//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: Forza 2023 Championship Finale // by RushingWind-01 //------------------------------// Post-Race Interview with Fluttershy After the final celebration, Fluttershy went to the interview area, facing former F1 driver Jenson Button. She was excited, but as a champion, she had all the right to be. "Fluttershy," he began, "that was an amazing performance in the night premiere of the Forza Championship, and that was truly a dramatic race. Now, how do you feel about the fact that not only you got your team their next title, but also that you have become the first Driver Champion of the Forza Championship?" Fluttershy didn't know what to say. Her emotions were over the top, but she didn't want to show it. She just said: "I'm very happy. My team believed in me, they got me through the season, and in the end, the driver who won the race won the championship. Of course I'm happy that it was me, but I'm also happy that my rival, Apple Lauda, gave me a very good race to the finish. He's a talented driver, and we both deserved the win. But you know what they say - there can be only one champion, right?" "Obviously, Apple Lauda gave you a good fight for the championship, but you were able to prevail. Do you think that a rivalry between you and him will develop in the following season?", Jenson asked. "That's up to him. He's a beast at night, but I'm a master at Spa. We both share different strong and weak points, so us having a friendly rivalry, two drivers of two powerful teams, that's what this sport is all about, and I would be happy to mess with him on track next year.", Fluttershy said. "Coming into Pouhon in the last lap, your car suddenly went into a drift, but you were still able to catch the car. We all must say, we're impressed, because normally, every driver that lost the rear end of their car either spun out or crashed. So how come you have managed to hold the drift, and this twice on the same track?", Jenson asked. "Rushing Wind trained me to do so. He told me that drifting with a race car requires a lot of accuracy, but one day, it would save my race, and my life. And believe me, if I didn't know that, the race would have taken a turn for the worse, or even worse, I would have ended up like Izzy.", Fluttershy said. "Talking about your teammate, she's in the hospital right now, they're examining the broken leg. What do you think, could she continue her racing career next season?", Jenson asked. "Well, I have no idea how bad the injury is... I mean the crash was very nasty, but as you saw, she survived, so the answer is... I don't know, to be honest. You would have to ask her.", Fluttershy said. "Then, we heard some rumors that the officials plan to use Spa as a track which would be run in the season itself, but no longer as the Finals track. What do you think about that?", Jenson asked. "Honestly, if this happens, I'm going to miss Spa as the final track to race on. Though I don't mind having a new track for the Forza Championship Finals, as we have seen Spa as the final track for so many years now. Which one will make the cut is not my choice though, so... We'll see what happens.", Fluttershy said. "And finally, since you became the number 1 driver, you are entitled to run the driver number 1 next season. But keep in mind that defending the title will come with great responsibilities, and great expectations. Do you think that you are up for the challenge?", Jenson asked. "Of course I am. I wouldn't think that if I didn't believe in myself and my team. So, yes, I am going to run the number 1 next year, trying to defend it with everything I got.", Fluttershy said. "Alright, that is all. Appreciate your time, Fluttershy.", Jenson said before he went away. "The pleasure was all mine.", Fluttershy responded. Interview with Izzy Moonbow Izzy Moonbow was in her hospital bed, feeling lonely. She sighed in frustration. "Just why did I try to go for it in Eau Rouge? Now Equestria Motorsports will lose, and it's all my fault...", she said, tears building up in her eyes. Suddenly, the door opened. A doctor invited Sunny Starscout and former F1 driver Romain Grosjean into the room. "She's in here.", he said. Sunny ran over to her friend. "Izzy!", she said in relief and hugged her friend, "I'm so glad you're okay..." "Aw, you came to visit me, Sunny... What about the others?", Izzy asked. "They're still back at Spa, taking care of the remaining stuff. And also, there's someone who wants to talk to you.", Sunny said. "Correct. It's me.", said Romain. "Oh, I heard of you. You're Romain Grosjean, survivor of that nasty crash in Sakhir, right?", Izzy asked. "Yes. They sent me to interview you, so let's jump straight in.", Romain said. Izzy tried to sit up straight, which wasn't as simple with her broken leg. Then, Romain got started. "So, since I assume that you didn't get to see the race as you were in treatment, what do you say about Fluttershy's victory in the night premiere of the Forza Championship, which also was the title decider?", Romain started. "Wait, did you say that Fluttershy won? That's... that's great news!", Izzy exclaimed, "I knew that she could do it! But, why exactly was it a night race? I thought they only get to race at Spa during the day?" "Believe it or not, but the idea came from Fluttershy, after the officials suggested to postpone the race because you were unable to continue. She also suggested to do a one-on-one, and not a 3 versus 3, like it would have been otherwise.", Romain said. "Haha, sounds like Fluttershy desperately wanted to drive the final race.", Izzy said. "Not just her, but all the others looked a bit down after the initial decision of the officials.", Romain said. "Okay. What's next?", Izzy asked. "I guess everyone, including your team boss Assetto, would like to know if you are going to continue racing next year?", Romain said. Izzy looked at her plastered leg. It would take a long time for it to heal, and who knows how long? Her mind flashbacked to the crash. She was lucky that she survived, otherwise this would have been one of the worst days in racing history. She also looked at the burn spots that were grafted with skin. They were slightly visible, being reminders of this insane crash. "Look, racing sounds really good, but unfortunately, I have to decline.", Izzy said. "What? Izzy, are you sure about this? Assetto brought you into the team last year, and you're just throwing it away just because of one crash?", Sunny asked in disbelief. "The crash taught me a valuable lesson. Racing is cool and all, but I would rather prefer it as a video game, as you won't get hurt in a video game. Therefore, it's less dangerous. I mean, if you guys need help at the factory, I can run in the simulator... As long as my leg recovers.", Izzy said. "A very bold choice, Moonbow.", Romain said, "When I suffered that crash in Sakhir, I also quitted Formula 1, but it certainly didn't stop me from racing. I just needed time to recover, and then, I joined IndyCar." "Haha, I guess we're both alike, aren't we, Grosjean?", Izzy asked. "Yes we are.", Romain said, "Now to wrap it up, if you aren't going to continue your racing career at Equestria Motorsports, who do you think might be a solid replacement?" Izzy replied with: "I guess we should leave it to Assetto. He's not going to bring back Rainbow Dash and Rarity, that's for certain. Maybe he's going to put his faith in young blood? Like someone completely new? I heard of Rushing Wind, the best race driver on the west hemisphere, maybe him? I don't know." The New Driver "You serious? Izzy is not going to continue racing for us?", asked Assetto Sunny, quite irritated about the news. "I'm sorry, Assetto, but she clearly said, and I quote - Racing is cool and all, but I would rather prefer it as a video game, as you won't get hurt in a video game - End quote.", Sunny said, trying to explain the situation to Assetto, "She did suggest to do test runs in the simulator, for example, if we should upgrade our cars." "I trusted her, and she didn't do so bad at all. Why did she have to have that crash?", Assetto said, still not in such a good mood. "Hey, at least she's alive, right? Why are you so obsessive with track results if you don't worry about your drivers? We're a team under your orders, remember?", Zipp stated. "Yeah. I mean, look at me. I'm not racing for your team anymore, because I felt like I'd better off as someone who helps behind the scenes.", Rainbow Dash said. "And I'm not racing anymore, because I would rather take part in Showcases, like the Shoukanetta Drift at all these different race tracks.", Rarity said. "And look at me. You brought me back into the seat, because you knew that I would bring you to victory against very strong rivals, like Akula-Lauda Racing.", Fluttershy said. Assetto looked at his band of active and former racers, and frowned in defeat. "You know... you guys are right. I guess I'm just so obsessed with results on track and with finding new drivers to prove themselves, retiring three of my best racers on the spot, that I didn't even realize how this affects each and every one of you. And... I'm awful sorry.", he said. "Hey, it's okay.", said Twilight, who just came up, "Look, Assetto, even I don't get everything right, and afterwards, I always realize what a horrible mistake I made." "Thanks Twilight.", said Assetto, "I guess I should focus on you guys from now on." He first turned to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy... I'm sorry that I forced your retirement.", Assetto said. "You... forced it?", Fluttershy asked. "Yeah... I had no idea how you would feel about it.", he admitted, "You're my best driver, and I just retire you on the spot. Heck, even Spitfire said that Zipp said during the day race that I could've retired anyone but you... Thing is, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Sunset were my most seasoned veterans, so I definetly wanted to keep them, because they have the most experience." "Well, there's nothing wrong with that, but--" Fluttershy was interrupted by Assetto. "No... They're my most seasoned veterans, but they aren't my best drivers. Retiring my best drivers is just wrong. And you're my best driver, and I didn't realize until this fateful night. Sorry, what I have done can't be apologized. I had you skip one season just because I wanted to give rookies a chance.", Assetto admitted, "Heck, I could even imagine you would've loved to join a different team just to continue racing..." "Well, I could have... And I could have destroyed your team if I did so.", Fluttershy said teasingly. "I know, and I would've taken the karma, because I messed with the best driver of my team, and--" Fluttershy interrupted Assetto with: "But I would never go against your team. That would just be disloyal. And Rainbow Dash knows disloyalty when she sees it." "Exactly. You should know better, Assetto.", Rainbow Dash said. "I know, and I'm awful sorry, Fluttershy. I should focus on my best drivers instead of just seasoned veterans.", Assetto said to Fluttershy. "It's okay, Assetto. You only meant well for your veterans, and the rookies you hired.", Fluttershy said. "I have to be honest here, driving alongside Fluttershy was actually the best experience I had, even though she dominated the Finals. She truly is the best driver of this team, I'm not gonna lie.", Zipp said. "Awww, thank you, Zipp.", Fluttershy said. "Now, Fluttershy, now that this is out of the way, since you became champion, I would like to ask you... Do you want to drive a different car than the Ferrari 488 GTB next season?", Assetto asked. "Oh, um... I think I'm going to continue driving a Ferrari. Though I wouldn't mind a different model.", Fluttershy said. "Good call. But which one do you want?", Assetto asked. "Maybe I can help with that.", said a newcomer. It was Rushing Wind. "Oh, Rush. It's you.", Fluttershy said, "What car would you have for me?" "Well, how does a Ferrari 458 from the GT Endurance class sound?", Rushing Wind asked. "Exactly what I want. You know my preferences.", Fluttershy said. "Well, I wouldn't if we weren't together for so long.", Rushing Wind said. "Say, Rush, I have an idea.", Assetto said, "Izzy recently announced that she will not continue racing for our team, so... what do you think about becoming one of our drivers?" "For real?", Rushing Wind asked, "What do I have to do?" "You're gonna be a newcomer, so I'll put you through the initiation test before you will be one of our racers. And, you will have to drive a Ferrari, I just want to know which model.", Assetto said. "Well, I don't have to think twice. I would like to drive the 599XX. I love that car.", Rushing Wind said. "Alright, meet me at Monza near the end of winter, and then, we can get on with the initiation.", Assetto said. "Sure thing.", Rushing Wind said. "Assetto, are you sure about this? Some of us hardly know him, who knows if he won't perform to our standards?", Rainbow Dash asked in worry. "Well, some hardly know him, but I know him well. He's the best racer in the west hemisphere, so... Maybe he's going to give me a run for the Driver Championship next year.", Fluttershy said. "And us the ninth Team Championship title.", Assetto said, "Alright Rush, see you in Monza." Assetto and the rest of the team went back into the garage. Fluttershy and Rush stayed a bit longer outside. "Are you excited to race alongside the defending champion next year?", Fluttershy asked. "I sure am, Flutty. And when the time comes, I can't wait to get started.", Rushing Wind said. "Alright, I gotta go. But hey, I'm gonna watch you drive in Monza once you get there for your initiation.", Fluttershy said. "Okay. See you.", said Rushing Wind, before he went away. A New Track for the Finals The Forza Championship Officials were in their main office. "Now, we have seen the awful crash in the day race during the Finals. So what do you think, how should we react to that?", asked the first official. "Well, we all know that Spa is a fan favorite, but it's also a very dangerous track. Remember Lando Norris from 2021?", said the second official. "Yes.", said the third official, "But, that was a different story, since back then, there was an insane monsoon rain, and the visibility was awful. And today, we had dry conditions." "Exactly. We need a different track for the Forza Championship Finals.", said the fourth official, "Any suggestions?" "Hmmm, now that is a tough one.", said the fifth official, "We definetly need a track with decent run-off zones, so that crashes like these become less frequent." "So definetly not something like the Mount Panorama Circuit.", said the sixth official. For almost two hours, the six officials discussed about a possible replacement track for the Forza Championship Finals. They wanted a known track, which was also safe enough to drive on to make crashes less frequent. They first agreed for Monza, but scrapped the idea. Then they agreed for the COTA, but they wanted a European track for the Finals. Then they agreed for Catalunya, but that was also not the best pick. Silverstone, Mugello, and even the Hockenheimring also were scrapped, because they were probably the most obvious picks for a final race. Then, they remembered that the night premiere in Spa had a huge impact on the fanbase - not just the stands were full with people, but also the TV ratings went sky high after the night race, so they needed a European track that allowed pit stops and was able to be driven at night. Finally, the third official suggested: "How about... The Nürburgring GP Circuit?" "You know... That is a great idea. It has a good share of run-off zones, the barriers are also in a fair distance, and the lights also allow for a night race.", said the fourth official. "So, it's decided.", said the first official, "In future seasons, the Finals will take place at the Nürburgring GP Circuit, and the tiebreaker takes place at night." With the decision made, the officials stamped the decision, and went out of the office, with the first one contacting the owners of the Nürburgring to let them know about the decision they made.