Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 269 Alonso risks his life without you

[Exceeded?]

These two words popped into the minds of countless people.

For the first dozen or so laps, Chen Xiangbei stayed behind Webber's car, resisting Rosberg's attacks, without showing any sign of overtaking, making people doubt whether he even had the ability.

The result was that when they remained silent, they made a stunning debut!
Chen Xiangbei's overtaking maneuver was smooth and effortless, as if it were done without lifting a finger.

Although Chen Xiangbei overtook Webber once at the Australian Grand Prix, the Red Bull car suffered an engine failure that time, emitting black smoke and dropping several positions, so it cannot be considered to be at its full potential.

This time, the Red Bull car performed flawlessly, and the qualifying results proved that Webber was in excellent condition.

But he was still no match for Chen Xiangbei!
"Is this Chen Xiangbei's true strength?"

"I used to think that home advantage was just a gimmick, but I never expected Chen Xiangbei to be so dominant!"

"We've already come in second place, are we really going to take the championship?"

"A 20-year-old Grand Prix winner, has he broken an F1 historical record?"

"That's right. According to the F1 algorithm, Vettel won the race at the age of 19 years and 11 months, while Chen Xiangbei won it a few months earlier!"

"I feel like I'm dreaming that the youngest Grand Prix winner in history will be a Chinese driver."

"So what will you experience today that means your dream has come true!"

The Chinese spectators in the stands were stunned. When the result far exceeded their expectations, it brought not jubilation, but rather disbelief.

It seems almost surreal that a country with no racing background or Formula One system would suddenly produce the youngest Grand Prix champion in F1 history.

"Brother Lei, I have a feeling that Brother Bei is really going to win the championship!"

Inside the HRT truck's parking garage, Ah Yong, watching the live broadcast from his seat, couldn't help but mutter something to himself.

But as soon as he said that, Lei interrupted him, saying, "There's still the strongest driver, Alonso, ahead of us. Don't open champagne at the halfway point and ruin your reputation."

Despite saying that, Lei's voice trembled slightly.

In fact, he also longed for this scene in his heart!

"Weber, what exactly happened?"

Red Bull team manager Horner, unable to contain his anger, asked a question.

To be honest, with Rosberg still putting pressure on him, he never thought Webber would be easily surpassed by Chen Xiangbei, otherwise he wouldn't have given the order to attack Alonso.

According to the team's plan, Webber would engage Alonso, Rosberg would wear down Chen Xiangbei's tires, and finally Vettel would catch up and "take them all down".

Under normal circumstances, this strategy is flawless. Red Bull has demonstrated the strength of the four newly emerging powerhouse teams, showing remarkable precision in its control of the track situation.

But even the wisest can make a mistake, and they overlooked Chen Xiangbei's involvement!
So far, without video analysis, Horner and the Red Bull strategy team have not figured out what exactly happened and how veteran Webber was so helpless.

"I……"

Weber instinctively wanted to offer a defense, but when the words reached his lips, he didn't know what to say.

Even he himself couldn't understand why Chen Xiangbei was able to overtake at the perfect crossover, and this route seemed to have never been seen before, as if this Chinese newcomer had discovered it.

The question is, is a newcomer, or even a newcomer who has never run the Donghai International Circuit before, and is using a simulator to discover the route?
Even if we can discover it, without real-world testing on a track, how can we be sure of success?

Luck?
If so, then his luck is incredible; even God is blessing him.

Perhaps Weber had another answer in his mind: it had nothing to do with luck.

Chen Xiangbei surpassed himself through his own hard work and ability!
Weber simply couldn't bring himself to say the answer, nor could he accept it.

Actually, Webber can be considered a late bloomer; he only started karting at the age of fifteen. In Australia, a country with a strong racing foundation and essentially a European/American racing system, this is almost equivalent to Takuma Sato starting karting at nineteen.

Webber was talented, but his age meant he was unlikely to be favored by teams. His career was very similar to Hulkenberg's, as he was a driver who drove bad cars all the way until he won his first Grand Prix after 130 races.

This record was later surpassed by Hulkenberg.

Unfortunately, just as he was getting the best race car of his life, he also got the best teammates of his career.

His name is Vettel.

In the 09 season, the veteran couldn't outrun the younger drivers, watching helplessly as Vettel broke F1 records for youngest driver and was established as the team's number one driver.

If Webber were to admit at this point that he was overtaken by Chen Xiangbei's superior strength, it's unimaginable how disappointed the Red Bull team's strategy group would be, and his career might even be over.

Hearing Weber's hesitant words through the earpiece, Horner knew that there was no point in pressing him further at this point.

He casually remarked, "Is there any way to overtake driver Bei?"

"I try my best."

"Forget it, let's block Rosberg and wait for Vettel to overtake us."

Horner did not ask Webber to carry out the pursuit, because when he said "I'll try" instead of "I can do it," it meant that Webber's confidence and momentum had waned.

Many times, drivers win races and defeat their opponents because of their indomitable spirit.

Without this momentum, even if your skills surpass those of your opponent, you will ultimately fail.

Moreover, at least on the Donghai International track, Weber did not perform better than Chen Xiangbei, so how could he overtake him?
It would be better to block Rosberg and put our hopes on Vettel.

As the team's number one driver, and enjoying all the benefits of resources and strategy, Vettel is the one who has to do it.

Otherwise, he wouldn't deserve all the treatment he has now!

Compared to Red Bull's shock, Mercedes felt more of a sense of regret.

Originally, when Brawn GP was sold to Daimler Group, Ross Brawn was doing so partly to gain revenue, and partly because he was well aware that as F1 developed, private and small teams would gradually lose their space to survive, and the future would be dominated by factory team battles.

However, judging from the current situation, this decision cannot be considered successful.

Both the contracted drivers and the Mercedes cars themselves are not as good as last year.

Objectively speaking, Rosberg did his best.

"Team leader, issue the order to keep Rosberg in position and finish the race if possible."

Test engineer Philt noticed Ross Brown's distracted state and offered a reminder.

Webber being overtaken proves one thing: Chen Xiangbei not only has a powerful car at the Donghai International Circuit, but also unimaginable speed.

People need to learn to accept reality, and the same applies to a racing team.

Rosberg is currently maintaining a top-five ranking, which is definitely a satisfactory result in F1. However, his previous battle with Chen Xiangbei has consumed too much tire life, and he must do everything he can to protect the tires and get through the last ten laps.

"Ah."

Ross Brawn nodded, then gave Rosberg instructions to maintain the tire position via the team's voice communication system.

After releasing the voice call button, he asked in a muttered voice, "Field, do you think North can win the Chinese Grand Prix?"

"The chances are very high."

"The overtaking maneuver at the T7 combination corner just now felt like the driving line of a top active driver, and I've never seen such a crossover line before."

"Bei Neng has succeeded once, but who can guarantee there won't be a second time?"

Without the conflict of interest between the teams, Fürth's answer was very rational.

"If Alonso can't stop him, then no one in the paddock can."

"Bei is truly shrouded in mystery."

Even though it has been more than a year since Ross Brawn became a test driver for Brawn GP, ​​Ross Brawn can still feel all sorts of surprises and delights in Chen Xiangbei.

The mystery surrounding this young Chinese man is simply inexplicable!

"The eleventh place has surged to second place. This momentum is even stronger than the rainy race in Australia. I'm afraid Alonso won't be able to stop it."

"I think the key to victory will be Vettel."

Field offered his analysis, noting that Alonso's prolonged battle with Webber resulted in more severe tire wear than Chen Xiangbei's. Furthermore, Ferrari's speed currently ranks third or fourth in the paddock, behind Red Bull, McLaren, and HRT.

The reason he was able to lead from the front row was entirely due to Alonso's personal ability; it would be difficult for other drivers to do so.

Just like Massa, who was also a Ferrari driver, he has now fallen far behind and disappeared from the scene.

The problem is that individual ability has its limits. At the level of top F1 drivers, the best they can do is have a 0.5-second advantage. It's impossible to achieve an exaggerated crushing victory of one or two seconds.

Even with a 0.5-second advantage, it couldn't stop the onslaught of Chen Xiangbei!
However, Vettel also fought his way up, and his momentum was in some ways no less than Chen Xiangbei's.

In addition, Red Bull's racing car has both performance and tire advantages, making it difficult for Chen Xiangbei to stop it.

The suspense now lies in how quickly Chen Xiangbei can overtake Alonso, and how long it will take Vettel to take the lead.

Nobody knows the answer; this may be the most suspenseful match of the 10 season so far.

Forty-eight laps, forty-nine laps, fifty laps...

According to Odette's estimate, Vettel did indeed move like a dragon, quickly overtaking Button and Rosberg within three laps.

Both drivers abandoned futile resistance and opted to prioritize securing a good position and avoiding a futile effort.

If Chen Xiangbei hadn't quickly overtaken Webber, Vettel would already be behind him.

However, whether or not Webber is in between is not very important. Red Bull's strategy will inevitably lead him to hand over the position to Vettel, at which point Chen Xiangbei will face a direct attack.

With Alonso ahead and Vettel behind, the two best-performing drivers around 2010, Chen Xiangbei was sandwiched in the middle.

Can this young Chinese man create another miracle that surpasses Webber's?
"The podium position is perhaps the limit of the North."

Sir Williams shook his head. There was a significant gap between Webber and Alonso. Chen Xiangbei couldn't surpass Alonso and would soon be overtaken by Vettel.

Third place is Chen Xiangbei's final ranking on his home track.

"Sir Williams, if North can stop Hamilton's attack, then he can stop Vettel's attack!"

Standing to the side, Emily listened to Sir Williams's judgment and responded with a disgruntled remark.

Sir Williams responded with a smile to this stubbornness from a young girl.

"I'm not saying that Bei isn't capable enough; he has already exceeded expectations."

"But the competition is not that simple; it is a comprehensive game involving all aspects."

Emily did not respond to this answer.

In fact, she has now transitioned from a youth trainee to a professional driver, so how could she not understand such a simple truth? She's just being stubborn.

It's simply too difficult for one person to challenge all four racing teams!
"North, T12 Anting Bend, overtake Alonso."

Just when everyone thought it was impossible, Briatore's voice came through Chen Xiangbei's earphones.

Throughout the matches, Hua Bu never gave Chen Xiangbei any technical instructions, and Chen Xiangbei was even unwilling to come to the outdoor command post so he could enjoy the air conditioning.

It was the pleasant climate of late spring and early summer in the East China Sea that allowed Huabu to sit outdoors and watch the game.

This time, however, he directly designated a bend, allowing Chen Xiangbei to overtake Alonso.

"what?"

Chen Xiangbei subconsciously replied, not because he hadn't heard clearly, but because he thought the old Italian rogue was joking.

Without any skill or plan, just saying "overtake at Anting Bend on T12" is just ridiculous.
If overtaking could be accomplished through team instructions, then there would be no need for races.

"T12 Anting Bend is a high-speed circular bend. Under the action of huge lateral centrifugal force, the requirements for tire grip are very high."

“Alonso has been subjected to repeated attacks from the two Red Bull drivers, and the Ferrari car's tire wear is greater than HRT's, so the tire condition is much worse than yours.”

Just as Chen Xiangbei was listening to Hua Bu's speech and thought it made a lot of sense...

However, the other party changed the subject, saying, "Actually, none of the above objective conditions play a decisive role in overtaking. Alonso's technical skill gap can make up for the tire gap."

"The real deciding factor is your persona!"

"Speak the key."

Chen Xiangbei glanced in the rearview mirror and urged him on.

That old rogue, Huabu, loves to ramble on and show off. Meanwhile, Webber has already switched positions with Vettel and will soon launch an attack on him.

"The key point is that you have a reckless and aggressive rookie image. Alonso isn't as willing to go all out and risk his life as you are."

Alonso is a thoroughly technical driver, possessing all-around, flawless driving skills.

But he has one characteristic: rationality and composure.

Whether it's Senna, Schumacher, Hamilton, or Verstappen, their careers have left behind countless exciting and impulsive stories that are still talked about today.

Alonso, on the other hand, rarely creates any stories of deliberately driving "bumper cars".

This is not to say that Alonso is cowardly, but that most opponents are not worth him doing so.

This must include Chen Xiangbei, who is still a newcomer!
If Chen Xiangbei relies on technical skill, he will find it difficult to surpass Alonso under Vettel's pursuit, so he can only resort to a "humanistic" approach.

Why would someone who's barefoot be afraid of someone who's wearing shoes?

Other double champions are waiting to win their third world championship, why would they play a "one-for-one" game with a mere newcomer to the track?

As Alonso's agent, Briatore knew him all too well, and he also understood human nature very well.

The T12 Anting Bend has a large circular arc layout. It doesn't require any advanced technology. You just need to weld the throttle to the limit, focus on tire grip, and then squeeze Alonso out of the way!

"I understand."

Chen Xiangbei immediately understood; this was indeed the only way to defeat Alonso in a short period of time.

With unwavering determination, Chen Xiangbei cast aside any hesitation, slammed his right foot down on the accelerator, and locked onto Alonso's rear end on the long straight before the turn.

Alonso was not surprised by the Chinese driver's move; braking hard and entering corners late is a common tactic used by driver Bei.

Unfortunately, this doesn't work for me!

Alonso had already secured the best entry line into the corner, and was even slightly off-center, effectively blocking Chen Xiangbei's entire overtaking route. This demonstrates the profound experience of a veteran driver.

However, as both cars entered the corner, the reduced grip due to tire wear made it impossible for Alonso to maintain his center line, forcing him to use the conventional tracking braking line.

Just then, Chen Xiangbei stepped on the gas and cut into the line, managing to catch up with Alonso's two cars and achieve a tie!

"Chen Xiangbei is now neck and neck with Alonso, both of them are going very fast in the corners, and there is no sign of them slowing down at all."

"Especially Chen Xiangbei, who is on the inside line, will be pushed outward by the G-force at this speed, and at the same time, he will not be able to brake and steer while following the track. It's just like understeer when entering a corner at high speed."

"If this trend continues, Chen Xiangbei might break off the track!"

"It seems the young man is getting impatient; he's getting anxious under the pressure!"
Li Bing gave a direct conclusion: while he, as a commentator, might not be able to make any wild guesses about other tracks, he was extremely familiar with the Donghai International Circuit as a professional in the Chinese motorsport industry.

Anting Bend, in particular, is named after the region itself, and countless RV drivers from across China have driven through it.

From his perspective, it was clear that Webber and Vettel switching positions and the impending "pinch" scenario led Chen Xiangbei to make a risky decision.

The problem is that this decision is tantamount to "suicide," a typical example of a young driver's overly aggressive mistake!
Indeed, according to normal people's assumptions, Chen Xiangbei's choice to overtake at Anting Bend was a suicidal act.

Chen Xiangbei himself was aware of this, so he had no intention of overtaking.

Instead, he maintained his maximum speed and followed Alonso through the corners side by side!
Under the influence of G-force, both cars continued to move towards the outside of the track, and Chen Xiangbei's sideslip speed was faster than Alonso's. From God's perspective, it looked like Chen Xiangbei was constantly "squeezing" Alonso outwards.

To avoid a collision, Alonso had to keep dodging, gradually moving from the perfect center line position to the outer edge of the line.

Instead, Chen Xiangbei gradually squeezed his way from the inside to the center line!

As the two cars approached the exit of the corner, Alonso, realizing the situation was not right, could no longer take any countermeasures.

With a better exit line and faster acceleration, Chen Xiangbei unsurprisingly drove out of the corner first!
Driving skills can't overcome human nature; Alonso was ultimately too inexperienced in front of Briatore.

(End of this chapter)