Once out of the pit lane, he silently followed the driver ahead. Instead of accelerating to maximum power like those in front of him, he drove just fast enough not to be left too far behind, but slow enough that a gap automatically opened as they navigated the track toward the start-finish line.
A few restless drivers overtook him on the way, but he paid them no attention. Those watching from the grandstands didn't consider what he was doing out of the norm, as everyone was focused on what was interesting to them.
However, that lasted only until the final three corners; once enough of a gap had opened, he instantly started pushing to maximum speed. He was nearing the start of what he had decided would be his push lap.
(Track map image here)
