This was a track, in need of experience. I'd dreamed of winning on it, since the Sim was new, back when simply driving on one of the toughest tracks, F1's have ever raced on, was a thrill.
With several cars to choose from, I picked on one for it's good handling, rather than it's outright speed. This seemed a good choice, when I was immediately able to put in two good practice laps, and sit out the remainder, from 2nd on the grid. It seemed likely, the race outcome would depend, on my ability to outpace, or to outstay rapid Ronnie.
I'd been expecting a long tussle, so was surprised by Ronnie's early off. This meant the way was clear, and I was confident of my chances. I'd finally reached the point where I knew every corner, and every contour of the Ring. A cruel and punishing track, had at last become, fun and friendly. The Brabham danced it's way around the first lap, and I could sense my lead was growing.
This was mastery indeed, and as I reached the end of the lap, a smile grew on my face. Until a funny thing happened - the chicane tricked me! The whole thing up and moved several feet to the left! The car did a half spin, and I was forced to regain my composure.
With another lap under my wheels, and still leading, I approached the abberant spot again, all ready to give it some 'welly', so it stuck it's leg out, and turned me around, backwards! Such chicanery suggests, I've thus far mastered the entire track, up until the last corner! Grumble!
A three point turn, was not a part of my master plan. Neither was Maxime's arrival from 2nd, as he threatened to put the boot in. We approached the line, a car length apart. I put my head down, held my chin up, and held the car to the road for three more laps. I was chased all the way by Max, but managed to stay at the front, for the win. Fantastic! It's a friendly track, once you get all the corners nailed down . . . "Now, where's that hammer!"