Compared to the qualifying rounds, the official Formula race follows a far stricter procedure.
First comes the introduction of all the racers—each pair walking out side by side.
Then the opening performance.
Some venues play their national anthem, others prepare a special opening song.
There's no fixed rule, as long as it fits the ceremony.
After that, the drivers head to their cars and enter the track for the warm-up lap.
That's the entire process.
By the time the clock hit 2 p.m., the venue was filled to the brim.
Not only were all seats taken—every open patch of ground in the back was packed, too.
Some people beat on drums nonstop, riling up the atmosphere.
The entire stadium was buzzing like a festival.
The host stood on the temporary stage, microphone in hand, and announced to the 250,000 spectators:
"The Super Cyber Formula Grand Prix—officially begins!"
"Now, let's welcome our racers!"
Two names were called at a time, and each pair stepped out of the tunnel wearing their racing suits, helmets in hand, waving at the cheering audience.
Even if some spectators didn't know them, they still clapped and shouted to show support.
The earliest racers introduced were those with weaker qualifying results.
The further down the list, the stronger the racers.
They gathered at their marked spots, placing their helmets on the ground while waiting for the others.
As the lineup progressed, the cheers grew louder.
Franz Heinel and Randall came out together.
Shinjou Naoki and Hayato Kazami stepped out to a noticeably stronger wave of applause—the crowd's excitement rising with each familiar big name.
Then came the top two qualifiers.
Next out was Bleed Kaga.
His green-purple dyed hair and rebellious style drew instant screams.
His popularity surpassed anyone before him.
He truly was one of the strongest contenders—if Hayato didn't go all-out, he wouldn't be Kaga's match.
Finally, the host shouted with explosive passion:
"And now—please welcome the strongest driver in the world… LEON!!"
The entire stadium erupted.
The roar was deafening.
When Leon stepped out of the tunnel, everyone surged into a frenzy.
The cheer rolling through the stands almost shook the sky.
"Leon, you're so handsome! Go for it!"
"I don't care what anyone says—I'll always support you!"
"Leon-nii, you're amazing!!"
Almost all the screams came from excited young women.
Through the layers of sound, Leon could still make out some of it.
He smiled and waved, which made the crowd lose their minds even more.
These East Island fans were funny—they talked tough online, acting like unbeatable keyboard warriors…
Saying things like they'd never watch Leon race…
And yet the moment they logged off, who knows where they scrounged up tickets—
Here they were, screaming his name.
Classic "smells good" moment.
Following protocol, Leon stood beneath the stage, placing his helmet at his feet, facing Kaga.
Kaga narrowed his eyes.
"You're strong. But I'm not without a chance. Keep your guard up in the official race."
Whether it was Hayato Kazami, Bleed Kaga, or any other top racer—they all had one trait:
They refused to accept defeat.
Even the greatest drivers lose sometimes.
Not even Michael Schumacher could win forever.
(He secured seven consecutive championships, yet in 2013 suffered a tragic skiing accident, resulting in severe head trauma and a five-year coma.)
Unless you're heaven's chosen child—winning forever is impossible.
Leon met Kaga's provocation with four simple, domineering words:
"Bring it on."
The confidence and calmness in his tone made Kaga's heart tremble.
This man—Leon—was the strongest rival he had ever faced.
Their gazes clashed—sparks flying in the air.
Next came the singing portion of the ceremony.
Everyone in the stands rose to their feet, removed their hats, and listened quietly to the performance.
When the song finished, the drivers returned to their pits and climbed into their cars.
"Good luck!" Mia kissed Leon on the cheek, giving him her full support.
"Mm. Handle the logistics. If anything comes up, let me know."
Leon gave her a thumbs-up.
Then he slipped into the Tyrant—his customized machine.
As the P.P. (Pole Position) racer, he was the first to drive out.
He didn't remain at the grid; instead, he drove out at restricted speed to begin weaving across the track.
Warm-up lap.
The warm-up lap—also called the formation or tire-warming lap—is mandatory.
Racers must complete one slow lap before the race begins.
During this lap:
No racing speed allowed
No overtaking permitted
No interfering with other drivers
Anyone who misses it (due to mechanical issues) must start from the back or from the pit lane
F1 and major formula racing use soft slick tires, which have terrible grip at normal temperatures.
They only perform at peak traction once they're heated properly.
That's why drivers weave left and right—to generate friction and raise tire temperature to the working range.
Michelin tires operate around 100°C—
Bridgestone slightly lower—
Hot enough to boil water.
Even the heating blankets in the pit lane exist for this reason.
Leon maintained a speed of 30 km/h, weaving smoothly to warm up his tires.
He wasn't the only one—other racers were also weaving ahead of him.
A variety of odd-shaped, high-tech machines snaked across the track at low speed.
Because he had already raced in the morning, he now understood this circuit even better.
Seeing the Tyrant return to the track made everyone tense up again.
Soon, the tire-warming lap ended.
Leon rolled into the starting grid.
He shifted into neutral, revved the engine, and locked his eyes onto the signal lights.
30-second countdown.
Start!
The race officially began.
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