Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 184 The Focus of the New F1 Season
As the days passed, the eight-day F1 winter test at the Catalan circuit came to its final day.

The tests conducted during the entire winter testing period are extremely complex and tedious, including but not limited to tires, engines, fluids, and cooling systems.

Of course, the most important thing is the effect of the air kit.

This effect is not just about a single straight or curve; any dynamic adjustment of the vehicle, suspension layout tuning, and weight distribution of the race car will affect the aerodynamic effect.

The team's job is to consider all possibilities so that they have adequate contingency plans in case of any unexpected events during the race.

However, plans often change, and the coordination between engine output modes, torque curves, and aerodynamic components almost caused Bob Bell to lose all his hair.

Discovering the direction of car tuning is one thing; applying it fully is another.

Especially the TF110 race car, which wasn't even designed by Bob Bell himself, requires deciphering the genius ideas in the minds of Toyota designers, making it even more difficult!

At the same time, after so many years of testing, some drawbacks of the TF110 race car have gradually become apparent.

The problems of excessive tire wear and overheated brake discs have remained unresolved.

The impact of temperature is almost as significant as the difference in engine performance, and often even determines who wins the championship.

Take brake discs as an example. If the heat dissipation and ventilation are not good enough, the temperature can reach an astonishing 1200 degrees Celsius during a tire warm-up lap, which can cause a race car to stop on the starting grid and produce visible flames!
Another reason why McLaren was far ahead in the 25 season was that their entire braking system had an unusually low temperature, requiring almost no deliberate cooling.

To solve this mystery, the Red Bull team secretly used thermal imaging to scan the entire car when McLaren was pitting for tires and discovered that the brake discs were frighteningly cold, exceeding the effect of air cooling.

Red Bull then reported the matter to the FIA, suspecting that McLaren was using "water cooling".

However, after multiple rounds of inspections by the FIA, it was determined that the McLaren race car did not violate any regulations, but rather adopted a clever and compliant design.

As for what this design actually is, it belongs to McLaren's cutting-edge technology.

That's how Formula 1 racing works. Under the constraints of Formula rules, whichever team can develop cutting-edge technology that no other team has can achieve a groundbreaking "Mars rover" effect.

"Our aerodynamic shape still has flaws, and there is not enough airflow to guide the braking system for heat dissipation."

"The design philosophy of the TF110 directs more airflow to the diffuser, and the downforce can reach an astonishing five thousand pounds."

That's the nature of Formula One car design; it's very difficult to achieve complete perfection.

Choosing downforce and cornering speed sacrifices airflow through the brake ventilation ducts and chassis.

The problem is that these defects cannot be improved by simple tuning; a wind tunnel is needed to test new aerodynamic kits.

Unfortunately, the wind tunnel for the HRT fleet is still under construction, which has stalled improvements to some extent.

Briatore listened to Bob Bell's description without saying a word, his attention focused on the winter testing lap time leaderboard.

Red Bull's Vettel is currently far ahead, having improved his lap time to 1 minute 17.239 seconds in eight days of testing.

And there's no guarantee that the Red Bull team didn't "hide their pants."

Without a doubt, the Red Bull team's speed proves one thing: the same design concept combined with the exhaust diffuser indicates that the TF110 prototype is on the right track, it's just a matter of optimizing its aerodynamic shape.

With this foundation in place, improvement becomes much simpler.

However, Briatore also received intelligence that major teams such as Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari had already modified their mid-cycle upgrade kits in advance.

Given their financial strength and R&D speed, they might be able to successfully "copy" and use this cutting-edge exhaust diffuser technology in the opening game of the new season.

Just like the double diffuser used by the Brawn GP team last year, other teams followed suit during the race, almost costing them the championship.

With last year's experience, the speed of imitation will only be faster this time!

"Any good news?"

After a moment of silence, Huabu asked a question in return.

He doesn't understand R&D, so he should just listen and let it go. Listening too much would only put pressure on him.

"The good news is that our car tuning and matching are very good. Both the North and Trulli are providing the optimal solutions for various car conditions, while the engine performance output has been increased by ten horsepower."

"With a lap time that allows North or Trulli to push to their limits, I'm confident I can catch up to Red Bull's current pace!"

When Bob Bell said these words, a look of pride involuntarily appeared on his face.

A powerful racing car inevitably needs a good driver.

Trulli needs no introduction; he has already proven himself in lap times, defeating renowned drivers such as Alonso and Ralf Schumacher.

What surprised Bob Bell even more was Chen Xiangbei!

Throughout the seven-day winter testing, the Chinese rookie outperformed Trulli in both single lap time and average lap time.

Although the first and second drivers were forced to temporarily stop due to concerns about power unit reserves and engine lifespan, they did not push the test items much and basically followed the team's instructions.

However, the fact that Chen Xiangbei was able to outperform Trulli under the same conditions demonstrates his formidable strength.

If Bob Bell had previously harbored some doubts about Chen Xiangbei...

He now firmly believes that driver North will be the dark horse of the new season!
Hearing the design director's reply, Hua Bu glanced at the wall clock; there were only two hours left until the end of the winter testing.

"Odette, how's the car preparation going?"

Huabu turned around and asked a question.

"Optimal condition".

Without further ado, Odeto gave a direct affirmative answer.

It can only be said that the iron-fisted management has indeed been effective. In the past few days, under the threat of Huabu and the strict management of Odetto, the team of technicians, mainly composed of the original Super Aguri, has greatly improved in terms of teamwork and efficiency.

And they are even more rigorous and meticulous!
Nobody wants to be fired from the team, especially when there's hope.

The value of being a member of a championship team far exceeds that of Super Aguri, Campos, or Toyota.

Just like those who come from the Ferrari team, they are naturally more likely to be valued.

"North, go up and push it around once."

"My goal for this lap time is to finish in the top three during the winter test."

After seven days of patience, Briatore wanted to see the full potential of the TF110 race car.

"There's no need for that. It would expose our strength prematurely."

Bob Bell hesitated before offering a word of dissuasion.

Winter testing isn't about the fastest lap time, but rather the overall stability of the car. Many teams also deliberately conceal their true strength to avoid being noticed by rivals who might then imitate or target them.

Unless it's the kind of "Mars rover" that can't be hidden, like the Red Bull RB6.

Vettel probably wanted to keep a low profile, but his ability and the car he was driving wouldn't allow it.

"It's absolutely necessary; the North needs this exposure!"

The team members often inadvertently overlooked the fact that Chen Xiangbei had not yet obtained a super license.

Ross Brawn once said that Chen Xiangbei needed to demonstrate his speed during the winter testing period so that Jean Todt could more easily persuade the FIA ​​organizing committee.

Of course, Hua Bu also had something on his mind that he didn't say, and he also needed this exposure.

It's not for any other reason than to slap the face of FIA officials who kicked him when he was down, and journalists who mocked him.

So what if we leave Renault? I can still lead HRT to a triumphant return!
"clear."

Chen Xiangbei nodded; he understood what the floral fabric meant.

With the roar of the starter motor driving the engine, the TF110 race car once again drove out of the pit stop.

No one paid attention to Chen Xiangbei's appearance this time. His "amazing" results in the past have now faded into obscurity.

Each team has realized that improvements in engine performance, optimization of aerodynamic kits, the maturity of the KERS kinetic energy recovery system, and the removal of redundant safety equipment from the refueling system are all factors contributing to the success of the team.

This year's racing cars have undergone a qualitative change compared to last year!

The so-called pole position results have become completely meaningless. That once-glorious lap time of 1 minute 18.993 seconds has now fallen to outside the top fifteen.

Compared to the indifference of other team members, Trulli, who had previously disregarded Chen Xiangbei, now looked very serious, paying close attention to his new teammate's racing data.

During the eight days of winter testing together, Chen Xiangbei's speed, strength, professionalism, diligence and other qualities changed Trulli's "disdainful" attitude.

At the same time, Trulli was reluctant to admit that he felt the same pressure he had felt when facing Alonso in Chen Xiangbei!

His talent is undeniable, overflowing with passion for racing and a thirst for victory.

Furthermore, Chen Xiangbei has an advantage that surpasses Alonso's: his diligence and hard work are unparalleled in the paddock. He practically forgoes any private entertainment or relaxation time, and even after returning to the hotel each day after testing, he doesn't reduce the intensity of his training. He is truly a human racing machine.

In many other fields, hard work only determines the lower limit, while talent determines the upper limit.

F1 is different; it wants it all!
The reason is simple: the drivers who cross the threshold of the F1 paddock are all the world's top talents.

If you don't work hard, others will surpass you.
Even someone as talented as Kimi Räikkönen can quickly fall from his peak without sufficient self-discipline and high-intensity training.

A contrasting example is Hamilton, who was fortunate to be mentored by "Godfather" Ron Dennis, who was able to suppress the free-spirited nature of Black people and maintain the intensity of F1 driver training.

If talent and hard work combined still don't produce results, then there is no fairness in the world.

As Trulli predicted, after seven days of break-in and tuning of the car, coupled with Chen Xiangbei's more than 2,000 kilometers of test driving experience at the Catalan circuit, he had memorized the different lines for every corner of the track, as well as where the limits of the TF110 were.

And so the drivers on the track felt a black and orange race car speeding past them like lightning.

In particular, the extremely precise and smooth cornering lines bring a unique sense of speed and beauty.

"S1 time slot turns green!"

"S2 timed segment purple!"

Inside the HRT team's pit garage, Hiroki Sawano kept reporting Chen Xiangbei's lap times.

His voice trembled slightly, especially when the second timer flashed purple.

It's worth noting that although Brawn GP was the champion team last year, Red Bull also built a championship-contending car, and at one point the score was very close.

If it weren't for the early races that gave Brawn GP a huge advantage and slowed down other teams' progress in copying the double diffuser, Red Bull's Vettel might have won the F1 World Championship a year earlier!
The Red Bull team, which acquired Newey this year, is now considered a complete team.

Chen Xiangbei's ability to achieve a purple lap time in S2 means that his overall lap times are currently comparable to Vettel's.

If this trend continues, as long as Chen Xiangbei maintains his speed, he will not only be able to reach the top three in the floral fabric category, but also has a chance to challenge for first place!

Throughout the entire history of F1, very few rookie drivers have achieved the best result in winter testing.

Those who achieve this all become superstars in the motorsport world, at the very least achieving a brief period of glory like Ricciardo.

The HRT team crew members were all on edge, their eyes glued to the timer on the monitor screen, waiting for the final lap time results.

As the race car crossed the finish line, the ticking timer numbers stopped simultaneously.

With a time of 1 minute 17.379 seconds, Chen Xiangbei was less than 0.15 seconds slower than Vettel, ranking second in the drivers' winter test standings!
"NICE, Brother Bei is awesome!"

"Great run! North proved themselves!"

"Bei is the strongest newcomer of this year!"

The crew members instantly erupted in cheers and applause from the pit compartment.

"Xiang Beijun, 1 minute 17.379 seconds, you ran the second fastest lap in the winter test!"

Hiroki Sawano couldn't wait and informed Xiangbei Chen of his results through the team's voice system.

Sitting inside the race car, Chen Xiangbei wasn't as excited as he'd expected upon hearing the lap time. He muttered to himself, "Just second?"

Chen Xiangbei was well aware that winter testing was not the same as rookie testing. Official drivers were aiming for race results, and they would not perform at their best during testing, which meant that second place was not as valuable as one might imagine.

Only those who are far ahead in first place have any reference value.

Furthermore, Chen Xiangbei was well aware that he had used his best performance and speed in the previous lap, and his line of sight on many curves was already on the verge of going out of control.

If it weren't for the enhanced downforce from the exhaust diffuser, the RA108 race car I drove before would probably have lost control and gone off the track long ago.

In the end, none of this could surpass Vettel, who had been holding back his energy.

Although Chen Xiangbei knew that Vettel was very strong at the moment and was at the peak of his career, Red Bull was also one of the strongest cars in the 10 season.

However, he still couldn't help feeling a sense of loss, realizing that his own skills were probably still somewhat lacking compared to championship drivers, let alone legendary figures like Senna and Schumacher.

"Bei, stop pretending, second place will be here soon."

Briatore's voice came through the earpiece. He thought he had been showing off enough in the paddock, but he never expected that Chen Xiangbei, this Chinese kid, would be even more pretentious!
Does this guy think that getting second place in the winter test lap time is an easy achievement?

And to be honest, Chen Xiangbei's second place is equivalent to first place in the Weichang area.

After all, lap times depend not only on the driver but also on the car itself.

The opponent has acquired Newey's Red Bull. Does Chen Xiangbei really think that HRT, which has just integrated its R&D capabilities and hasn't even built a wind tunnel yet, can compare?
"I……"

Chen Xiangbei wanted to explain, but he swallowed the words.

Indeed, for a newcomer, my words sounded a bit pretentious.

He could only change the subject, asking, "Should I continue testing, or proceed to the station?"

"Tire changing drill at the station."

"receive."

The activity of the HRT convoy naturally affected the pit lane of the convoy next door.

They then realized that the lap time rankings had changed again, with the Chinese newcomer moving up to second place.

In an instant, many of the team's engineers wore expressions of disbelief.

On the last day of winter testing, can the Chinese rookie improve his lap time by more than 1 second?

If this isn't even his full strength, how fast can he run?

No one could answer this question, and Chen Xiangbei's speed also served as a warning to their respective teams.

That is the effect of the exhaust diffuser, which may have exceeded previous expectations. Even small teams like HRT, which benefit from Toyota's success, have achieved racing speeds that are comparable to or even surpass those of the "Big Three".

The 10 seasons in history represent the season with the most changes in the F1 points leaderboard.

A total of six drivers led in nine different races, keeping the suspense of the drivers' championship alive until the final race.

The emergence of Chen Xiangbei will spur the full rollout of this cutting-edge technology, exhaust gas diffusers, making the competition in the new season even more intense and brutal than in history.

There was no real "Mars rover"; the drivers had to fight their way through with sheer skill!
With the final pit stop and tire change practice, the eight-day F1 winter testing season has come to an end.

When the FIA ​​released the winter testing results, especially Chen Xiangbei's fastest lap, coupled with the hype from Hua Bu Da Zui, it immediately sparked a flurry of reports from some European media outlets.

The rise of Chinese drivers: HRT team's rookie ranks second in the North Lap Time.

"The game-changer in the F1 paddock: Chinese driver Bei is poised to become the dark horse of the new season!"

Briatore has made a high-profile announcement that driver Nürburgr will become the next Alonso or even Schumacher, and will lead the HRT team to the championship.

Can Bei, the driver who pioneered the legend of skipping grades, become the strongest rookie?

With reports from various media outlets and the spread of online public opinion, Chen Xiangbei instantly became a hot topic in the new F1 season, gaining almost all the attention from the outside world.

Following this, the FIA ​​announced that it would make an exception and grant Chen Xiangbei a super license.

When a newcomer achieves such an amazing test result, if the super license is still withheld, then the outside world will not question Chen Xiangbei, but the credibility of the entire FIA!

Chen Xiangbei didn't pay much attention to the outside world's commotion; he was used to being at the center of public opinion.

(End of this chapter)