DNN2

"Even without the questions about Soot's origin, there's a lot of attention on Phoebe and Tenebrae, with all the rumours about her private life, the break with her management, loss of personal income and so on. Tony, you had your fair share of ups and downs away from the course during your career. How difficult is it to focus on the racing?"

"Oh, it can be absolutely exhausting. When you have to look over your shoulder for cameras every time you're out in public, and even when fans come up to you you can see in their eyes that they really want to ask. Just saps the joy right out of you."

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"Can Phoebe handle the pressure, do you think, Bob?"

"She'll have to, if she wants to be champion. None of this is going to go away by the end of the season. If anything it'll get worse. She's been rocky over the last few races."

"She didn't look rocky at Gutefjellet. And it's Zubrija next, that should favour a small dragon like Soot."

"That's as may be, Tony, but it's no Quatre Tours. There are some real fast sections, and I still have my doubts about Soot's stamina in high-speed races."