Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 189 I'm Not a Soft Persimmon

To some extent, Briatore and Odette share the same views, or rather, the old Den, who has been in the paddock for decades, share the same understanding.

That is, I'm not afraid of being criticized, I'm afraid of being ignored.

In the parlance of today's fandom, even being infamous is still fame!

The difference between the two is that Odette passively chose to let Chen Xiangbei take the spotlight. He knew very well that a newcomer to Chinese racing would not be able to cross the threshold of F1 without attracting investment and sponsorship.

Take the super license as an example: nearly a hundred people meet the standard, while countless others do not.

Most of the time, however, there are only ten teams and twenty drivers in the F1 paddock.

Those drivers who can't cross the threshold either choose to switch to other races or sit in the pit lane watching the water dispenser.

While the majority of these drivers are indeed slightly less skilled, there are still many potential contenders who are qualified to compete with mid-to-lower tier F1 drivers. All they lack is the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of a race car and prove their abilities.

But this is an opportunity that you might never get in your lifetime!

Briatore's philosophy was completely different; he was purely interested in the financial rewards that fame brought him, and he didn't care at all whether the drivers could actually drive the race cars.

As for the consequences, that's none of his business.

This is why, after Chen Xiangbei achieved his goal of entering F1, Odette became much more cautious and no longer insisted on taking risks to try and win a chance to succeed.

The point is that he is well aware that sometimes the gains don't outweigh the losses.

As long as there are gains in the floral fabric, I don't care about losses.

If he really "loses" the race, he can replace the driver and still win.

Briatore was very satisfied with the strong response from the audience; this was exactly the effect he wanted.

"Is this something to congratulate me on?"

Chen Xiangbei asked a question that was both funny and exasperating.

"Of course, you became the focus of the entire event."

"Think about what the current situation is like for Petrov and Di Grassi, who were also newcomers?"

"Even Senna Jr. can't compare to the attention given to Chinese newcomers!"

Huabu was talking animatedly in the P room, very satisfied with his self-promotion tactics.

It's worth noting that his favorite rookie driver in the F1 paddock has always been Bruno Senna, the nephew of the Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna!

Of the four rookie drivers, Ayrton Senna, as a "second-generation star," was the undisputed focus of attention. Both inside and outside the paddock, everyone expected him to inherit his uncle's racing legend and carry the banner of South American racing.

As a result, the Chinese boy stole the show during the floral print event.

"Okay, that's pretty good."

Chen Xiangbei replied helplessly, wondering if he had gotten used to the Italian old rogue's methods, he felt that he wouldn't be surprised if Huabu did anything.

Or is this a different kind of PUA success?

"We can increase the speed now, let's begin the racing test!"

"receive."

After saying that, Briatore turned to Odette beside him and said, "The Chinese kid has good mental fortitude. He wasn't affected by off-field factors and can handle pressure."

Despite his antics, Chen Xiangbei's composure was something Briatore appreciated.

That's how he got here.

Odette replied calmly that as a pioneer of Chinese motorsports, Chen Xiangbei had suffered too many cold stares and ridicule.

Compared to that, it's nothing now.

"GOOD, I like this kind of driver!"

Hua Bu was very satisfied with this; he still had many tricks up his sleeve, even those that violated sportsmanship, that he hadn't used.

If the Chinese kid can withstand the pressure, the old rogue will finally let go.

“Manager Briatore, North is easy to talk to, but that doesn’t mean he’s easy to control.”

After all, the two sides were old rivals from the "Red vs. Blue" era, and Odeto knew Briatore's character fairly well.

This guy is someone who loves to push his luck and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

In contrast, Chen Xiangbei has his own bottom line to uphold.

At least the old "car crash" tactics are unlikely to be used against Chen Xiangbei.

“Odeto, it’s a win-win situation for both me and the North.”

Briatore replied with great confidence, knowing what the other person was implying.

It doesn't matter. Just like Schumacher and Alonso, their greatness in the world of motorsport won't be diminished by external opinions!
On the other side, Chen Xiangbei began testing the car and the track. He chose a relatively conservative driving style, and his lap time was consistently over 1 minute and 40 seconds, which was two to three seconds slower than other teams' veteran drivers.

Even among rookies and "semi-rookies," Chen Xiangbei is the slowest.

The so-called "semi-rookies" are drivers who joined the team midway through last year. They have driven a few F1 Grand Prix races but have never driven a full season and are also unfamiliar with the Bahrain Sakhir circuit.

Jamie Agursurari of Toro Rosso and Kamui Kobayashi of Sauber both belong to this type.

"With this kind of speed in a practice session, how dare this Chinese guy claim to be the next superstar driver?"

"With this level of skill, how do you even see Raikkonen's taillights?"

"Chinese rookie, go home already! F1 racing isn't for you!"

"Paid drivers can buy tickets, but they can't buy skill!"

Various sarcastic and mocking voices rang out one after another, and Chen Xiangbei's performance and speed on the track simply broke through the lower limit.

It seems that the so-called second place in the winter test was just a special arrangement by the HRT team to sacrifice engine life and create hype for the Chinese newcomer.

"Damn, that's a really harsh insult. Don't they know that practice lap times are meaningless?"

Hearing the insults coming from the stands opposite the repair shop, A-Yong, who was fixing the tires, couldn't help but feel a little angry.

The low-level formulas only mock strength; here, it's more about racial discrimination and national attacks.

If it were really Brother Bei's cooking, then so be it.

A mere one-time training session, I don't even know what to call it!

"Of course they know it's meaningless; it's just a way to show off their superiority."

Hiroki Sawano, standing to the side, retorted with a mocking expression, saying that such scenes had happened many times before among Japanese drivers.

More than a decade ago, Satoru Nakajima stood on the F1 podium under such pressure, breaking the racially discriminatory remarks that "Asians are not suitable to drive F1 cars" and becoming a national hero in Japan.

History often follows a spiraling cycle, and now it's Chen Xiangbei's turn to step forward and prove that Chinese drivers are equally worthy of standing in the F1 paddock.

"Hmph, I believe Brother Bei will definitely make sure they can't be so superior!"

Ah Yong spat out those words fiercely, his face filled with resentment.

"I believe too."

Hiroki Sawano smiled.

"And I."

"Me too."

The maintenance technicians who have followed Chen Xiangbei all the way gave the same firm answer.

Chen Xiangbei will definitely become that driver who subverts conventional wisdom!
"The high ground temperature caused the rear tires to wear out significantly, so a moderately low-profile approach was necessary to reduce rear downforce."

"The front wing uses a medium-angle design to ensure front wheel grip in high-speed cornering."

"The adjustable flaps deflect downwards to further increase top speed on the straight." "The brake duct angle is increased to utilize more cold air for cooling."

Chen Xiangbei kept providing feedback on the car's tuning, focusing primarily on cooling and temperature reduction.

The reason lies in the surface temperature of the Bahrain circuit, which can reach as high as 60°C in extreme cases. The surface of the slick tires is like melted ice cream, and it is easy for them to peel off quickly.

At the same time, the high temperature brings hot air, which greatly reduces the air cooling efficiency of the race car.

Whoever's tuning scheme can cool down the car will control the Bahrain circuit!
"Very good, stop for tire change and settings adjustment."

Odeto responded with a comment, then turned and gave the technicians instructions to prepare.

At the same time, Trulli also provided feedback on the car to the team's engineering team.

His tuning focus was on mechanical performance.

There are generally two categories of car tuning: aerodynamic and mechanical.

In terms of aerodynamics, the main methods used are to guide airflow and optimize the downforce performance of the race car by changing the angles of the tail wing, nose wing, and flaps.

Mechanical aspects include adjusting suspension stiffness, four-wheel alignment angles, brake cooling, and engine power output to enhance the mechanical performance of the race car.

Each sub-item within the two main categories will be modified based on track characteristics, weather conditions, and tire conditions. Drivers need to make repeated pit stops to provide feedback and adjustments in order to arrive at the optimal solution.

Furthermore, there is more than one optimal option. The choices made in the qualifying rounds and the main competition are completely different, which means that the same testing process has to be repeated twice!
It is difficult for a single driver to complete this task; it requires the close cooperation of two drivers from the same team.

Otherwise, we can only use untested tuning and gamble with our luck!
This is why the relationships between F1 teammates are so complex, filled with a love-hate dynamic.

They are comrades-in-arms who value teamwork, and enemies who compete with each other.

Especially when vying for a seat, one of them must "die".

"The front suspension is softened to absorb roadside vibrations while improving steering response."

"The rear suspension needs to be stiffened to enhance cornering traction and reduce overheating of the rear wheel contact area with the ground."

"The differential lock-up rate is 65% to 70%, reducing slippage."

"Adjust the front wheel camber angle to -3.5° to -4.0°."

Trulli also provided feedback in an orderly manner, which was immediately recorded by data engineers such as Mizutani Sho and others, and a matching adjustment plan was then implemented.

The entire HRT team was like a wound-up clock at this moment, with each crew and system operating with exquisite precision, and the two race cars constantly repeating the actions of entering and leaving the pits.

"Change the tire faster! 3.1 seconds is unacceptable!"

"Olél, make sure the jack is properly engaged, otherwise the race car will easily wobble when lifted."

"Tony, next time we'll go in for the anterior nose wing replacement drill."

In addition to being adjustable, F1 car aerodynamic kits sometimes use different parts, within the limits of the rules, the most common being the replacement of the front wing.

The "Big Three" level racing teams have enough funds to develop wind tunnels, and they will design different aerodynamic kits specifically for use based on the characteristics of the track.

For example, the Red Bull Racing team in later years would change the front wing for the Austrian and Barcelona Grand Prix.

However, the HRT team did not prepare two sets of nose wings for their changeover drills.

In minor collisions involving racing cars, the front wing is the most vulnerable component, bar none.

Conducting replacement drills is a way to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

The 90-minute training session passed quickly. Chen Xiangbei ate something simple and didn't have much time to rest before the second training session at 3 pm.

Compared to the morning, the temperature at the Bahrain Sakhir circuit is now much higher, reaching a "scorching" level.

The driver wore fireproof underwear underneath a thick fireproof racing suit, and a full-face helmet that was completely sealed off. Combined with the open cockpit of the F1 car, being in the high-temperature environment was practically like being on a teppanyaki grill.

In the past, the highest temperature track Chen Xiangbei faced was around 20 degrees Celsius, but now the air temperature has exceeded 30 degrees Celsius!
For this reason, the Bahrain Sakhir circuit was converted into a night circuit after 14 years. The high temperature during the day is not only a test for the cars, but also a challenge for the drivers.

"Bei, drink more water, and tell me if you feel unwell."

Taking advantage of the brief moment when the race car stopped at the pits, Lu Xiaoman used a water cup and a straw to feed Chen Xiangbei an energy drink.

In fact, F1 cars have built-in water systems, but they heat up very quickly due to the combined effects of weather and engine temperature, turning into hot water in just over ten minutes.

Unless they have no other choice during the race, drivers prefer to have their water dispensers outside.

"I'm OK."

Chen Xiangbei nodded in response, but his face was actually covered with a dense layer of sweat.

Similar high temperatures are not uncommon in F1 racing. The 23 Qatar Grand Prix turned into a major heatstroke event, with temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius even during the night race.

Several drivers were unable to withstand the high temperatures and withdrew from the race. Stroll, Sargent, and Albon were even sent directly to the medical center after the race.

However, practice matches have buffer rest periods and are far less intense than the main competition, so Chen Xiangbei felt that his condition was okay.

"Green light, prepare to exit the station."

As Odette's voice came through, Chen Xiangbei gestured to Lu Xiaoman, then lowered his helmet and visor and stepped on the gas to leave the station.

The first practice session mainly focused on finding the basic setup and tuning of the race car, while the second practice session simulated a long-distance test with heavy fuel load in the actual race.

Compared to the first practice session, the second practice session involves more laps on the track, and a variety of tires will be used as much as possible to collect data on the long-distance performance of the car under different tire compounds.

"North, we've covered the long distance enough, time to finish and head to the station."

Having obtained the desired track data, Odette gave Chen Xiangbei the order to stop driving.

No team actually completes the full 90-minute practice session, especially those that have undergone basic setup in the second practice session.

After running the vehicle for twenty laps under heavy load to obtain simulation data, the vehicle will be taken out of service for maintenance to avoid damaging the lifespan of the power unit.

"Odette, can I still push it for one lap on my old red tires?"

"You want to run a timed lap?"

Odeto and Chen Xiangbei had been partners for a year and had come to know each other's character very well.

This kid tested it quietly for a day, but couldn't resist wanting to speed it up.

"Well, is that okay?"

Chen Xiangbei tentatively asked, "There is no such thing as arbitrary behavior in F1."

"Pull over to change the tire."

Odeto gave a very straightforward answer: consider it as an early practice session.

Without any hesitation, Chen Xiangbei drove into the maintenance lane. All the team's technicians were already in place and immediately replaced the old red tires he had used in the first practice session with his own.

Although the tires are worn, they are not too bad, and I can try to push them for a timed lap.

This time, Chen Xiangbei, who came out of the station, no longer had that leisurely feeling. Instead, he had a sharp edge!
The moment the HRT race car crossed the starting line, its engine roared at full power, as if responding to the doubts and jeers of the audience.

After two rounds of tuning, the car has been adapted to the characteristics of the Bahrain circuit and Chen Xiangbei's driving style, and can be said to have undergone a complete transformation.

Even though Chen Xiangbei's split times weren't shown on the big screen, the audience could still sense the stark difference between Chen Xiangbei's performance and his previous test laps from his dramatically increased cornering speed.

"Wow, Chen Xiangbei is much faster than before."

"Is this the true strength of Chinese driver Bei?"

"What Chinese newbie? He's Bei, the new generation's racing god in China!"

"Haha, I've watched Chen Xiangbei's lower-level matches, he's about to unleash his full potential!"

The few Chen Xiangbei fans and Chinese spectators in the stands were already getting excited.

Chinese drivers are definitely not pushovers; with the setup complete, it's time for Chen Xiangbei to take on the challenge on the track!

(End of this chapter)