The Perfect Lap Issue no.2 | Page 10

SAP Perfect Lap Issue 02 Start vs Penalty Jenson raises a gloved left hand to his helmet. Notches down his visor to a firm click-shut. Settles both hands on the multi-function steering wheel. Flexes right foot on the throttle pedal of his MP4-29 as he holds the car on the brakes. It’s perfectly aligned, geometrically optimised for the fastest launch. Five red lights burn ‘on’ from the start gantry ahead. He’s ready… Thomas Müller closes his mind to the furious wall of sound created by 80,000 supercharged fans making Rio’s Estadio de Maracana throb around him. He looks at the ball ahead, then at the back of the net that must be its destination. It’s penalty shoot-out time at the World Cup final and his next kick will deliver agony or ecstasy. He’s ready… 010