Monolith Racing Makes a Splash

[Storyteller]

<<video conference, a European man in a dapper suit, in a studio with screens showing trappings from the most recent F1 race>>

"Hello race fans. I'm your host Rory Wilkerson and for our next segment we are going to dig into the surprise of today's race. The newest player to the F1 circuit has made it clear they are here to win. Monolith Racing, owned entirely by Hawthorne Holdings, premiered with an impressive finish of second and fourth. A feat only overshadowed by Brawn GP in 2009, who managed to snag first and second place in their first race.

We have the illustrious Miss Pasqua Hawthorne on teleconference with us today. Miss Hawthorne, thank you for joining us."

<<the screen splits, with Rory on one side, and Pasqua on the other, sitting in sleek looking conference room, wearing a white blouse, blazer, a understated gold and sapphire necklace and matching earrings, her hair loose but beautifully brushed back and favoring her right shoulder>>

"Thank you Rory." her head tilted slightly and she smiled warmly.

"Let's jump right into the big question. Why F1? While Hawthorne Holdings is diverse, this seems to be a big departure."

Pasqua's head rocked slightly from side to side "I saw an opportunity, and I took it. Fortune favors the bold, yes?"

<Rory laughs politely> "It does! But it seems you have no sponsors yet, and that really is the lifeblood of this sport. Do you have any financial partners?"

"No, though I suspect with our showing tonight, I'll have sponsorship soon enough. My company is fully capable of providing all the financial support the team needs, for years if needed. I'd be content with putting the logos of my businesses on the cars and calling it a day, if that what it comes to. I suspect that won't be necessary, especially once my drivers have a few more races under them."

"Yes, excellent point, let's talk about your drivers! You've hired Lorenzo Franzese and Fabian Rodriguez. These are both experienced test drivers, and both have, shall we politely say, a reputation?"

<Pasqua gave an amused smile> "They are known for pushing cars dangerously close to their limits, and beyond. That is exactly why I hired them. Who better to drive a car to the best of it's ability than someone unafraid to push those limits? Who better to help us find where we can make improvements in our designs? F1 is highly regulated, and becomes more-so each year. Talent, daring, and experience is what wins. My drivers have two of those already."

"That begs the question, why have they not moved to be actual race drivers before now?"

"They were happy with the arrangements they had. I offered them a deal that was tempting enough. Something others team had not because of concerns about vehicle damage and accidents."

"And you're not concerned about this?"

"It's a matter of risk appetite. I've seen them drive. It is a risk I am willing to take, clearly."

"Clearly! It was unsurprising to hear that you've already hit your cost cap."

"We have, and it should surprise no one. Standing up an entire race team, especially R&D and related services, is very expensive. I suspect we will be hitting the cap quickly for the next few race seasons."

"You are a renowned Ferrari collector, yet you're not using a Ferrari engine?"

<Pasqua laughs> "That is a cheeky question. At risk of offending the bourgeois, I appreciate many things about Ferrari, and I have a subtle respect for the protection they have for their brand, how they won't sell any Ferrari to just any person who can afford it. It's a status symbol. They make fine engines, however we are sourcing from McLaren because McLaren is willing to try new ideas. Their engineers have build wild engines for their commercial cars as well as F1 and even to swap into their personal vehicles. I'm happy to spend money on a new voodoo idea, and let my team tell me if the engine is garbage or not. Thankfully the costcap on the drivetrain is by itself."

"It's been said your garage crew has gone through numerous team building exercises, communication classes, even negotiation courses. While the first is not unheard of, you seem to be taking it to a new level. Can you shed some light on that?"

<Pasqua's smile faded slightly, the squinch around her eyes hardening subtly> "Of course. I am taking it to a new level. My level. I'm not just expecting excellence on the track. My entire team needs to learn how to function effectively, communicate clearly, and keep the drama to a minimum. It's the only way everyone is free to focus on being the best they can be. I'll leave the tantrums and tabloid fodder to the other teams."

<Rory looked a little shocked> "That is a powerful statement. We will see how your vision manifests. Thank you very much for making the time for us this, and we wish you the best of luck!"

<Pasqua's pleasant smile returned and and she gave a paced, regal nod> "Thank you for your time, Rory." <and her screen goes dark as Rory goes back to full screen and moves to the next segment>>