Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 211 The Driver Who Considers Himself the Strongest
“Of course, I think there is nothing wrong with what Manager Briatore said.”

Without a second's hesitation, Chen Xiangbei gave an unwavering answer.

Chen Xiangbei didn't really like the style of the floral fabric. His "results-oriented" philosophy was full of self-interest and ruthlessness.

But as long as he remains an HRT driver and the HRT team manager, Chen Xiangbei and Hua Bu are a team.

Unity is one of the fundamental conditions for F1 teams to win.

When Chen Xiangbei said that, every member of the HRT crew watching the pre-race press conference at the maintenance station unconsciously smiled slightly.

In most cases in this world, there is no such thing as being able to please everyone.

Drivers who try to smooth things over are often looked down upon by both sides!
Hamilton is the best example of this. He is also a historic seven-time world champion driver, so why is his status and influence in the racing world far less than that of Schumacher, who "does anything" to win?
While skin color certainly plays a role, the more significant factor lies in his unpleasant early behavior.

In numerous automotive scandals, Hamilton has chosen to protect himself, seemingly safeguarding his own interests but actually damaging his reputation.

Although F1 is a commercial sport and is often filled with paddock politics and interests, drivers and fans at heart still prefer "pure" drivers.

Even if this "purity" doesn't entirely align with moral values, it's still far better than playing mind games.

Senna, Schumacher, and Verstappen are examples of this type of player.

They were "purely" in their pursuit of victory!
In contrast to the approval of the HRT team members, Rosberg's face was so gloomy it could drip water.

Chen Xiangbei's words were tantamount to openly mocking Rosberg as a "weakling." It was a disgrace for a veteran driver who had stood on the podium multiple times and won a race runner-up position to be "outclassed" in front of a rookie!

If Rosberg's previous accusations were more like the post-race banter and trash talk common in the F1 paddock, then...

Now the situation has completely changed, and the two will truly have a feud.

"North, do you agree with Briatore's assessment of Rosberg? Have you considered the consequences and impact?"

The reporter immediately followed up with a question.

In the past, Chen Xiangbei's various outrageous remarks never targeted any specific person. Media reporters knew in their hearts that he was just trying to grab some screen time and generate buzz.

This time the situation is completely different. Chen Xiangbei specifically named Rosberg, which will offend certain connections within the paddock, and even the German Mercedes Group!
What are the consequences?

Chen Xiangbei replied in a very calm tone.

Just kidding, HRT isn't Mercedes' customer fleet, so they don't need any resources or technical support from them. Why are they being so cowardly?

If Rosberg had been associated with the Toyota Group, he might actually have considered it.

Faced with Chen Xiangbei's question, the reporter was speechless for a moment. Was the Chinese boy really not understanding, or was he just pretending to be stupid?

Before the reporter could react, a familiar voice rang out from beside him.

"Mr. Chen Xiangbei, you still maintain your consistent self-confidence and arrogance."

Looking in the direction of the sound, Chen Xiangbei saw a familiar face: Hank, a reporter from Sky Sports.

I never expected that this old guy would follow me to the F1 paddock. Is he planning to dig a pit for me?

Just as Chen Xiangbei had predicted, Hank revealed a "wicked" smile as the two looked at each other, before immediately returning to a normal expression and asking a question.

"Based on media reports from a week ago, you were suspected of belittling Finnish driver Kimi Räikkönen, which led to a conflict with Kovalainen at the clubhouse."

"Can I assume that you consider yourself a strong driver and don't respect the other drivers?"

As expected of Hank...

Upon hearing this question, Chen Xiangbei's expression was filled with helplessness.

When it comes to stirring up trouble, few journalists can match the British elites, who are traditionally known for their ability to "stir things up."

The initial questions from reporters were limited to Rosberg's verbal sparring, but after Hank expanded the discussion, Kovalainen, Raikkonen, and even other drivers in the paddock were all dragged into the fray.

It's not right to admit it, and it's not right to deny it either.

Meanwhile, the 80,000 spectators in the stands also focused their attention on the broadcast screen.

A lot of shouting and whistling rang out. They wanted to see if this Chinese guy intended to provoke public anger and continue to be arrogant, or choose to back down.
Even the HRT team's pit crew members changed from relaxed to serious. If Chen Xiangbei didn't answer well, it would trigger a huge public opinion offensive, which might even extend beyond the paddock!
"Xiang Beijun, you should tone down your sharpness."

Hiroki Sawano murmured something.

Briatore's arrogance and provocation stem from his 20 years of experience in the paddock and his expertise in discovering two legendary drivers.

Even so, Florentino Perez was still sanctioned by the FIA ​​and almost received a lifetime ban from returning to the paddock.

Chen Xiangbei was just a first-year student; he didn't have the same level of talent as Briatore.

All the cameras in the media center were focused on Chen Xiangbei, and a faint smile appeared on his lips under the flashlight.

"I have never underestimated any opponent; on the contrary, I have great respect for the brave ones on the track."

As soon as Chen Xiangbei uttered this polite remark, the audience erupted in boos.

"Wasn't that Chinese kid so arrogant? Why is he chickening out now?"

"SHIT, you dare to say it but not admit it, what a coward."

"Driver Bei must have been so scared he peed his pants, haha."

It should be noted that Chen Xiangbei has always been known for his arrogant and boastful persona, and he never speaks politely or uses official jargon.

Now, facing criticism from other drivers and pressure from reporters, what words of respect for the brave should be uttered?

If things continue at this pace, will we end up talking about love and peace all the time?
While the reporters below the stage were still in a daze, Chen Xiangbei added another sentence.

"But Hank, you're right. I do consider myself a strong person."

"How strong?"

Hank immediately countered with a question.

"The strongest one!"

This time, Chen Xiangbei answered decisively, and his tone even exuded a sense of imposing force.

Absolute self-confidence is an essential mental quality for a top F1 driver.

Let alone Rosberg, Kovalainen, and Raikkonen, even if reporters asked Senna, Schumacher, and Alonso, Chen Xiangbei would give the same answer.

That means thinking you're the strongest!
"You dare call yourself the strongest?"

Kovalainen, who had been holding back his anger, finally couldn't contain himself after hearing this.

He lacked Rosberg's composure and emotional stability, and couldn't tolerate the Chinese kid's outrageous remarks.

"What? Not convinced?"

"You can talk after you can beat me!"

Compared to the arrogant image created by Odeto and Huabu in the past, today Chen Xiangbei will show the world what it means to truly show one's sharp edge.

So what if the drivers criticize me? So what if the audience mocks me? When have I ever been afraid of any of that?

Instead of trying to please the outside world and build a personal image, it's better to be a flamboyant and outspoken villain.

I love it when you guys can't stand me but can't do anything about it!

When Chen Xiangbei gave that answer, the audience erupted in an uproar.

The previously suppressed minority supporters, now inspired by Chen Xiangbei, also erupted in cheers and shouts. "Driver Bei remains tough; he's definitely not a coward!"

"Chen Xiangbei did a great job. Does a loser like you even deserve to talk to you?"

"Bei, I firmly believe that you will become the strongest driver!"

"Crush all rivals, Racing God Bei!"

In fact, it's not just Chinese car enthusiasts here, but also a considerable number of foreign car enthusiasts.

Chen Xiangbei's strength and personality are distinct, which in a sense is also a kind of personal charm.

Not everyone likes the kind of racer who whispers in the back; some people appreciate Chen Xiangbei's head-on confrontation.

Chen Xiangbei's performance and response at this moment greatly encouraged them; this was the arrogant Chinese newcomer they had always supported!

However, the tense atmosphere at the pre-race press conference didn't last long. Faced with the tense standoff between Chen Xiangbei and Kovalainen, the FIA ​​decisively sent staff to remove them from the press conference.

Otherwise, staging a real-life showdown in front of global journalists would generate a huge amount of negative public opinion.

Returning to the team's pit garage ahead of schedule, the team members displayed a variety of expressions.

Odette acted as if nothing had happened, his eyes fixed on the monitor screen, looking at the car's various warm-up data.

Hiroki Sawano and Sho Mizutani looked hesitant, as if they wanted to say something to Chen Xiangbei but didn't know how to put it into words.

As for Briatore, he walked over clapping his hands.

"Bei, you performed exceptionally well at the pre-race press conference, attracting the attention of all the cameras. This is the hallmark of a rising F1 star!"

"The spotlight that new stars receive is somewhat different from my situation, isn't it?"

Chen Xiangbei replied irritably, saying that he was more like someone who was gaining negative attention.

"What's the difference?"

Briatore shrugged and spread his hands as he added.

"Bei, remember this: the villains are the real protagonists in the hunting grounds!"

When Hua Bu said this, his expression was very serious and earnest.

He wasn't joking with Chen Xiangbei; in the F1 paddock, only villains can become the greatest drivers!
After the pre-race press conference, the teams entered the practice session preparation phase.

As for Chen Xiangbei, he was notified to go to the track anti-doping center for a urine test.

Many people are unaware that F1 drivers also undergo doping tests, as this seems counterintuitive.

Think about it: motorsports are a sport that requires a high level of concentration and involves a surge of adrenaline, with an average heart rate of 170 beats per minute or more, and in extreme cases, it can even exceed 200 beats per minute.

It could even be said that the effect of a large amount of adrenaline secretion has surpassed that of ordinary stimulants.

If someone were to take another dose of stimulant at this point, wouldn't it cause their blood vessels to burst?
In fact, F1 not only has doping tests, but they are also conducted quite frequently.

Verstappen, the Red Bull driver who came after him, is the driver who has undergone the most doping tests among the 20 drivers in the paddock.

They are often subjected to surprise urine tests during Friday practice matches, and sometimes blood tests are also required.

The main reason is that this guy often stays up late to participate in racing e-sports competitions. Even on the eve of the F1 Grand Prix, his record of participating in virtual racing in the middle of the night was discovered.

This led the F1 Anti-Doping Agency to question why he had such abundant energy.

Chen Xiangbei's pre-match draw was due to his overly "excited" behavior at the pre-match press conference, prompting the FIA ​​Anti-Doping Agency to investigate.

As the saying goes, the innocent will clear themselves, and Chen Xiangbei had no objection to this.

Emerging from the anti-doping testing room, there were only five minutes left before the start of the first practice match.

Chen Xiangbei quickly put on his helmet and got into the race car. At this moment, Hiroki Sawano squatted down next to him with a whiteboard and said, "Bei, air temperature 26 degrees, track temperature 21 degrees, relative humidity 3%, wind speed 4.3 meters per second."

"The wind speed is at a light breeze level, which currently has little impact on the racing. Just be careful of gusts of wind blowing from the lake."

"However, the humidity is a bit high. The radar image from the event center shows that there are cumulonimbus clouds in the northeast direction, with a 30% chance of rain."

Compared to previous track data, Hiroki Sawano emphasized air speed and wind speed this time, with these two factors being particularly important for the Albert Park circuit.

"clear."

Chen Xiangbei nodded.

"Ready to depart."

Hiroki Sawano said something to A-Yong behind him, and then pressed the starter motor.

With the deep roar of the F1 engine, the mechanics began reporting the data.

"The oil temperature is normal."

"The engine is functioning normally."

"The sensor connection is normal."

Once all the test data was collected, the digital pointer on the wall reached exactly 9:30.

Chen Xiangbei stepped on the gas, and the TF110 sped out of the garage and headed towards the maintenance lane. Having experienced an F1 Grand Prix, his mindset was now relatively more peaceful.

"North, the first lap will be for technical checks to verify the track conditions."

Odette's instructions came through the earpiece: this time, without data sharing with Trulli, Chen Xiangbei would have to handle all the racing tests independently.

In addition, a new upgrade kit was installed, but its actual effectiveness has not yet been verified. Oddo hopes that Chen Xiangbei will drive more conservatively.

“COPY.”

Actually, even without Odeto's emphasis, Chen Xiangbei had no intention of pushing forward in the first training session.

The Albert Park circuit was completely unfamiliar to him, and its narrowness and complex weather conditions meant that even if Senna were reborn, he wouldn't be able to test it aggressively, let alone a newcomer like Chen Xiangbei.

Of course, "conservative" is relative to F1 speed; it's impossible to drive as slowly as an old car on the road.

After entering the main track from the exit and completing the warm-up lap, Chen Xiangbei tentatively accelerated to keep the car at 200 km/h, and then proceeded according to his experience on the racing simulator.

An unexpected scene unfolded: at just the T1 corner, Chen Xiangbei sped, the rear of his car sliding ninety degrees and almost turning sideways.

Fortunately, the speed was not high, and Chen Xiangbei swerved the steering wheel in time to save the car, thus avoiding a collision with the guardrail on one side.

It's important to know that the HRT team has no spare parts. If either Chen Xiangbei or Trulli crashes, the one who does will have to retire from the race!
"Odette, is the car tuned for medium downforce?"

Chen Xiangbei immediately asked the team a question.

"That's right, with medium downforce tuning, isn't the tire temperature grip insufficient?"

As Odeto confirmed this, he also asked Chen Xiangbei a question in return.

In the past, when this happened, it was most likely because the tires had not reached their operating temperature.

However, given the current track temperature, theoretically one lap of warm-up tires should be enough, which is quite unbelievable.

"It's not that the tires don't have enough grip, it's that they don't have enough downforce."

"The style of the entire race car has completely changed. Before, it was understeer; now it's oversteer!"

(End of this chapter)