Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 258 The History Being Written

HRT has never been a team that hesitates. Now that Chen Xiangbei has made his decision, the team members will move forward firmly toward this goal.

The three tasks were carried out simultaneously: replacing the power unit, increasing the output power of the race engine, and reporting to the FIA.

In addition, when Chen Xiangbei was preparing for the race, an acquaintance came to the pit stop, namely his classmate Hoshino Yoshi from Honda.

The last time the two met was at the Guia Circuit in Australia, where Hoshino Yoshi brought Chen Xiangbei a "gift" from Nakajima Satoru, which helped him win the most prestigious Grand Prix in F3.

This time, Hoshino Yoshi was no longer able to help Chen Xiangbei. Even Nakajima Kazuki, who had taught him the secret techniques, was unable to stay in the F1 paddock and was dismissed early by Sir Williams.

Hoshino Yoshimi simply came to see Chen Xiangbei and his former coach, Sawano Hiroki.

Standing at the entrance of the HRT team's pit garage, looking at the densely packed crowd in the paddock, Hoshino Yoshi said with deep emotion, "Mukai-kun, you have fulfilled our promise and have reached the pinnacle of racing."

For motorsports, Formula 1 is indeed the pinnacle.

However, for Chen Xiangbei personally, the current achievements are not enough.

So he smiled and shook his head, saying, "I am simply standing before the throne."

Hoshino Yoshi understood what Chen Xiangbei was trying to say, and he countered with a question: "Then when will you be able to sit on the throne?"

"do not know."

"I think it's today."

Hoshino Yoshi looked up at the sky, thinking how wonderful it was to realize his childhood dream.

However, Chen Xiangbei still shook his head and said, "This is not my throne."

"You want the championship?"

"Yes, that's the real pinnacle!"

A hint of intoxication and dazedness appeared in Chen Xiangbei's eyes as he looked at a flag of a galloping horse waving in the distance.

If we're really talking about the pinnacle, perhaps only that man counts.

"Yes, only the world champion can be considered the new king sitting on the throne."

"Xiang Beijun, it seems I'll never catch up with you in this lifetime."

Hoshino Yoshi replied with a smile, showing neither frustration nor jealousy.

In fact, his career has progressed very well in the past year or so, and he has become the youngest driver to ever appear on the podium in the history of Japanese Super GT.

In a sense, this can be considered as reaching the pinnacle of Japanese touring car racing.

However, there is ultimately an insurmountable gap between touring cars and Formula One racing, not to mention that Chen Xiangbei is driving a world-class F1 car. The two may never be able to fulfill their promise from their youth to meet at the top.

"Not necessarily. Even if the starting point is low, can it be lower than that of your Japanese driver, Takuma Sato?"

Hearing Chen Xiangbei's words, Hoshino Yoshi smiled but did not reply. He knew that the other party was trying to comfort him.

Just then, Odette's voice came from behind.

"North, get ready for the pre-match press conference."

As the home racer, Chen Xiangbei naturally had to participate.

However, apart from its symbolic significance, this pre-match press conference was extremely boring for Chen Xiangbei.

The reason is that the main race of the East China Sea Grand Prix has high-ranking leaders present to watch the race and participate in the post-race awards ceremony. The questions asked by reporters are relatively formal and conservative, and the drivers also maintain a "harmonious" atmosphere, which limits Chen Xiangbei's "outrageous remarks".

But when Chen Xiangbei's image appeared on the track's big screen, it still sparked fierce cheers in the paddock. In fact, the home crowd of Chinese spectators didn't need any grand words; they only needed the presence of a Chinese driver.

Results are one thing, but often breaking through from zero is more meaningful!
After the interview, the usual parade of floats began. This time, Chen Xiangbei received special treatment: he rode alone in a convertible around the field.

The scene of the home driver parading alone is relatively rare in the F1 paddock, and it only happens when there is a special significance.

For example, the first pioneer like Chen Xiangbei.

Or perhaps Bruno Senna once drove his old racing car around the track in Brazil.

Later, Chinese cyclist Zhou Guanyu also enjoyed a separate float parade at the Donghai International Circuit, his home track 24 years later.

And after the race, he was given an exception and allowed to stop on the main track like the top three drivers to enjoy the cheers of the audience, which resulted in the photo of him crouching down and crying with his face covered.

One reason the FIA ​​is willing to make exceptions is to allow drivers to enjoy the glory of their home field.

On the other hand, it is also to expand into the Chinese market.

With a population of over a billion, there is endless potential. As the economy develops and cars cease to be production tools but become consumer goods, a car culture will naturally emerge, which is the foundation of racing culture.

It must be admitted that the American free media is truly adept at the commercial operation of sports.

As Chen Xiangbei drove onto the main track in a modified Huali convertible, the entire crowd chanted his name in a deafening roar.

"Chen Xiangbei~~! Chen Xiangbei~~! Chen Xiangbei~~!"

The shouts of two hundred thousand people could resound through the heavens, and nothing could stop them from penetrating.

"Old Li, I never thought that one day I would hear the whole stadium chanting the name of a Chinese driver at the Donghai International Circuit. It feels like a dream."

Upon witnessing this scene, commentator Sha Tong expressed her heartfelt feelings.

This happened so suddenly that many people in the Chinese motorsports industry were completely unprepared.

Without Chen Xiangbei's emergence, it remains to be seen whether a Chinese F1 driver will appear in the next decade!

“I used to only dream about it, but today it has become a reality.”

"I believe that hearing the cheers and shouts from the crowd, this moment will definitely be the proudest moment of Chen Xiangbei's career."

"Chen Xiangbei wrote history, and we witnessed history!"

Li Bing was equally moved, saying that the feeling of a dream coming true was truly exhilarating.

Not only the two commentators, but also the VIP viewers felt an indescribable excitement upon seeing this scene.

"Zhou Glasses, to be honest, I feel like crying. Xiang Bei not only became an F1 driver, but also the focus of the Donghai International Circuit. He did it!"

Hearing Wang Pangzi's slightly tearful words, Zhou Yanjing replied with reddened eyes, "Yes, he did it. We also need to work hard so that we can fight alongside him in the future, instead of being just spectators."

Following Chen Xiangbei's advice, Zhou Glasses is currently studying aerospace engineering, specifically active aerodynamics, in the UK.

Now that Chen Xiangbei has become the best driver, they must design the fastest race car, which is also the promise of the teenagers!
"Qin Lianjie, this is what racing is all about. What we did was just playing house."

In another viewing room, Cao An, the former captain of the Nanyunshan racing team, was sitting with Qin Lianjie, watching Chen Xiangbei waving to him from the convertible.

Street racing is ultimately just street racing; it's something that can't be brought to the forefront or seen in the light of day.

Only true professional drivers can stand in the sunlight, enjoy the cheers of the crowd, and use honor and dreams to motivate themselves to keep moving forward until they reach the highest peak!

"Yes, if I had to choose again, I probably wouldn't give up my career."

Qin Lianjie echoed, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He had watched Chen Xiangbei grow step by step from Nanyun Mountain to the Donghai International Circuit. He himself had once dreamed of becoming a professional racer, but ultimately compromised with his parents and family, just like many dreams that ended without fruition.

It's such a fortunate thing to be able to persevere and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Qin Lianjie doesn't envy Chen Xiangbei for becoming an F1 driver; he envies him even more for being himself!
"Keep it up, Chen Xiangbei."

All my words can be summed up in one simple "Keep it up!"

There was only one person who longed for peace: the mother, Zhao Yumei.

Like countless parents in traditional families, Zhao Yumei doesn't understand racing, let alone what F1 is.

But what makes her better than countless other parents is that even though she didn't understand, she ultimately respected her son's decision.

Now that her son has become the focus of attention, an idol and spiritual totem for countless people, and everyone is hoping that Chen Xiangbei can achieve good results and become the champion, Zhao Yumei only hopes that her son can live a peaceful and stable life.

After the brief parade ended, the originally celebratory and lively atmosphere was instantly replaced by the tension of the competition.

The FIA's pre-race announcement has been released. HRT's No. 13 car was penalized ten places back for changing its power unit after qualifying. Chen Xiangbei's actual position is now eleven, right behind Trulli.

The announcement immediately caused an uproar on the track.

Chinese car enthusiasts were naturally shocked, and then filled with disappointment and pessimism.

Many people know what starting at P11 means; Chen Xiangbei could almost be declared out of the championship race in advance.

What was supposed to be a pole position brimming with hope turned into despair in the moments leading up to the race; such a dramatic shift is indeed hard to accept.

A small number of other fans were extremely excited, as it meant that the F1 championship title would continue to be dominated by Europe, and Asian drivers had indeed not escaped the curse of fate; they would never win a race!

Inside the HRT team's pit garage, Chen Xiangbei was already wearing full protective gear and preparing to enter the car. Standing next to him were Trulli and third driver Perez, while Odette was holding a tactical board and making pre-race strategy arrangements.

"Turulli, after you start, I want you to change lanes immediately to slow down the car. Don't let the drivers behind you interfere with your entry into the North T1 corner, and more importantly, don't cause any unexpected crashes. Do you understand?"

T1 turn after the start is always the riskiest and most accident-prone corner in F1 racing.

Oddo is not worried that mid-to-lower-tier drivers will be able to overtake at the start, or even pass Chen Xiangbei at turn 1.

His only concern was the presence of a "torpedo" driver.

In particular, Force India driver Sutil is ranked 12th and Renault rookie Cotvale is ranked 13th. These two have a deep grudge against Chen Xiangbei, and it is hard to guarantee that they will not do anything irrational.

Chen Xiangbei was already far ahead from pole position, and these two couldn't threaten his start at all.

Now that they've joined forces with their old rivals in the midfield, Trulli has to step up and sacrifice himself to block the car, creating a favorable attacking environment for Chen Xiangbei.

Once the number one and number two drivers are determined, Trulli must prioritize the team's interests.

"Ah."

Trulli responded softly.

Trulli would have felt it was a disgrace to have been made Chen Xiangbei's second driver.

Time has passed, and now he acknowledges Chen Xiangbei's strength and character. He no longer feels anger and resentment, but rather a sense of psychological disappointment.

After all, every driver dreams of winning a championship.

Perez, who was standing nearby, had a very complicated expression on his face when he saw this.

This was Perez's first experience of the cruelty of F1 teams, where the number two driver has to give up all his achievements and dreams unless he shows absolute talent and strength.

He didn't want to become a victim, so he had to be faster and stronger than Chen Xiangbei!
"Bei, I only have one request for you, and that is that you must overtake Schumacher before the T1 corner."

"Once a train-like situation develops, even if you eventually overtake it, you will waste a lot of time and tires."

When Odette issued this second order, Perez wasn't the only one with a complicated expression.

The entire team looked at him with surprise; the team leader really dared to think that way.

If the outside world heard that he was going to start by overtaking Schumacher, they would probably think that Odeto had gone mad.

Schumacher has always been the one who overtakes others at the start; no one has ever dared to say they can overtake him at the start, let alone Chen Xiangbei, who is still a newcomer!
Even if he performs very well at Donghai's home stadium, such a demand is still excessive.

Perhaps sensing what the team members were thinking, Odeto offered a rare explanation.

"Schumacher was in poor form this race, but you still have a chance."

Odette, lacking the historical perspective of God, was naturally unaware of the effects of Schumacher's injuries.

However, having worked with Schumacher for many years at Ferrari, he was very aware of the King of Speed's fluctuating form. In the third qualifying session, he could clearly feel that Schumacher's handling, reaction, and racing line were all problematic.

Perhaps to put it another way, Schumacher ranked tenth in Q3 because there were only ten drivers in total.

If it were Q1, his performance in that state would have made it uncertain whether he could even advance.

Odeto was convinced that Schumacher had a problem, it was just a matter of size, and Chen Xiangbei had to seize this opportunity.

Otherwise, even if Schumacher is not in good form, as long as he gets into a racing rhythm, he can still use his rich experience to block Chen Xiangbei's overtaking route.

In the back-and-forth battle, Chen Xiangbei's hopes were slim.

"I will."

Chen Xiangbei had no objections and nodded in approval of Odette's tactics.

"Great, that's exactly the attitude I wanted!"

Odeto praised Chen Xiangbei, regardless of whether Chen was ignorant and fearless or simply a newborn calf unafraid of tigers.

Daring to take on challenges is the foundation for defeating the racing champion.

If you don't even have the courage to take on a challenge, it's like losing before you even start.

Just like the old saying goes, fear is the root of a lifetime of losses!

"OK, let's get ready to get on the bus. Let's get this first done before we discuss the next tactics."

Odette did not continue to devise tactics, as plans often cannot keep up with changes on the track.

The strategic deployment had already been arranged; tactically, eliminating Schumacher first was enough.

Just as Chen Xiangbei put on his helmet and sat in the racing car cockpit, and A Yong and the others were about to start the engine.

Odette approached the race car and, this time, spoke in a calm tone.

"Bei, don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Odette knew how much Chen Xiangbei valued the Chinese Grand Prix and how high his own starting standards were.

The Chinese boy is still a newcomer after all. Even if he doesn't show it, it's impossible for him not to feel pressure.

Chen Xiangbei did not respond to Odeto's rare words of comfort, but simply smiled at him.

Then, with a "snap," he pushed off his helmet visor, hiding his entire face in the darkness.

(End of this chapter)