The large TV in the commentary booth showed Fatih in the pit lane, his kart surrounded by two race officials. They were meticulously looking it over, inspecting the bent chassis and the damaged sidepod, taking notes on a clipboard. After only thirty seconds of inspection, they said something to Fatih. He lowered his head for a moment, a gesture of quiet resignation, before climbing out of the kart and walking with slumped shoulders towards the academy tent.
"Aaaaaaah, and that's the confirmation we were dreading," Süleyman said, his voice filled with genuine disappointment. "It looks like the damage was substantial enough that they couldn't repair it in time for him to rejoin. Unfortunately, he is going to retire from this qualifying heat. The most entertaining race of the day has come to a premature end just a few laps in."
