Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 109: Chinese Drivers Dominate Renault (Two-in-One)

five days?

Hearing Odette's request, Hiroki Sawano, who was standing beside him, frowned.

Without a lot of field test runs and simulator training experience, Chen Xiangbei could not have memorized the characteristics and routes of the entire several-kilometer track in just five days relying only on track information and a few video CDs.

To give a simple example, even if you are playing the popular KartRider of this era, you don’t have to consider environmental factors and car damage in the game, you can just drive at full speed without any scruples.

It is probably impossible to master a completely unfamiliar track map in five days and reach the top spot in the lap time ranking.

Not to mention actually controlling the Donington Park circuit!

"Captain Odeto, isn't this a bit too difficult?"

Hiroki Sawano couldn't help but mutter something.

"Well, it's really difficult."

This time, Odette rarely objected and nodded in agreement with Hiroki Sawano's words.

But then he spread his hands and said, "However, there are only five days between the two races. If you think it's too difficult and there's not enough time, you can try to suggest to the Renault race committee or the FIA ​​to change the calendar."

"Zenya, what do you think of this suggestion?"

Faced with Odette's rhetorical question, Hiroki Sawano was speechless.

He could only look at Chen Xiangbei with "sympathy", and see how much potential this kid could squeeze out.

Just as Odetto said, no matter the difficulty level, Chen Xiangbei had no room for bargaining, and no one considered whether he had any track experience.

Competitive sports have never emphasized fairness at the starting line.

"I try my best."

Chen Xiangbei met Sawano Hiroki's gaze and could only give this answer.

To be honest, through the improvement of his car feel and adaptability, Chen Xiangbei realized that his racing talent in this life is actually much higher than in his previous life.

But there is no specific criterion for how high it can be.

Donington Park will undoubtedly become a "verifier".

It is also the biggest challenge Chen Xiangbei has faced in his career so far!
Due to the change of track for the next race, which involved the relocation of equipment and a complete overhaul of the car, almost all of the team's maintenance technicians and engineers stayed behind to carry out the final packing and finishing work.

Drivers Chen Xiangbei and Kobayashi Takatoshi, as well as non-technical personnel like Lu Xiaoman, returned to the Mewtwo base early to rest.

After all, two days of high-intensity competition consumes a lot of physical strength and energy of the drivers, and they need a space to buffer and relax.

Sitting in the same car on the return journey, Kobayashi Takatoshi looked out the window dejectedly, with an indescribable feeling in his heart.

He finished seventh in the Renault race. According to the algorithm of this era where the top eight can earn points, Kobayashi Takatoshi scored two points in the first race.

Judging from the criteria for Asian drivers, it is not an exaggeration to describe the points scored in the first race as excellent.

After all, not every Asian driver has the talent of Takuma Sato and Kamui Kobayashi.

Most Asian drivers participating in European competitions often face many factors such as lack of experience, unfamiliar tracks and psychological pressure in the first race, making it difficult for them to win the first race and get good results.

But many things are afraid of comparison!
Kobayashi Takatoshi had trained in Europe for a few years, but Chen Xiangbei, a Chinese newcomer, was participating in a European competition for the first time, yet he managed to win the pole position and the championship.

Looking at Chen Xiangbei standing high on the podium and listening to the Chinese national anthem played by the audience, Kobayashi Takatoshi doubted his own strength and talent for the first time.

Is he really the most talented driver of the new generation in Japan and even in Asia?
No one could give him an answer, or perhaps he already had the answer in his heart.

The loss of confidence and self-doubt made Kobayashi Takatoshi's nose sore and his eyes instantly red.

Chen Xiangbei happened to see Kobayashi Takatoshi quietly wiping his tears from the reflection in the car window. He calmly handed him a tissue, said nothing, and acted as if nothing had happened.

The reason is that a similar scenario has happened to Chen Xiangbei himself.

At the same young age, he came to Europe to compete, but found that his talent and driving skills, which he was proud of, were crushed and beaten in the field of "Gods". I don't know how many times he envied other drivers who stood on the highest podium and played the national anthem.

As time goes by, Chen Xiangbei has now become the object of envy of others.

"Thank you."

Kobayashi Takatomo whispered a thank you.

"You are welcome."

Chen Xiangbei replied indifferently. He was just feeling a little sentimental when recalling the past.

Everyone returned to the Mewtwo base. After taking a shower, Chen Xiangbei did not choose to give himself a good "vacation" after the game. Instead, he took out the track information given by Odto and studied it.

It is indeed impossible to memorize the characteristics and routes of a completely unfamiliar track in five days.

But giving up on trying simply because it's impossible isn't Chen Xiangbei's style either. He believes that even in the world of racing, where talent is paramount, there's still room for the saying "God rewards hard work."

But when Chen Xiangbei saw the content of the information, the expression on his face suddenly became a little complicated.

The reason is that the date marked on it is 1993, which means that this is track data from sixteen years ago!

You should know that although the Donington Park Circuit has never hosted the F1 Grand Prix again, it does not mean that it is closed and abandoned.

On the contrary, in recent years many touring car, motorcycle and regional F3 events, such as the British F3 Championship, have chosen to be held at the Donington Park circuit where venue fees are cheaper.

The layout of the track is not static. It will adjust the curves, buffer zones, length, road surface material, etc. according to the type of event.

This track data provided by Odetto is completely outdated and only has reference value.

What's even more terrible is that when Chen Xiangbei watched those CDs on a player, he found that they only contained F93 driver race videos from 1.

For Chen Xiangbei right now, race videos alone are of little value as learning and reference. Putting aside the differences in track layout, the performance gap between Formula Renault and F1 is enormous. How could they possibly use the same cornering lines?
Normal and valuable track data should be produced by race engineers or data analysts. Based on different levels of database files, it should indicate the best braking point, normal line, overtaking route, defensive strategy, etc.

Just like the Silverstone circuit information that Odette gave me before.

Now this document does not meet any practical standards at all, and Chen Xiangbei can't get much valuable information from it.

Even if there is, you have to extract it slowly by yourself.

This even made Chen Xiangbei suspicious. Was it because the old man Odeto was too old and gave him the wrong thing?

Just when Chen Xiangbei was puzzled, Kobayashi Takatoshi happened to come to the team meeting room. From the CD in his hand, it could be guessed that he also wanted to play the contents of the CD.

After all, they are all Super Dream drivers, and Odette cannot favor one over the other, so he prepared two copies of the track information.

Seeing the picture on the projector and looking at Chen Xiangbei's puzzled expression, Kobayashi Takatoshi instantly understood what was going on. They both encountered the same problem.

In that case, the video on the CD is not worth watching, so Kobayashi Takatoshi turned around and prepared to leave.

However, just as he reached the door, Kobayashi Takatoshi hesitated for a moment, took out a small notebook from his pocket, and threw it directly at Chen Xiangbei.

Chen Xiangbei on the other side caught it almost subconsciously, then looked at Kobayashi Takatoshi with a puzzled look on his face.

"Donington Park is not on the F1 calendar. Unless they specifically collect data, newly established F1 teams in recent years do not have archived data for this circuit. The same is true for Super Aguri."

"I once trained at Donington Park. At that time, Honda's F1 sports department had an engineer there to tell me about the track characteristics and the tuning strategy. I recorded everything in my notebook."

"If you want to believe it, you can take a look."

After saying this, Kobayashi Takatoshi walked out of the conference room.

In the field of formula racing, the idea that teammates are often your biggest rivals is, in principle, fine.

But there is a prerequisite, that is, you have the strength to threaten your teammates!

Kobayashi Takatoshi has realized that there is a huge gap between him and Chen Xiangbei, and the two sides cannot be competitors at least at this stage.

Of course, not being opponents doesn’t mean we have team mates.

The reason why he hesitated for a moment and was willing to help was that Chen Xiangbei's small gesture on the way back made Kobayashi Takatoshi feel a kind of kindness and respect.

People are like this many times. It is better to help someone in need than to add icing on the cake.

Although Chen Xiangbei only handed him a tissue, it was a great comfort to Kobayashi Takatoshi.

At least the other party, as the winner of the competition, did not laugh at me, the "crying" loser.

Looking at Kobayashi Takatoshi's departing back, Chen Xiangbei was even more puzzled. Could it be that this kid still had a kind heart?

Opening this notebook casually, you will see data records of the Donington Park circuit recorded in English, including details such as how many meters away the best braking point is for each corner, the techniques for cornering, gear switching numbers, etc. It can be said that it is meticulously recorded.

Not only that, it also contains the tuning plan of Honda's database, such as using medium to high downforce similar to that of the Silverstone Circuit to cope with the airflow turbulence caused by the high-speed corners and road undulations on the track.

Seeing this, Chen Xiangbei's expression gradually changed from surprise to amazement, and then to some emotion.

As expected, behind every genius, there is unknown effort.

It was almost evening when Odette led the team members back to Mewtwo Base. Many people's faces were filled with fatigue.

The first time he saw Chen Xiangbei, he asked directly, "Have you seen the track information?"

"After reading it, it feels a bit old."

Chen Xiangbei responded tactfully.

"Well, it's just outdated information."

Compared with Chen Xiangbei's tactfulness, Odette did not hide anything and admitted it frankly.

"You know it's outdated information, but you still want me to memorize it all in five days?"

"Any questions?"

Odetto asked casually.

"The problem is that it's not useful."

Now it was Chen Xiangbei's turn to be surprised. What was the point of memorizing such worthless information within five days?

At this moment, Odetto shook his head and said, "Bei, you've got the wrong idea. The purpose of memorizing track information and driver lines isn't to imitate them, but to learn their essence."

“The track may change, but the essence of the technology will not change.”

"Senna was able to do the God's Lap at Donington Park in 93, and he could do it again at another track."

"Bei, you won't always be a low-level Formula One driver, nor will you always imitate other people's cornering trajectories."

"Data is static, but people are dynamic. From now on, we must understand the essence of racing and apply it to develop our own style on any track." Odetto gave a long explanation, which can actually be condensed into eight words in Chinese.

Those who learn from me will live, those who resemble me will die!

Chen Xiangbei has demonstrated his potential to surpass lower-level Formula drivers with pole positions and race wins, so he needs to take a longer-term view of his career and make a qualitative breakthrough in his concepts.

Imitating and borrowing routing experience is only useful for a while; it's time to think and create on your own. Otherwise, Chen Xiangbei's career ceiling will be forever locked in the shadow of others.

"Odeto, I understand."

Chen Xiangbei has a high level of understanding and he can understand what Odeto wants to express.

The old man is not training himself according to the standards of junior formula, he wants to create the next F1 driver!

"GOOD, now that you understand, let's go to the Drivers' Club and have a few drinks."

"what?"

Odetto was preaching one second, and immediately called on everyone to go out and have fun the next second. This 180-degree turn really caught Chen Xiangbei off guard.

"Bei, since you can tell me the track information is outdated, it means you must have been researching it since you came back."

"Racing requires a balance between work and rest. You can't be on edge all the time."

The first thing Odeto said when he came back was to ask Chen Xiangbei if he had read the track information. The reason he wanted to indirectly find out what this guy did after he came back.

As expected, Chen Xiangbei did not give himself any time to relax.

Odeto didn't know whether it was just Chen Xiangbei himself or whether all Chinese people were used to working so hard.

But he is very clear that long-term high pressure and tension will have a negative impact on the driver over time.

Even though Chen Xiangbei has a strong mental state, he can't feel any clues for the time being.

But compared to other competitive sports, a driver's career is very long, and there will always be a day when he can no longer hold on.

Young people, moderate indulgence is reasonable!
"I understand, but..."

Chen Xiangbei wanted to say something, but Odeto interrupted him, "Bei, even if you don't need to rest, look at the expressions of your team members."

After saying that, Odetto clapped his hands vigorously to attract the attention of the base team members.

"Let's go, let's go have a drink to celebrate the championship. Beilai will pay for all the meals tonight!"

Hearing Odette's words, the crew members, who originally looked exhausted, immediately burst into enthusiastic cheers.

[You are amazing, Lao Deng...]

Chen Xiangbei finally understood that Odette had laid the groundwork for the entire event just to say in the end that he would pay for all the expenses.

However, even though he complained in his heart, Chen Xiangbei was not a stingy person.

We really can't treat the entire team according to our own habits and standards. They need to celebrate and relax after the game.

So Chen Xiangbei agreed with Odetto, patted his chest and led the team members to the "Drivers Club" bar at Silverstone Circuit.

This bar is the largest and most famous bar near the Silverstone Circuit. It is affiliated with the "British Racing Drivers Club" and many well-known British F1 drivers are members.

For example, the seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Lando Norris and so on are all familiar to everyone.

It is precisely because of the influence of many well-known F1 drivers that it attracts tourists from all over the world who come here hoping to meet their idols.

In fact, this bar is just a name, and the real racing club organization is elsewhere.

Of course, Chen Xiangbei and others did not come here to visit or visit their idols, they just came here to relax.

After the team members arrived at the bar, Chen Xiangbei and the Asian member Hiroki Sawano were generally relatively restrained, while the European members completely let themselves go.

It was obvious that they had been holding back for a long time, just waiting for this opportunity to indulge themselves.

Even though old man Odette went to the center of the dance floor and swayed to his heart's content, Chen Xiangbei was really worried about hurting his old waist...

Just as everyone was celebrating, Lu Xiaoman took out her phone and shouted at Chen Xiangbei, "Xiangbei, you're going to be famous!"

"what?"

The noisy music and Lu Xiaoman's unclear words made Chen Xiangbei have no idea what she was talking about.

"Your race clips and post-race interview were posted on YouTube today. The official Renault account has already had over a million views, more than all the other drivers combined."

As Lu Xiaoman spoke, she handed over the phone.

Chen Xiangbei took it and looked at it. The screen showed a foreign video website, similar to Youku or Tudou in China at the time.

The video content is a picture of himself standing on the podium, and the title is very eye-catching.

The rise of a Chinese driver, he has already dominated the Renault Formula!

As expected, the clickbait title has the same effect both at home and abroad.

What we know is that Chen Xiangbei won a race championship, but if we didn’t know, we would have thought he won the overall championship.

To be honest, with this title, if the report was not about himself, Chen Xiangbei would not be able to resist his curiosity and click in to take a look.

No wonder it has millions of views, the importance of the title is highlighted at this time.

"European journalists have grasped the essence of journalism, and their headlines are indeed quite interesting."

Chen Xiangbei admired her, but without clicking on the video, he prepared to return the phone to Lu Xiaoman.

"Even if you don't read the content, at least read the comments. There are thousands of them."

Lu Xiaoman did not take the phone, but instead gestured to Chen Xiangbei to take a closer look.

"The clickbait headlines and the Chinese driver, I know what the comments are about without even reading them, I'd better not make things worse for myself."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile. After all, he had experienced the Internet environment more than ten years later. Didn't he have any idea of ​​what he could say in the comments?

"It's not that exaggerated. In fact, there are quite a lot of encouragement. There are also many messages from fellow Chinese people cheering for them. You will see it after you take a look."

Hearing this, Chen Xiangbei slid the screen and dragged it to the message area below.

[Come on, Chen Xiangbei, the first Chinese Formula Renault champion!]

[Driver Bei, don't worry about the foreigners' complaints, we support you! ]

[Wow, I finally saw a Chinese driver win the championship. It felt like a dream.]

Chen Xiangbei, I look forward to seeing you make history again.

[Bei, your performance on the track conquered me. Chinese drivers also have talent!]

Looking at these encouraging messages, Chen Xiangbei suddenly felt a mixture of emotions in his heart.

With the preparation for "hype" and the result of winning the championship, I am no longer that unknown scrap, at least I have gained some fame in online communication.

"Well, I wasn't kidding you, I actually have quite a lot of supporters."

"I guess I'll be able to see your fans at the next race at Donington Park."

Lu Xiaoman smiled and joked that the value and influence of a champion are enormous, even if it is just a Formula Renault champion.

In addition, we have to admit that Odetto and Sky Sports had a perfect cooperation by accident, otherwise Chen Xiangbei's popularity would not have been so high.

"good."

Chen Xiangbei smiled and returned the phone.

At this moment, a whistle sounded from the direction of the bar. A fat white man with a beard was winking at Chen Xiangbei and Lu Xiaoman.

"Sister Xiaoman, it seems you have as many fans as I do."

Chen Xiangbei joked that dozens of Mewtwo drivers came to the bar today.

If anyone is so foolish as to come and harass me, I will make sure he sees why the flowers are so red!

“Not necessarily.”

At this time, a playful smile appeared on Lu Xiaoman's face.

It seemed as if this smile encouraged the fat white man, and he walked towards the booth with a glass of wine in hand.

Ayong was young and had never been to a bar before, so he sat next to Chen Xiangbei and saw the whole process.

Seeing that some white people dared to take action, he asked Chen Xiangbei on the spot: "Brother Bei, do you want me to kill him?"

Ayong is over 1.8 meters tall and has been repairing cars and doing fitness for many years. His physique is as strong as an ox. Even Chen Xiangbei has to admit defeat. He can knock down this white man with just one punch.

"Ayong, don't be so impulsive. In a society ruled by law, the right must prevail."

Chen Xiangbei gave a warning. Half of the bar were his own people, and they were not thinking about teaching them a lesson, but were afraid that they would not be able to stop if they started fighting.

"Okay, Brother Bei."

Ayong nodded, but his hand unknowingly touched a wine bottle.

This white stranger came to the booth with a glass of wine in hand. However, the person he was chatting up wasn't Lu Xiaoman. Instead, he said to A Yong, "Boy, can we get to know each other?"

Upon hearing these words, everyone present was petrified and stared at the scene in amazement.

Chen Xiangbei was struck by lightning and was completely stunned.

He originally thought that the other party wanted to harass Lu Xiaoman, but he never expected that it was Ayong who was sitting next to him!

In the past, I only joked about "Fuguo" and "British gays" on the Internet. Who would have thought that I would meet them in real life.

"Haha~~~!"

At this time, Lu Xiaoman spat out a mouthful of wine and laughed coquettishly.

Especially when I saw Ayong’s face flushed red, he was holding a wine bottle and didn’t know what to do, and he was holding his stomach and almost couldn’t breathe.

As expected, a strong body can not only attract the attention of the opposite sex, but also attract the attention of the same sex.

Today, the "little friend" has learned a lot...

(End of this chapter)