Chapter 9: Why don't we lean into it?
Marcus dedicated the remainder of the week to immersing himself in the dynamics of the team. Conversations echoed through the corridors of the Leafield Technical Centre as Marcus engaged with every facet of the organization – from designers to engineers, marketing to the engine department, pit crew to logistics. His presence brought a renewed sense of vitality, an anticipation of change that rippled through the staff.
In the aerodynamics department, enthusiasm mingled with a tinge of regret. The prospect of a healthy injection of funds fueled their desire for further development on the 2014 car, the machine they were destined to use for the upcoming 2015 season. Wistful conversations echoed, expressing a collective sentiment that had Marcus joined the team earlier, a complete redesign might have been a possibility. A discussion loomed with the legal department regarding the feasibility of fitting the 2015 engine into the 2014 car, an idea that faced the stern disapproval of the FIA, shattering hopes of a more competitive power unit for the season ahead.
Meanwhile, the logistics team, sensing a new era, was already exploring options for larger trucks to broadcast the team's revitalized status to the world. Engineers navigated through the bustling atmosphere, determined to make the most out of the current car, collaborating with Renault to explore possibilities of enhancing the existing engine.
The marketing department, fueled by the narrative of resurgence, leveraged social media platforms with catchy slogans like "Catharam, back from the dead and healthier than ever before." Clickbait articles and posts fueled curiosity about the mysterious new owner – a savior or just another pay driver?
Amidst the organizational flurry, the quest for drivers unfolded. Last year's drivers were hesitant to commit, understandably reluctant to relive the struggles of the previous season. With other teams boasting new designs or extensive upgrades, Catharam faced the challenge of attracting competitive drivers. Marcus, with a plan brewing, engaged in animated discussions with Manfredi Ravetto.
The heated debate reached a crescendo when an unexpected interruption occurred. A young staff member from the communications and marketing department entered the room, holding a tablet displaying a webpage. The headline seized their attention: "Marcus Fernandes, Catharam's new savior? The pay driver that keeps the team afloat!" The image captured the moment of Marcus shaking hands with Manfredi upon entering the Catharam base. The room fell silent, leaving both men staring at each other with a shared sense of bewilderment. The promising energy of the week now faced an unexpected twist as they contemplated the challenges posed by external perceptions.
As the Leafield base grappled with bewilderment, social media became a battleground of opinions and hot takes.
@SpeedDemon24: "Well, that's it. Catharam won't survive half of the season. No matter how much money this guy brings in, it won't matter if he wrecks out every session."
@TrackMaestro99: "Marcus, come on, man. Just let me drive the car. They would have a better shot. I know I don't have a license, but I'm still better than you."
@RaceFanatic_7: "Man, I like Catharam, and I hope they succeed. But even with the money Marcus brings in, he can't produce any results. He was like the slowest ever in GP2. This is F1 we are talking about here."
@TrueRacingPundit: "All pay drivers should be removed from the sport."
@PitStopDebater: (replying to @TrueRacingPundit) "So you think it's better for the team to fold and hundreds of people losing their job??"
@SpeedOptimist23: "Maybe they can secure a proper number 1 driver? Maybe then all hope is not lost yet."
Amidst the palpable discontent surrounding Marcus's perceived role as a pay driver, some voices even went so far as to express a preference for the team's demise. Back at Catharam HQ, the atmosphere was tense as the Communications and Marketing team, in collaboration with Marcus and Team Principal Manfredi Ravetto, convened to strategize ways to counteract the escalating negative sentiment.
A marketing lady, her apprehension evident, tentatively suggested, "Should we consider laying out all the facts? Holding back might hurt our reputation in the long run."
Marcus maintained a thoughtful silence, encouraging the team to voice their concerns. Another team member, seeking a more aggressive approach, proposed taking legal action against the tabloid for spreading misinformation. However, Manfredi promptly discarded the idea, asserting that diverting energy towards such battles wouldn't serve their ultimate goal. The prevailing mood in the room was somber, and Manfredi couldn't conceal his disappointment over the unforeseen challenges emerging so early in the season.
In a somber tone, Manfredi Ravetto expressed his disappointment, "The season has not even started, and things are already not going according to plan."
"Why don't we lean into it?" Marcus suddenly spoke up, a hint of mirth and excitement in his tone.
Manfredi replied, skeptical, "But it's not true."
"I'm not planning on lying, just fanning the flames a bit," Marcus clarified, sensing the confusion in the room. "Look, we are looking for a way to gain more exposure, right? Why not just poke the bear a bit, get more people talking, and get our name spreading even further? We need to gain attention before we can get the sponsors, right?"
A team member voiced concern about the impact on their reputation.
The concerned team member spoke up, expressing worry, "But this won't be helpful for our reputation."
Marcus shrugged, seemingly unconcerned.
Leaning back, he adopted a nonchalant demeanor, and casually remarked, "I don't think our reputation can get any worse than it already is, right?"
Manfredi couldn't help but massage his temples, already sensing Marcus's unconventional approach.
Manfredi Ravetto raised an eyebrow and replied with a touch of sarcasm, "Looks like you already have something in mind, huh?"
"I do," Marcus responded, a large grin plastered on his face. "Just sit back and relax. I'm pretty sure Catharam will be trending by the end of the day."
Without explaining further, Marcus picked up his phone. A few seconds later, a tweet was posted from his official Twitter account.
@Official_Marcus: "See you all on the paddock during testing 😊"
The response on social media was swift.
@FuriousRacer_87: "This bastard..."
@TrackTalker_54: "He is just gloating now."
Retweets and replies flooded in, and the motorsport social media landscape had exploded with discussions about Catharam and Marcus.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone