Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 144 A Crazy Career Plan

Before arriving at the hotel, Staller had already given Odette his advice, which was that he believed that Chen Xiangbei's performance at the Grand Prix would be a complete waste of time if he were to drive the Formula Renault again.

It should be noted that Chen Xiangbei is not young. Even if he were to be promoted very quickly, one level per year, and enter the F1 team step by step, he would still be in his early twenties.

Although compared to his former title as an "older driver" in go-karting, Chen Xiangbei is now considered to be within the normal age range for Formula One drivers.

But for F1, the younger you are, the greater your potential!

In recent years, in particular, with the emergence of talented drivers such as Kimi Räikkönen, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel, the records for the youngest F1 driver have been broken one after another, and the overall age of drivers is trending towards younger ages.

If this trend continues unabated, underage F1 drivers may soon emerge!

"Staller, what are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing Odeto's words, Chen Xiangbei immediately pressed Staller for an answer.

To be honest, he himself didn't want to run Formula Reynolds anymore.

Just like the "excitement threshold" theory that Chen Xiangbei mentioned, when a driver has driven a better car and experienced faster speeds, it is very difficult for him to go back to driving a slower car.

Chen Xiangbei has already experienced F3 level racing, which has completely awakened all his driving memories from his previous life. Formula Renault, a "toy" for newcomers, won't bring him any speed or passion.

When the driver loses his passion for the car, it's time to end it!
“Bei could skip directly to F3. Currently, the FIA’s European Formula 3 league has only started one game, so he could definitely take advantage of the situation to participate.”

"Furthermore, as a support race for F1, the Formula 3 league will see a geometric increase in attention and exposure, and Beijing deserves a larger racing stage!"

Staller shared his thoughts, which were something he and Ross Brown had discussed long ago.

The reason Chen Xiangbei was sent to participate in the Grand Prix was to prepare him for skipping to F3.

The F3 league at that time was not yet unified and was filled with all sorts of messy secondary leagues, such as European F3, British F3, Italian F3, and even Asia had a Japanese F3.

However, the Formula 3 Euro Series championship is a merger of French and German Formula 3, and is currently the most orthodox tier league in the FIA.

Hamilton, Grosjean, Vettel, Kobayashi Kamui, and many other F1 drivers all came from the F3 European Series.

By 2012, it will be officially incorporated into the FIA's direct administration system, becoming what everyone knows as "F3".

Although the tiered league system was not fully formed in 09, the F3 European Series had already been added to the F1 Grand Prix weekend, becoming a support race in Europe, which greatly increased the exposure of the drivers.

Aside from the name not being changed to the simple "F3", its value and upgrade path are basically recognized, and it has a complete advanced upgrade path.

F3Euro - GP2 (F2) - F1.

"I'm OK."

Chen Xiangbei nodded without hesitation. The F3 racing calendar is very similar to the Renault calendar, with only eight to ten races a year, and the time is concentrated in the period when F1 is running the European Grand Prix.

They've only completed one leg of the race so far. Even if Chen Xiangbei leads his team to level up and needs another leg to finish, there are still seven to eight races left. Theoretically, they still have a high probability of winning the championship.

"Both the Super Dream team and the Brawn GP team were once part of the Honda camp. They can definitely enter F3 together through negotiation and provide technical and resource support to North. I think the conditions are ripe."

Staller contacted Odette to offer his advice because if Chen Xiangbei were to move up to F3, he would also need a team to rely on.

They can either join an existing F3 team or be promoted from the existing team.

Without a doubt, the members of the Super Dream team are the best choice right now.

The problem is that the Super Dream team has been downgraded to Formula Renault and is not yet ready to upgrade to F3 racing. They also need the approval of their Japanese headquarters, Akuri Suzuki.

Under normal circumstances, it is very difficult to achieve this quickly. It requires improvement of the entire team and system, and there are many practical problems to be faced.

For example, the source of technology, the allocation of members, and the investment of funds.

Fortunately, Aguri Suzuki was unwilling to be relegated and always harbored the dream of returning to the F1 paddock.

Chen Xiangbei's rapid promotion to F3 was exactly what he dreamed of.

In addition, Chen Xiangbei is a self-funded partner driver, so he does not need to be funded by Suzuki Akuri and there is no issue of budget being restricted by the team management.

In F3, excluding vehicle damage, the cost of maintaining the team's operations and training for each race would not exceed two million, which Chen Xiangbei could easily afford.

Of course, if we're talking about car crashes, that's a bottomless pit, and we'll fall into a cycle of "conservatism" and "caution."

Finally, the issue of the source of the technology, which should have been the most difficult to solve, was handled quite easily by Chen Xiangbei.

Honda has never lacked technology, only good management!
Before Chen Xiangbei could reply, Odeto shook his head and said, "The conditions for upgrading to F3 are indeed very ripe."

"However, since Bei has won the Grand Prix, his career goals should be more ambitious, aiming for higher-level Formula racing!"

Upon hearing Odtor's words, Staller retorted, "You mean running GP2?"

Although Staller didn't have much of a personal relationship with Odette, he was fairly familiar with the former Ferrari member's style, which had always been characterized by a penchant for aggressive and adventurous behavior.

Staller felt that it would be very risky for Chen Xiangbei to jump directly to GP2.

"NO, NO, NO."

Odeto shook his head repeatedly.

Then he said, "I think Bei should go into Formula 1."

[F1?]

Upon hearing Odeto's reply, not only was Staller stunned with surprise.

Even Chen Xiangbei, who was already very familiar with the old man, was speechless at this moment.

We're discussing how to skip a grade, not how to dream.

Chen Xiangbei never even dared to dream of jumping straight into F1...

Kimi Räikkönen, the super genius who made history with his "three consecutive jumps," at least won the Formula Reynolds championship.

With only two race wins and no top-tier financial backing or local residency status, which team would sign him to a formal driver contract?
Even if Stahler had this crazy idea, he was just one of the investors in the Brawn GP team, and there was also the team's board of directors above him.

Convincing the management to sign Chen Xiangbei as a test driver was already the limit of Stahler's capabilities; becoming a formal driver was absolutely out of the question!

Even his partner Ross Brown will not support Staller this time.

"Odetto, you're not kidding, are you?"

Chen Xiangbei asked, half-laughing and half-crying, "Could it be that all racing professionals from Italy have a bit of a circus-like sense of humor?"

Would I joke about something like this?

Odeto remained expressionless. The topics discussed today would determine the course of Chen Xiangbei's career, so how could he possibly joke about it?

"Bei used the Grand Prix championship to prove that he has the strength to stand at the top of Formula 3. Going to race in the European F3 would be as meaningless as going to race in Formula Renault."

"GP2 is a preparatory stage for F1, and the driving logic of the two is no longer fundamentally different. Truly talented drivers won't waste time racing in GP2; they'd rather jump straight into F1!"

What many people don't know is that although the F3-F2-F1 advancement path was established long ago, it was completely fixed by the FIA ​​(Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) because of the "bug" that Verstappen created.

It's worth noting that there was a period in the 1990s when many drivers didn't even participate in F3000 (the predecessor to F2) racing, and there was a consensus that participating in F3000 was a sign of a lack of talent.

A true racing genius should jump directly from F3 to F1!

This situation persisted until the GP2 series was established in 05, which curbed the trend of skipping levels, turning it from a common phenomenon into a special case.

However, it is still common for F3 drivers to jump to F1, including mid-generation drivers such as Vettel, Bottas, Ocon, and Stroll, who have never raced in any F2 series.

Even players like Verstappen and Sainz, who had never won an F3 championship, successfully skipped a level to enter F1.

Verstappen didn't win the F3 championship not because he lacked ability, but because his talent was terrifyingly excessive and he skipped too many levels.

Verstappen officially transitioned from go-karting to Formula Renault in 14, which should have taken him about a year to complete.

After a few races, the old turret discovered that his son's adaptability was too abnormal. Track records were like paper in front of him. There was no need for qualifying or the main race. He directly crushed all kinds of records in the trial race.

With that kind of ability, why bother with Formula Renault? The old gunner immediately used his connections to "jump in" halfway through, finding an unknown small team and letting Verstappen participate in F3.

The resources and setup level of smaller teams are surprisingly different from those of larger teams, especially the elite Prema team, whose cars are like "Martian rovers" in F3.

Verstappen, driving a Sauber-level F3 car, single-handedly defeated Red Bull-level opponents in the rain, lapping them more than a second faster!
With such alien-like speed, F3 no longer needed to run and joined Toro Rosso the following year.

Verstappen was not yet eighteen years old that year.

The FIA ​​felt that minors running into the F1 paddock had a negative impact, so the Super License Points system was created to close this loophole.

Those who do not achieve a score of 40 in lower-level formula driving are not allowed to apply for a super license unless they receive special approval from the FIA.

In order to accumulate enough points for a super license, talented drivers had to level up slowly along a set route, and skipping levels became a thing of the past.

Odette, a veteran from the 1990s, is still influenced by the ideas of that era. He doesn't see anything wrong with Chen Xiangbei skipping F1; what the hell would a talented driver go and race in GP2!
Chen Xiangbei didn't experience that era, and he still thinks jumping to F1 is outrageous.

After hearing Odette's explanation, Kstaler realized what was going on.

Indeed, instead of wasting time running GP2, it's better to just jump straight into F1!

“Odeto, I understand what you mean, but it will be difficult to achieve.”

"He doesn't have enough capital to gain the trust of F1 teams."

Staller replied seriously, "The only 'predecessors' in history to achieve such a crazy leap in grades."

Either they come from a racing family with connections, or they have super sponsors behind them, and the last one is someone with exceptional talent like Kimi Räikkönen.

Chen Xiangbei has shown considerable talent, but he can't overcome the stereotypes brought about by his identity as a Chinese driver. If he wants to gain recognition in the European motorsport circle, he will have to deliver an even more extraordinary performance.

Two Renault Grand Prix wins and one Grand Prix F3 win are not enough.

"It's okay. Let Bei use his role as a test driver to test last year's old F1 car, use his test lap times to prove his ability, and at the same time accumulate the requirements for applying for a 300-kilometer super license."

"Then find an opportunity to play in an F3 race, make a name for yourself in the support race, and gain enough exposure and popularity."

"Finally, it's about finding a big sponsor to get in and using capital to get North into F1!" Odette has worked in the Formula One paddock his whole life, and he knows the process and methods of joining an F1 team like the back of his hand.

He directly stated his feasible plan, and if everything went smoothly, there was at least a 90% chance of skipping a grade!

【crazy】

The word popped into Stanner's mind, even though he had experienced the "1990s"

The "skipping grades" trend still shocked people with Odette's proposal.

"Odetto, don't you think you're being a little too idealistic?"

Staller subtly raised his concerns, pointing out that none of Odeto's three requirements were easy to meet.

What aspect of idealism?

"Putting aside the funding issue, what standards do the car test results need to meet to prove North's strength to all the F1 teams?"

"The standard for top-tier F1 drivers."

"How can Bei, a newcomer, meet the standards of an advanced F1 driver when testing an old car?"

"Why should someone skip a grade if they can't meet the requirements?"

The argument between the two came to an abrupt end with Odeto's question.

The logic seems correct. Chen Xiangbei was aiming to skip to F1. If he couldn't meet the standard, why would an F1 team sign him?
"Bei, what are your thoughts?"

Staller said no more and left the choice to Chen Xiangbei.

"I want to try."

Without much thought or hesitation, Chen Xiangbei gave his answer.

He had recovered from the shock. Regardless of how radical Odette's idea was, there was indeed no such thing as skipping from Renault to F2 in F1 history.

Either don't jump at all, or jump to the very top of F1.

Furthermore, the difficulty of skipping levels in that era was far less exaggerated than in later years, and F1 teams were very accepting of newcomers who skipped levels.

Ten years from now, nearly half of the current F1 drivers in their middle generation will have had the experience of skipping F3, which leads to this conclusion.

Furthermore, conducting racing tests earlier will greatly help Chen Xiangbei become familiar with F1 driving and handling. His current achievements are largely based on his previous life's experience, and he is completely new to the world of Formula One.

Even if he chooses the conservative approach of winning the F3 championship and then skipping a level, relying on the short winter testing period to improve his proficiency, Chen Xiangbei is worried that there won't be enough time, which will affect his debut in F1.

It's important to understand that first impressions often determine how others perceive you.

Scoring points in your debut versus finishing last in your debut can have drastically different effects on the trajectory of your career!

"OK, then it's decided."

Odette nodded, then said to Staller, "You go and settle things with the Brawn GP team. I'll convince the management of the Super Dream team to go back to Europe and head straight to Brawn GP headquarters to begin F1 professional training in the North!"

To be honest, even without the skipping of grades, Odeto had long had the idea of ​​having Chen Xiangbei "move to another place".

The reason is simple: Mewtwo Base has absolutely nothing!

Despite claiming to have been relegated from the F1 paddock, it's essentially an empty shell, not even as good as many small F3 teams in Europe.

At least other racing teams have a racing simulator.

Chen Xiangbei deserves better equipment and conditions to fully showcase his racing talent, and the Super Dream Racing Team clearly cannot meet this requirement.

"Yeah, I'll take care of it."

Staller nodded. Now that the decision had been made, they would carry it out with all their might.

Having devised this seemingly insane career plan, Odeto, as the team leader, called the crew members to the conference room and announced the news to them.

Just like what Chen Xiangbei had heard earlier, Liang Chi and the others were dumbfounded when they heard it. They hadn't fully processed the joy of winning the Grand Prix yet, and felt like they were in a dream.

Now Oddotor says Chen Xiangbei is going to enter F1?
Given Odette's personality, he naturally wouldn't offer much explanation. After making the announcement, he left the meeting room, leaving the crew members completely bewildered.

Everyone could only turn their gaze to Chen Xiangbei, hoping to hear the reason from him.

"Well... it's hard for me to explain to you. Anyway, after returning to Europe, I will go directly to the Brawn GP team for F1 professional training."

After saying that, Chen Xiangbei followed suit and left the meeting room.

Indeed, the reasons behind skipping grades are complex and cannot be explained in a few words. Chen Xiangbei himself needs some time to process it, and he can only elaborate on it later.

……

The next morning, when the crew members met at the restaurant, almost everyone had dark circles under their eyes.

Whether it was the excitement of winning the Grand Prix F3 championship or the shock of Chen Xiangbei's foray into F1, everyone found it hard to fall asleep.

I finally fell asleep in the middle of the night, but before dawn, there was a commotion outside the hotel window, which woke me up and forced me to get up early.

As for the source of this uproar, it's because Chen Xiangbei has become incredibly popular!

Last night, CCTV took advantage of Chen Xiangbei winning the championship to broadcast a previous interview with him.

The combined popularity of the championship and the influence of CCTV undoubtedly made Chen Xiangbei famous.

Meanwhile, local media on Hong Kong Island also reported on the Grand Prix, with Macau Island using an exaggerated headline that broke the "monopoly," emphasizing that Chen Xiangbei is the first Chinese champion driver in the more than 50-year history of the Grand Prix!
Car enthusiasts, fans, supporters, and others flocked to the hotel where Chen Xiangbei was staying, hoping to catch a glimpse of him or get his autograph.

In addition, Chen Xiangbei's handsome appearance, which is comparable to that of Edison Chen, has made him more than just a race car driver; he's practically a celebrity!
"Brother Bei, is this what they call idol worship?"

Looking out the window at the fan banners and Chen Xiangbei's photo, A Yong asked, yawning repeatedly.

"more or less."

Chen Xiangbei replied helplessly that he had thought he would become a sports star one day, but he never thought it would happen so soon.

It can only be said that I underestimated the influence of CCTV.

"Brother Bei, what do you think? How about you hold a fan meeting or something?"

"Convene your nonsense! I don't even have time to pick up girls, let alone have time to deal with fandom stuff?"

Chen Xiangbei was utterly speechless at A Yong's thought process.

"Brother Bei, what is the fan circle? You have so many new terms."

A Yong was completely oblivious to Chen Xiangbei's disdain; he only found the adjective that came out to be peculiar.

Just as Chen Xiangbei was wondering how to explain, Lu Xiaoman walked in from outside.

"Hey north, Mr. Peng from Jiuli Sports is here. He brought a formal sponsorship contract."

When Chen Xiangbei was in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, he only reached a verbal agreement with Peng Sheng of Jiuli Sports, and the two parties did not have time to sign a formal contract.

Although there is no possibility of breach of contract, the necessary procedures still need to be followed.

"Okay, I'll go over now."

After responding, Chen Xiangbei followed Lu Xiaoman to the hotel conference room.

"Head North, belated congratulations on winning the Grand Prix."

Peng Sheng was in high spirits; the better Chen Xiangbei performed, the higher the returns from this contract would be.

I knew I hadn't misjudged him. The boy I first met in Donghai has now become China's number one race car driver!
"Mr. Peng, thank you."

After exchanging a few polite words, Peng Sheng handed the contract to Chen Xiangbei.

"Heading north, just as I once said, your value far exceeds your own perception."

"This contract is just the beginning; there will be deeper cooperation in the future."

Peng Sheng reiterated this statement, saying that, in a sense, the profound meaning behind the CCTV special report broadcast last night is gradually being realized.

The national propaganda machine has been activated, and the better Chen Xiangbei performs in professional competitions, the more exaggerated his popularity will become in China.

The fans waiting outside the hotel right now are the best proof of that.

Chen Xiangbei smiled but didn't reply. He glanced at the contract in his hand, and seeing no problems, he signed his name.

"President Peng, I look forward to deeper cooperation."

Last night, the plan to enter F1 was finalized. Of the three requirements put forward by the Odette proposal, Chen Xiangbei can achieve the first two on his own.

Only the third sponsorship is beyond Chen Xiangbei's capabilities.

Jiuli Sports is currently the only confirmed major sponsor, and a deeper level of cooperation is expected to follow soon.

After signing the sponsorship contract, Peng Sheng rushed to Hong Kong Island to handle the boxing match project.

Jiuli Sports has expanded rapidly, becoming the top sports operation company in China in just one year. Peng Sheng wishes he could split it in two and use it to his advantage.

If he hadn't signed Chen Xiangbei, he wouldn't have come in person at all.

Around noon, Odette and Staller received messages from the team, confirming that Chen Xiangbei had begun his professional F1 training.

Mewtwo was very easy to talk to, which was even a pleasant surprise for Aguri Suzuki.

As for Brown GP, ​​it's unclear how Staller convinced the board, but the result was that they were willing to give Chen Xiangbei an opportunity.

This means that from this moment on, Chen Xiangbei has embarked on his pre-F1 professional career!

(End of this chapter)