Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 275 Unsuppressed Rage
"Bei, don't you want to say something?"

Briatore, seeing that Chen Xiangbei remained silent for a long time, unexpectedly asked a question.

He had assumed that Chen Xiangbei would jump for joy upon hearing the news.

In fact, Chen Xiangbei wasn't unhappy; he just felt that this was a bit too much of a coincidence. No wonder there's a saying on the internet that goes, "Instead of drawing pie in the sky and talking about unrealistic dreams and the future with others every day, it's better to offer tangible benefits in the present."

With money saved and benefits secured, Briatore's efficiency is at its peak!

"good, very good, excellent!"

Chen Xiangbei gave three affirmative words in a row, and he really didn't know how else to describe it.

"This is indeed a win-win collaboration."

Briatore nodded.

Then, in a "worried" tone, he added: "The only minor flaw is that the Huali Group is too ambitious. They plan to send hundreds of engineers to Gothenburg, Sweden, and at the same time, they will also send a group of technicians to our Liffield Technology Center."

"To be honest, I have some doubts about the capabilities of this group of technicians."

In about 10 years, except for a few car companies, most Chinese car manufacturers have moved beyond the imitation stage of starting from scratch, relying on years of joint ventures and supply chain integration experience, and have begun to develop in the direction of innovation and research and development, thereby cultivating a large number of technical personnel.

Even so, the number of hundreds of engineers is still quite staggering.

Historically, after Huali Group acquired Volvo, it sent more than 500 engineers and managers to the Gothenburg R&D center to "learn from their experience" over a period of five years through a combination of "sending people to learn" and "joint projects".

Huali Group itself is a case of "a snake swallowing an elephant," and now, on top of that, it is sending hundreds of engineers to the HRT fleet.

Briatore was skeptical: Did the Walley Group have that many highly skilled automotive industry professionals?
If shoddy work is used, it will not help the development of the next generation of HRT racing cars next year.

There is an old Chinese saying: "If you employ someone, don't doubt them; if you doubt someone, don't employ them."

"Manager, do you have a cheaper and better option?"

In response to Chen Xiangbei's question, Briatore revealed a meaningful smile.

"Actually, it's not that it can't be used. If Huali could reduce the personnel costs further, I think it would be even more perfect."

Upon hearing Briatore's words, Chen Xiangbei revealed an expression of "I knew it."

Chen Xiangbei would never engage in price-cutting. Although he is an HRT driver, he is primarily a Chinese driver. As for technical and commercial collaborations, he prefers to act as a facilitator rather than directly intervene.

The more Chen Xiangbei gets involved in cutting-edge technology, the more he understands the value of the saying "leave professional matters to professionals."

"Manager, if there's nothing else, I'm going to exercise."

Physical training is a sport that requires perseverance. Currently, Chen Xiangbei's physical condition is such that he can easily bully older drivers in the paddock, such as the injured Schumacher and Massa, as well as Webber and Button.

But to compete with a peak Alonso is like comparing a small fry to a big fish.

If you encounter an extreme track, the difference in physical fitness will be magnified instantly.

In a battle between masters, the difference is as small as a hair's breadth.

The more you compete for the championship, the less you can afford to have any weaknesses!

"No, you can go."

Briatore shrugged. He had coached many young drivers, but the Chinese kid was the most difficult to handle, as if he were always on high alert.

However, Chen Xiangbei did not turn around and leave immediately, but thought of something.

"By the way, Manager, could you ask Director Bell to assemble a small racing simulator? I'd like to practice more on the Yeongam Circuit in Korea."

Of all the races in the 10 season, the track that Chen Xiangbei was least familiar with was the Yeongam Circuit in South Korea.

The reason is simple: this track hosted the F1 Grand Prix for 10 years, and terminated its hosting in 13 years, so it only existed for a total of four years.

A track with a lifespan of only four years, no professional driver would deliberately practice there, and many people have never even heard of the Yeongam Circuit, let alone know that there was once an F1 Korean Grand Prix.

Chen Xiangbei had a similar experience at Donington Park Circuit, where he used to drive. After leaving the F1 calendar, F1 professional drivers almost never practiced deliberately using simulators.

However, compared to Lingyan Circuit, Donington Park Circuit at least had its glory days, and it was the birthplace of Senna's "Lap of God" miracle.

Even if drivers don't practice with simulators frequently, they will at least watch the races of that year to learn from them and have a basic understanding of the layout and driving style of the track.

Chen Xiangbei knew almost nothing about the Lingyan racetrack, whether in his past life or this one!
The only saving grace is that, as a new track, other drivers probably don't know much about it either.

Since we're starting from scratch, we shouldn't lose at the starting line.

"Ordinary simulators are not very effective for training, and multi-axis simulators are very expensive to transport."

Briatore looked troubled; the multi-axis simulator base plus several screens would take up at least half a shipping container's capacity.

Sea freight is too time-consuming, and air freight is not cheap.

"Then we'll have to see whether transportation is more expensive or the value of winning the championship is more valuable."

As soon as Chen Xiangbei finished speaking, Briatore immediately replied, "Of course, we'll compete for the championship!"

"Don't worry, Bei. The simulator will depart for Seoul, South Korea today!"

Briatore never gets the value conversion problem wrong.

Due to the team's relocation and unfamiliarity with the Lingyan Circuit, Chen Xiangbei did not stay in Donghai for more than a few days this time.

After arranging his mother Zhao Yumei's return trip on Monday afternoon, Chen Xiangbei immediately flew to Seoul, South Korea with his convoy members.

Compared to previous intercontinental flights, there are many flights between Donghae and Seoul, and the flight time is only two hours. This is the most convenient and quickest transfer Chen Xiangbei has taken recently, and he doesn't have to worry about jet lag.

However, the Yeongam Circuit in South Korea is not located in Seoul, but in Jeollanam-do, which is 320 kilometers to the south. Chen Xiangbei and his group naturally could not get there immediately, so they found a hotel near the airport to check in first.

After everything was settled, it was 8 p.m.

Just as Chen Xiangbei was pondering what to do with his free time that evening, Briatore sneaked over and invited him out for a drink.

Chen Xiangbei had no interest in drinking and going to bars, and he didn't understand why foreigners liked it so much.

However, since Briatore used the excuse of celebrating the race win, and since the team's strategy and mechanics teams were all involved, Chen Xiangbei hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed.

He may not be interested in it himself, but he cannot impose his ideas on others. After the Chinese F1 Grand Prix, the team members had almost no time to relax or have fun, and they devoted themselves to the work of repairing the car and packing it up for the relocation.

The victory in the F1 Chinese Grand Prix was not only due to Chen Xiangbei's brilliant performance, but also to his perfect strategy and the excellent teamwork of the mechanics. They deserve to celebrate!
Led by Briatore, the HRT team of several dozen people arrived at the famous Itaewon street, the most exotic place in Korea, almost equivalent to Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong.

Chen Xiangbei's only impression of Itaewon was a stampede that occurred in later years.

As he walked along the narrow sidewalk, he kept wondering to himself, "Is it possible that I'm unlucky enough to change history?"
However, Chen Xiangbei soon realized something was wrong. Compared to his unfamiliarity with Itaewon, Briatore was very familiar with the place.

Instead of finding a large bar for a group drink like in London, he arranged for the team members to go to their preferred "places." It was only at this moment that Chen Xiangbei realized it wasn't about celebrating a race win; it was purely a pretext for "playing the field"!
That old Italian scoundrel, you really are something else...

"Manager, are you familiar with this place?"

After holding it in for a long time, Chen Xiangbei finally couldn't help but ask a question.

"Of course, Hanjin Shipping, South Korea's largest shipping group, used to be a sponsor of Benetton and the Renault racing team, don't you think?"

Briatore's reputation as a "playboy" is well-deserved. In addition to dating a variety of female celebrities and supermodels, he is also the one who introduced F1 fashion elements and a business social maniac.

Its impact on the overall commercial value of F1 is no less significant than the future takeover and operation by Liberty Media.

In later television broadcasts of F1 races, one could always see internet celebrities, stars, and business tycoons attending the events. This trend was actually introduced by Briatore. He once set up eight transparent glass-walled boxes at the back of the Renault pit area, specifically to invite royalty, top billionaires, and Hollywood stars to watch the races.

They also make a point of contacting media reporters to ask them to take as many promotional photos as possible.

It was during this period that Briatore began business dealings with Hanjin Shipping Group and visited Seoul more than once to "seek pleasure".

He also left behind a famous quote in the media.

"I pay close attention to maintaining meetings and communication with both new and old clients, because relationships generate benefits."

This is also why Briatore strongly recommended celebrating in Itaewon, as he is practically a local bigwig there!
"Impressive, I'm impressed."

In other aspects, you can despise the old Italian rogue, but when it comes to making money, this old guy is far ahead!
Briatore didn't care whether Chen Xiangbei was convinced or not. He casually pointed to a bar in front of him and said, "Bei, I think you would like Japanese women. Their gentleness and thoughtfulness can melt your heart of steel."

"Go ahead, have a great time tonight! Liang and Yong can come too, and I'll pay for everything!"

As Briatore spoke, he nudged Chen Xiangbei and Liang Chi.

From his perspective, Chen Xiangbei is a typical straight man in Chinese, so he naturally has to use gentleness to overcome his strength!
Briatore's greeting instantly made Chen Xiangbei and Liang Chi feel awkward.

I didn't understand before and thought it was just a simple celebration drink, but now I understand the old rogue's true intentions. According to their relationship, Liang Chi and Chen Xiangbei can be considered uncle and nephew.

You invited your two uncles and nephews to go out for drinks and entertainment?
Clearly, this behavior is quite inconsistent with traditional Chinese values.

Even Ah Yong and Lei Ge couldn't help but chuckle when they heard this.

"Cough cough..."

Chen Xiangbei coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment, then said, "Manager, thank you for your kindness, but you should go by yourself. I'll just wander around here."

"You really don't want to go?"

"Don't go!"

After receiving Chen Xiangbei's firm answer, Briatore turned his attention to Liang Chi and the others.

"Liang, are you going?"

"Don't go!"

The same resolute answer.

Seeing this, Briatore could only shrug helplessly, muttering "How stubborn and inflexible," before scurrying away on his own.

With Briatore's departure, only a few Chinese members remained in the team. So they randomly picked up a roadside stall, enjoying the exotic atmosphere of overseas while reminiscing about the past.

To be honest, Chen Xiangbei hadn't had a relaxed chat with Uncle Liang and A Yong in a long time. He vaguely remembered that the last time he had a similar experience was at the Huasai Sports Base in Donghai.

Looking back, it's truly a bit bittersweet.

Before the group could finish their reflections, they saw Briatore rushing out of the "Japanese-style" bar, followed by a group of burly men who appeared to be bodyguards or security guards.

Behind them was a man in a suit, clutching his head, blood seeping from between his fingers.

"Bei, come on~~!"

When Briatore saw Chen Xiangbei and the others sitting by the roadside, he seemed to see them as a lifeline and quickly greeted them.

"Brother Bei, has the manager gotten himself into trouble?"

Seeing this, A Yong was still a little stunned and asked Chen Xiangbei a question.

"Ah."

Chen Xiangbei nodded and immediately got up to greet him.

Although Briatore is no saint, he is still one of us, without a doubt.

Chen Xiangbei strode forward and stood in front of the group of burly men who had come after them, directly confronting them. Seeing this, Liang Chi and the others were not to be outdone and moved in to form a pincer movement.

"Manager, what happened?"

Taking advantage of the standoff, Chen Xiangbei turned his head slightly and asked a question.

"Stealing women."

Briatore's blunt answer almost made Chen Xiangbei faint.

Historically, Hamilton's "bar incident" stemmed from his attempt to steal a seat reserved by the Lotus team owner's girlfriend to celebrate a race win.

Who would have thought that Briatore's visit to a brothel would lead to a woman-stealing incident? Has history taken a strange turn?
There was no time for Chen Xiangbei to think too much before the man in the suit who was covering his head came in front of the group. Seeing that Chen Xiangbei and his companions were strong and burly, and obviously not as easy to bully as the old man in the flower cloth, he started talking in Korean.

The problem is that Chen Xiangbei can't understand it!
Ah Yong, who was standing next to Chen Xiangbei, couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Brother Bei, what is this guy talking about?"

Ah Yong said this in Chinese, and it's obvious that even if a Korean doesn't understand the meaning, they can tell which language it is.

The man in the suit's expression changed instantly, and he cursed with extreme disgust, "Damn it, shopkeeper!"

Just like when learning a foreign language, the first things you become familiar with and remember are often swear words.

Although Chen Xiangbei didn't understand Korean, he roughly knew what the sentence meant.

He originally intended to reason with them and find out the whole story.

No, it's not needed now.

The profession of a race car driver is inherently filled with passion and a fighting spirit, but it is suppressed by reason, forcibly maintaining a calm mind and clear control.

Without the constraints of the competition, and given that Chen Xiangbei didn't particularly like Koreans to begin with, he immediately chose to "start with zero frames" when he heard the other party make insulting remarks.

He kicked out, and before the other person could react, they were sent flying several meters away, with a faint echo in their ears.

"Anima, Korean!"

(End of this chapter)