and jumped over the barrier out of camera view.

'P16 and p20, that is not what Red-Bull were expecting, this is not good for them.'

'What do you do when qualifying goes so badly?' the interviewer asked.

'Send my drivers out there with the best car possible. From there, my drivers know exactly what to do.' Miles said with a smile.

'You've got no doubts?'

'Zero.' Miles said confidently.

'It was a very sunny Sunday morning here in Monza, but the sun has disappeared behind dark clouds, very light rain falling onto the circuit, but it could soon get much worse. We have about 15 minutes of light rain before the chaos ensues.' Crofty said.

'With Chase p16 and Marshall in the pit lane, Red-Bull will need the chaos and make the best of the chaos if they want a good finish today.' Crofty said.

'Your mindset doesn't really change. When you're in the position that we are in, in the end the goal is simple. Take as many points as possible. Always go for the win, whether you start first or last.' Marshall said. 'Helmet on, get in the car, visor down, and go.'

'And it's lights out and away we go, It's a bad start for Danny, Rocco and Mercedes driver Arno both jump him!' Crofty said.

'Chase has a good start from the back, already jumping two cars, he could get another one by turn one!' Martin commented.

'Into the first braking zone we go, everyone is scrambling for the best part of the circuit. Ohhh there is a yellow flag on the main straight already! Crofty noticed.

'It's the Alfa Romeo of Gomez / gunner who has spun on the main straight and come to a halt. Just too eager to get on the power, lost control as he tried to go past Benji. Not the way to start!' Martin commented. 'He has turned his car back into the right direction, but he will need to get a new front wing. Let's hope there isn't any further damage.'

'Apart from the reliability issues we've had this season, we have a very good car. Not just in speed, but as well it is a car that feeds you confidence. Even after you've had some crashes, once you get the right feel for it, it's like you're on rails.' Chase explained.

'The car is a strong foundation, it's definitely good enough to fight and beat rivals. Out there on track, it's up to us as drivers to show what the car is capable of.' Marshall said.

'And the rain is falling in Monza, certainly we are going to see pit stops very shortly.' A commentator commented.

'There are moments where even though there doesn't seem to be much at stake, there is a lot at stake. This race is crucial for both championships. Both the drivers and constructors championship has been very close. Rocco has become more consistent, what we do now is very important.' Chase said.

'The Red-Bull pit crew is coming out with the tires, wait a second Martin, they have eight tires with them, are they going for a double pit stop?' Crofty asked.

'It seems likely, eight seconds apart between the two drivers, this could be a close one.' Martin responded.

'Danny stays out as Rocco is called into the pits, that is a disadvantage for the championship contender!' Martin Brundle commented.

'In that moment there is a lot of pressure. A double pit stop is not easy, it takes a lot of practice and hard work to get it right. And if just the smallest thing goes wrong, the wheel nut has melted or the wheelgun fails, you screw both your drivers.' Miles explained. 'It's a very hard craft, and it's a lot for the pit crew to manage. The weight of the team, the drivers, the fans, it lies on their shoulders at that moment.'

Chase dives into the pits, the crew preparing for one of the most difficult tasks as a crew, the all feared double pitstop.

'Only the best of teams can complete a double pitstop successfully.' Will Buxton said. 'It's not a daily routine.'

'There comes Marshall behind, no margin for error!' A commentator said.

Chase parks his car, immediately getting lifted from the ground. The crew took off the old tires and put on the new tires. Quickly dropping the car back down and sending Chase on his way, Marshall arriving just a second later. The crew grabbed the other tires and did the same thing to Marshall as they did to Chase, sending him off within just 2.5 seconds. The crew cheered and the second car disappeared out of sight.

'Nice job guys.' Marshall commented as he left.

'We just gained quite some time on our rivals, let's focus up now, rain will stay at this rate for about half an hour.' Cole told Marshall.

'Copy that, let's go get them!' Marshall responded enthusiastically.

'I think it shows what kind of a team Red-Bull have become over time. They used to be backmarkers, but one good signing led them to where they are today.' Claire Williams said. 'Fighting every race to try and bring home those big results, and those big championships. It shows how one decision can make such a big difference seven years on.'

'I'm proud of this team, no matter what. How we've been able to deal with chaos and pain throughout our years of ups and downs. It's incredible to me. Our name, as well as the names of our incredible drivers, will go down in history!' Miles said.

'It's a bizarre day here in Monza. It's a Ferrari driver on top, but not Danny. Rocco comes home, TO WIN THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX! What an amazing victory for the Italian driver, he has conquered the dry, conquered the rain. In all circumstances, the dog from Italy has made his dream with Ferrari come true!' Crofty exclaimed excitedly. 'Danny comes home only in twelfth place, struggling all race. The Red-Bull's limit the damage, Chase finishing P7, Marshall P8.'

'And the battle goes on.' Martin commented.

'This fight, it's ramping up to be one of the biggest, closest fights DF1 has ever seen. And that whilst we just had three years of close fights between Russell and Danny.' Jennie Gow said. 'Two drivers with nothing to lose, two drivers who would love to bring the glory home for their teams. It's literally 50/50.'

Azerbaijan

'Marshall has been leading this race for a long time, but it's about to come to an end. Facing yet another mechanical issue, Danny is close to catching the young Dalmatian.' A commentator said.

'Even with this issue though, Marshall has been keeping Danny at bay for five laps already! The defensive driving of this young driver is something special!' Martin said.

'Full push Danny.' The engineer said.

'It's coming, no worries.' Danny responded.

'Danny really closely following Marshall on this lap, he's almost pushing the Red-Bull through the corners!' A commentator said.

'This must be the lap he gets him.' Martin commented.

'Onto the main straight we go, ridiculous overspeed by the Ferrari, the Red-Bull with that mechanical issue so slow on the straight. The Ferrari flies past the Red-Bull!' Crofty exclaimed.

'Ahhh, I have no speed!' Marshall said frustratedly.

'I'm sorry mate, we can't fix it at this stage.' Cole responded.

'Yeah, I'm happy if this thing makes it to the finish line.' Marshall commented.

'Danny is Victorious in Azerbaijan and puts the fight on, nothing separating these two in the drivers championship! This is truly going down to the wire!' Danny commented.

Singapore

'Danny, trying to push closer to Marshall, who seems to be running away with the lead here. Chase is now pushing up closer, the Ferrari driver is about to be put under pressure.' A commentator said.

'Push now, push now. Put him under pressure.' Cameron told Chase.

'Copy.'

'Chase pushing up very close behind, this could be a one-two in the making!' Crofty said excitedly.

'Here comes Chase, almost kissing the Ferrari's gearbox into the final corner. Here they come, THE FERRARI CRASHES!' A commentator said.

'The pressure becomes too much for the championship contender. Danny is in the wall, and Chase drives on towards Red-Bull seconds one-two finish this season!' Crofty said, both commentators looking at the crash site with great shock.

'Are you okay Danny?' The engineer asked.

'Yeah, ahhhh, I'm sorry guys. My bad.' Danny said, before climbing out of the car.

'It's tight, and the crash I did doesn't help. Every point matters, and I just threw away 17, maybe 15 points. Far from ideal.' Danny said.

Danny sits in the back of the Ferrari garage watching the race play out, shaking his head frustratedly.

'Marshall maximises the weekend, led every lap, fastest lap, and Chase has brought it home second to give Red-Bull max advantage in the constructors. Catching up will be tough for Ferrari.' Crofty said.

Marshall and Chase celebrate their victory with the team. Throwing water on each other in the hot climate country.

'We're not there yet, but a win is a win. Not celebrating that would be criminal.' Marshall said.

'When will you get your first win?' The interviewer asked Chase.

Chase smiled in response. 'Soon.' He answered. 'Shouldn't be too long. I'm feeling better than ever, I've found my place back in the team. This one two only solidifies that. I can't wait for the coming races ahead.'

Texas, USA

'Ferrari are not quick to give up, and it shows today! Danny wins the United States Grand Prix. Chase comes howe for an impressive second, Rocco secures third. Marshall finished just outside the podium places in P4.

'Nice job Chase, important points for the constructors.' Cameron told Chase.

'Let's go guys!' Chase said excitedly.

Mexico

'They have been fighting all race long, the lead of the race has switched a total of 42 times. But Marshall holds off Danny, for one of the most historical drives of his career so far. MARSHALL WINS IN MEXICO!'

'Wow mate, I have no words, that was a simply amazing drive!' Cole said over the radio.

'Whoooooo hoooooo!' Marshall responded. 'Ahhh that was fun! Haha!'

'Marshall, that was truly amazing, you've won the Mexican Grand Prix in style, enjoy it!' Miles added with a bright smile on his face.

'That drive in Mexico, it was simply remarkable. Marshall seems to show race by race that he has what it takes to take on a great driver like Danny.' Will Buxton said. 'He might even just beat him.'

Marshall and Chase exit the paddock and jump in the back of a car away from the circuit.

'I expected to be surprised, but honestly I'm not.' Chase said. 'Everytime I'd see him drive a car he was good. He's always been fast, he teached me how to be fast. Him fighting at the front of the field is what he was always meant to do.'

Brazil

'Welcome everyone to a bone dry Brazilian Grand Prix. 71 laps of exciting racing stand before us, and it could be a crucial one. Marshall has a bit of margin ahead of his rival Danny, he will want to grow that lead to set himself up well for the final three races.' Crofty said.

'Marshall starts P6 after some problems in qualifying, his teammate is P2, Rocco P3 and Danny on pole position.' A commentator said.

'Radio check Marshall.' Cole said over the radio.

'Check, check, radio check clear.' Marshall responded.

'Alright, give it your all out there today. Could be a fun one.' Cole said.

'Yeah, copy that.' Marshall responded.

'And its lights out and away we go!' Crofty exclaimed. 'Chase gets an amazing start from P2, he's side by side with the Ferrari. Chase leads the Grand Prix going into turn one! Marshall up to P5!'

'Chase leads, we are P5, P5.' Cole informed Marshall.

'Alright!' Marshall responded excitedly.

'Marshall right behind the Mercedes of Arno, a two-time champion, should be quite a hurdle to pass, but Arno has had his best days behind him. Let's see what Marshall can do.' Crofty said.

'Across the start finish line, He's just not close enough. He will follow him through turns one, two and three. From there he will get a nice long straight line to try and make a move.' Martin commented.

'Marshall closes right up the back of the Mercedes, the corner is vast approaching, into turn four we go.' A commentator said.

'As I went to the brakes, I immediately knew it was gonna go wrong. I was really close to the Mercedes, I couldn't really back out left or right.' Marshall said.

'HUGE lockup for the Red-Bull driver!' Martin exclaimed.

'All tires just said no.' Marshall said.

'There's contact!' A commentator said.

'Ahhh, I lost my front wing!' Marshall said over the radio. 'Check the car please. Ahhh, sorry guys.'

'At this stage, you know that every point counts. Every move matters.' Will Buxton said. 'There is no hiding anymore, the true view of a driver is shown in championships like this. The strong sides, but also the flaws.'

'Marshall, looks to be able to continue going, he's limping to the pits for a new front wing, but that's gonna cost him dearly.' Crofty said.

'Real shame.' Martin commented.

'It's time for pit stops, let's see what the Red-Bull team can do for the race leader Chase. Danny has been catching Chase, but there is still a margin ahead. This pit stop is crucial for Chase.' A commentator said.

Chase came into the pits, the pitstop going as usual. But as the car is jacked back to the ground, the sign is not given for Chase to go. Chase looks in his mirror, seeing the mechanics struggle with the right rear tire.

'Ohh, it's a bad stop for Chase! That could cost him his chances!' A commentator said.

'After seven seconds, Chase is sent on his way, but surely now Danny will jump him.' Martin commented.

'Sorry about that, give it your all.' Cameron told Chase.

'I'll do what I can.' Chase responded.

The mechanics sat back down in their chairs, a few swear words being thrown around. Some mechanics shaking their heads angrily as they watched the race from their seats.

'He's had tough opposition, but Danny has overcome all obstacles today. He comes across the line to win in Brazil. Ferrari celebrate, Red-Bull will have to settle for second with Chase, Marshall finishing in tenth place to keep his lead over Danny at just two points.' A commentator said.

'Sometimes, things go your way. Other times, things don't go your way.' Chase said. 'It's part of the sport. I've seen it plenty this season. The highs are very high, and the lows are very low. You never know what could've happened had there been a good pitstop. But these things, you have to take them on the chin, and just try again next race. I'm getting closer, I know I can do it.'

Marshall sat in his driver's room all alone, the camera looking through a tiny gap in the door. A clear look of disappointment on his face.

'Simply, it was unnecessary. You know how close the championship is, you know how much it costs. I had a lead, and I threw it all away in one corner. No one can take the blame for that apart from me.' Marshall told the interviewer. 'These last three races I'll have to give it my all. I know what I have to do, the goal is clear. Time to push like never before.'

'The stakes have never been higher. Two drivers, with nothing to lose. Three races left. If you ask me, these two will be fighting until the very last corner.' Will Buxton said.