Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 167 Filling the Last Shortcoming

Although Renault is a French car company, its F1 headquarters has always been located in the Racing Valley in the UK.

Even during the "Black Gold Lotus" period when they collaborated with Lotus, and later when they returned and changed their name to Alpine, the location of their headquarters remained unchanged.

In some ways, Britain is a paradise for motorsports professionals, where communication and cooperation are very convenient, almost as easy as visiting a neighbor.

More importantly, the racing valley is not only the headquarters of eight F1 teams, but also a gathering place for four thousand automotive industry-related companies.

This is why, after receiving funding from Chinese sponsors, Carabant did not hesitate to buy the former Super Aguri Leyfield Technology Centre and move HRT headquarters from Spain to the UK.

Only in the racing valley of Oxfordshire can resources be used efficiently in the shortest amount of time to create the prototype of a strong team!

To use a more fashionable term, it's called the industrial agglomeration effect.

Upon receiving notification from Ross Brown, Chen Xiangbei drove to Renault headquarters without hesitation.

Briatore was also aware of Chen Xiangbei's arrival. To be honest, he was very curious about what kind of magic the Chinese kid possessed that could win Ross Brown's favor and full support.

As a former member of the Prancing Horse dynasty's iron triangle, Ross Brown's standards for rookies couldn't be too low. How could he possibly judge a mere Grand Prix and Spa-Francorchamps F3 championship?

Inside the office, Briatore was discussing matters with the current team manager, Buril.

The reason he came to the team headquarters today is that the appeal hearing for "Huabu" needs broader support.

Briatore has already rallied some FIA ​​committee members and former F1 management president Bernie Ecclestone to speak on his behalf, and the Renault F1 team, as one of the parties involved in the "crash scandal," is naturally an indispensable part of it.

With the support of these individuals or forces, and with proper guidance of public opinion, Briatore is 70-80% confident that he can overturn the FIA's lifetime ban!

Just as the two were discussing, a Renault employee walked into the office and asked a question.

"Mr. Briatore, a Chinese driver has come to the team headquarters to see you. Shall we bring him in now?"

The staff at Renault's racing division recognized Chen Xiangbei somewhat.

After all, during the F3 Spa Grand Prix, Brillier invited Chen Xiangbei to the Renault pit garage and discussed the matter of a third driver.

"Briatoli, do you have connections with the North?"

Upon hearing the staff member's words, Burrell asked a question with a look of surprise.

In theory, Briatore and Chen Xiangbei are completely unrelated people, so how could they know each other?

"Yes, Ross Brown recommended North, and HRT wants me to be the team manager."

"HRT fleet?"

This answer left Burrell even more confused.

HRT team has not yet held a press conference to officially announce that Chen Xiangbei has become a formal driver.

For outsiders, including Renault, they were unaware of Chen Xiangbei's relationship with the HRT team.

However, Ross Brown had already informed Briatore in advance.

"That's right, the HRT team has received funding from Chinese sponsors, and they have signed Bei Cheng as a full-time driver."

After saying that, Briatore countered, "Buriel, are you very familiar with the North?"

Since the "crash gate" incident, Briatore has not paid much attention to the Renault team or the various matters in the F1 paddock.

On the one hand, they focus their energy on appealing to the court.

On the other hand, Briatore just happened to have time to go on his honeymoon with his 20-year-old model wife.

This Italian playboy has never "wasted" his life.

“During the Belgian Grand Prix, I invited Bei to be the third driver for the Renault team.”

Oh~~!

Hearing this answer, Huabu became somewhat interested.

Burrell was once his subordinate, so his judgment couldn't be too bad.

The fact that he would favor a new Chinese talent shows that Bei truly has exceptional qualities.

"Are Chinese kids really that strong?"

"To be honest, they're very strong."

Burrell replied with mixed feelings.

Of the ten teams in the F1 paddock, none, except for Brawn GP, ​​knew Chen Xiangbei's strength and potential better than Renault.

Otherwise, Renault's team manager, Brill, as one of the "Big Three," would not have condescended to invite a Chinese rookie.

Unfortunately, Brill is not "Brill"; he lacks the decisiveness to make decisions about the official driver's seat, just like when he kicked out Jenson Button and signed Spanish rookie Alonso.

Brill could probably guess that the reason HRT team signed Chen Xiangbei was because they took advantage of the opportunity to rent Campos team's pit garage to obtain inside data about the Chinese rookie.

Gold always shines; the Renault team was able to spot Chen Xiangbei, and so can the HRT team.

"Strong?"

"That's getting interesting."

Briatore wore a playful smile. He was unafraid of difficulties and challenges, and he despised mediocrity even more!
"Brill, may I use your office? I need to speak with North."

"OK."

Burrell nodded, then got up to leave.

As he reached the door, he hesitated for a moment, then turned back and said, "Briatoli, I have a feeling you'll get along well with North."

"why?"

"Chinese lads are full of vigor and fearlessness."

After saying this, Burrell left the room.

He didn't know if Chen Xiangbei and Briatore were on the same wavelength, but he was very clear that the two of them shared the same goal.

That's the fervor and desire for the championship!

No sooner had Burrell left than Chen Xiangbei walked into the office.

Chen Xiangbei was no stranger to Briatore's image. This old rogue from the paddock was notorious, and with his signature long, flowing hair, it was hard not to remember him.

"Hello, Mr. Briatore, I am Chen Xiangbei, a driver from China."

After entering, Chen Xiangbei first introduced himself.

"HELLO, please have a seat."

Briatore lacked the seriousness and formality typical of a team's management; he simply waved casually at Chen Xiangbei.

As for "Huabu," he naturally despises rules and only values ​​practical benefits.

Based on his understanding from his previous life, and seeing the casual demeanor of the floral fabric, Chen Xiangbei didn't engage in any polite small talk. He was also not good at the hypocrisy of business negotiations.

He cut to the chase and said, "Mr. Briatore, I believe Team Manager Ross has already informed me of my purpose. The position of HRT team manager is currently vacant, and you are the most suitable candidate at present."

Chen Xiangbei's straightforwardness suited Briatore's tastes well; he also disliked beating around the bush.

"Bei, you should also know that I have been banned for life by the FIA."

"Why did you decide to invite me to be the HRT fleet manager?"

Briatore countered with a question, noting that his reputation and public image within the paddock had never been good.

This FIA ban has brought them a lot of criticism and backlash.

Many racing teams would rather avoid it to prevent negative public opinion from affecting sponsorship and advertising revenue.

Chen Xiangbei, this young Chinese man, took the initiative to invite her, which made "Huabu" a little curious.

"I believe the court will give you a fair judgment."

"What if not?"

"I will await this fair judgment."

Chen Xiangbei wore a smile and maintained an attitude of "eagerly seeking talent".

To be honest, I believe it was a fair judgment, and that the old rogue Huabu deserved to be banned.

But the paddock has its own rules, and history doesn't change easily.

As Ross Brown aptly put it, it's better to offer help in times of need than to add flowers to brocade.

Showing unwavering support at this time will win Briatore's favor.

Sure enough, when Chen Xiangbei said those words, coupled with his youthful and seemingly harmless face, he did reveal a rare sincerity.

Even a seasoned veteran like Briatore couldn't immediately discern the young man's true thoughts, and was instantly moved.

However, it's not that simple to attract "printed fabrics" just by talking.

"North, you've shown me your sincerity, but I need a championship team."

"Mr. Briatore, HRT is the next championship team!"

Chen Xiangbei gave a firm answer. Having finished his words of reason and emotion, it was time to move on to reasoning with him.

Without holding back, Chen Xiangbei fully informed Briatore of the changes in the HRT team and the potential performance of the TF110. With his years of experience in the paddock, Chen was certain that HRT was no longer the team fundamentally based on F3 principles.

HRT has now completely transformed into an F1 team, and a strong one at that!
Listening to Chen Xiangbei's description, Briatore remained calm on the surface, but was inwardly quite surprised.

To be honest, he never imagined that a third-rate fleet like HRT would undergo such a dramatic transformation in such a short time.

This is why Briatore didn't answer Carabant's call; he didn't even consider the HRT team worth the effort.

Even this contact with Chen Xiangbei was largely out of respect for Ross Brown, and also a form of exchange of benefits.

Briatore needs to work with the F1 team management to pressure the FIA ​​to overturn the ruling, otherwise he will not be able to return to the paddock.

Of course, no matter how surprised he was inside, Briatore remained calm and replied, "North, don't give me empty slogans. I need more practical conditions and benefits."

"What can you offer me if I join the HRT team?"

"Everything you need."

At this point, Chen Xiangbei paused for a moment.

Then he added, "And to give you an opportunity to prove your abilities and worth."

Chen Xiangbei can show his sincerity, but he cannot put himself and the team in a weak and humble position.

Cooperation should be based on equality between both parties, with each party getting what they need!

HRT definitely needs a strong leader to integrate various factions such as Campos, Super Aguri, Honda, and Toyota, until they are united as one.

Briatore, too, needs a team to accept him back into the paddock.

This once arrogant Italian rogue is definitely burning with anger, and he desperately wants to use his team's performance to slap the FIA ​​in the face again.

To prove his ability and to be an indispensable member of the F1 paddock!
Upon hearing Chen Xiangbei's words, Briatore understood why Buril had thought he could get along with the Chinese guy before he left.

Now it seems that it is indeed the case.

Beneath the humble exterior of the young man before me lies a rebellious spirit.

Briatore needs this kind of driver!

“Very good, Bei, you’ve convinced me.”

Having found something to his liking, Briatore stopped beating around the bush and directly stated his terms.

"I have no problem being the HRT manager, provided that I have absolute command over the team and that even the team's top management is not allowed to stop me."

"no problem."

Chen Xiangbei agreed without hesitation; he had already reached a consensus with Karabant on this matter.

"Secondly, the annual salary cannot be less than five million US dollars per year, and there must also be performance bonuses for leading the team."

"OK."

"Thirdly, before we get the results, I don't trust the theoretical speed of the TF110. We need a technical director to lead the team's R&D."

"Who?"

Chen Xiangbei countered with a question, something he hadn't discussed with Karabant.

"Bob Bell, and some members of the Renault team."

The Ferrari trio of Schumacher, Jean Todt, and Ross Brawn is widely known.

However, many people don't know that Renault also has a "iron triangle".

That was the Renault "iron triangle" formed by Alonso, Briatore, and technical director Bob Bell during the "red and blue battle" with Ferrari in 05 and 06!

Bob Bell, the technical director, is indeed not as well-known as Newey, Byrne, Tombasis, and others.

But the race cars he led the team to design were not bad.

During his tenure as technical director for Renault and Mercedes, Bob Bell spearheaded the development of four championship cars in 05, 06, 14, and 15, which would place him among the top figures in F1 history.

Following the Renault crash scandal, Bob Bell briefly served as interim team manager after Briatore's departure, until the arrival of the current team manager, Buril, at which point he chose to leave the paddock and is currently unemployed.

In addition, among Bob Bell's subordinates was a future renowned top design master named James Allison.

During his tenure as the technical director of the Mercedes team, he won five team championships and four driver championships.

The W11 car is even hailed as one of the most powerful F1 cars in history!

Of course, Allison wasn't as well-known then as he would later become; he had only held the position of aerodynamics director. Following the departure of Bob Bell and others, Renault's management promoted Allison to the position of deputy technical director.

"no problem."

Chen Xiangbei outwardly agreed without showing any emotion, but inwardly he was filled with ecstasy.

He never expected such a buy-one-get-one-free deal!
It's important to know that team managers most of the time need to lead their teams around the world to participate in races.

Even with Briatore's strong management skills, he still needs a technical director to oversee the development and upgrades of the car at the Liffield technical center.

Chen Xiangbei didn't have many good candidates before. Research and development is different from management. As the pinnacle of automotive technology on this planet, F1 is something that outsiders really can't interfere with at all.

Even as a time traveler, one can only be an observer.

Furthermore, with the TF110 prototype as a foundation, the need for racing car development is not so urgent, and the position of technical director can be left to HRT management to find one gradually.

Chen Xiangbei is just a driver; he can't be omniscient or omnipotent in many ways.

The technical director position was the last missing piece in the HRT team's puzzle, and the arrival of Bob Bell will fill that gap.

If previously only the power of "two Tian" was gathered, now the power of Renault must also be added.

If this lineup were to be acquired more than a decade or two from now, let alone $60 million, it might not even be possible to poach them all, let alone add a zero to that number.

It's worth noting that Cadillac's entry fee alone was a staggering $4.5 million over 26 years. Imagine the astronomical price they would have to pay to establish a research and development base and poach talent from Red Bull and Mercedes.

"Huabu" was of course unaware of Chen Xiangbei's thoughts. From his perspective, this Chinese boy had agreed to all his demands without any bargaining.

This sincerity is truly beyond words!
Even though he valued profit and was results-oriented to an extreme, he was still somewhat moved by the other party's sincerity.

At that moment, Briatore stood up, smiled, and extended his hand, saying, "North, you've convinced me."

“I will accept your invitation to serve as the HRT fleet manager.”

"Mr. Briatore, on behalf of the HRT team, I welcome you to the team!"

After offering his congratulations, Chen Xiangbei didn't hesitate for a moment and immediately called his boss, Carabant, instructing him to bring the contract to Renault headquarters as soon as possible to prevent any unexpected events or changes.

Chen Xiangbei greatly admired Hua Bu's abilities, but he had absolutely no confidence in the old rogue's character.

When Carabant, on the other end of the phone, heard Chen Xiangbei say that he had secured the floral fabric and even included a former Renault technical director as a bonus, he was so surprised that he almost dropped his phone.

At this moment, it's hard to say whether Chen Xiangbei was lucky or capable.

Carabant's acquisition of the Toyota and Honda team assets could also be explained as taking advantage of previous good relationships.

Briatore has absolutely no connection with Chen Xiangbei; he's a prominent figure in the hunting grounds who doesn't even answer his own calls.

Now, not only have they been persuaded by Chen Xiangbei, but they've also managed to poach Renault's technical resources.

Could it be that there really are God's favorites in this world?

Of course, despite the shock, Carabant drove over immediately.

He was also well aware of Huabu's capabilities. As the saying goes, "In times of chaos, harsh measures are necessary." With this strong-willed manager in place, the integration of various forces within the HRT team could be completed in the shortest possible time.

While Carabant was coordinating with Huabu, Chen Xiangbei received a call from Lu Xiaoman.

The organizers of the 09 ROC Nations Cup have released the race calendar and the list of participating drivers.

The race was scheduled for mid-November, which coincided with the end of the 09 F1 season and the start of winter testing for the new car, in order to make it easier for current F1 drivers to participate.

As for the lineup of participating drivers, it can no longer be described as "luxurious"; it would be more accurate to call it a battle of the gods.

The two drivers representing Germany are Michael Schumacher, the legendary driver, and Sebastian Vettel, the future four-time Red Bull champion.

The two drivers for the British team are Jenson Button, the current Brawn GP world champion, and Andy Priokes, who won the World Touring Car Championship three times from 05 to 07.

The two drivers from the British second team are Lewis Hamilton, the future seven-time Mercedes champion, and David Coulthard, the 01 F1 world runner-up.

The two drivers representing France are Sébastien Loeb, the undisputed WRC champion with nine titles.

And Yvan Muller, the 08 World Touring Car Championship winner.

……

If it weren't for the ROC National Cup, it would be impossible to imagine that all these names would participate in the same event.

As for the two drivers representing China, they are Chen Xiangbei and Han Han.

Chen Xiangbei needs little introduction, while Han Han was officially crowned the dual champion of circuit racing and rally racing in 09, becoming the first crossover champion driver in China.

"Head north, news has come from General Peng that the higher-ups expect a top-three finish in the National Cup."

"If we can get it, there will be a truly top-tier sponsorship, and the HRT team will not have to worry about funding for future upgrades."

During the phone call, Lu Xiaoman told her these last two sentences: "Stepping onto the podium is the national goal!"

(End of this chapter)