Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 320 I Just Want to Be Number One
After exchanging polite nods, Chen Xiangbei sat on the far left of the long sofa, while Alonso sat in the center.

In fact, there is no strict "seniority-based" seating arrangement in F1 interviews. However, world champions often naturally enjoy preferential treatment. For example, no matter when or where Schumacher is interviewed, he always stands in the center position.

Across from the sofa, below the stage, was a large group of reporters. The unique commercial atmosphere of Monaco Station meant that the media covering the event were not limited to sports; many business and even fashion media outlets would gather together.

This resulted in an exceptionally large number of journalists conducting pre-match interviews, and a significantly higher global influence.

Next to the long sofa, there was a separate chair where F1 official presenter Bach sat, who would be hosting the pre-race press conference interviews.

"Welcome to the five drivers for the pre-race interview in Monaco. You are all strong contenders for the world championship this season, and you are just one step away from the top!"

"First, I want to ask Alonso, you're standing before the world champions once again. Are you confident you can wear the crown this time?"

Since winning back-to-back titles in the 05 and 06 seasons, Alonso has consistently been in the top three of the standings throughout the 07 season, making him a strong contender to defend his title and become the world champion again.

Unfortunately, he encountered the suddenly emerging prodigy Lewis Hamilton, and their internal rivalry, coupled with McLaren's "spy scandal," led to Kimi Räikkönen's comeback victory in the final race by a single point.

After that, Alonso returned to his old club Renault and wasted two years. Now, driving a Ferrari, he is using his absolute strength to compete with Red Bull, which has the "Martian car," and has once again taken the top spot in the standings.

It's fair to say that Alonso has already one hand on the treble; the question now is whether he can maintain that lead in the last two matches.

"Of course, I am very confident about it."

Alonso gave a very calm answer, which is the power of confidence!

Ferrari's car wasn't actually very strong in the 2010 season; his teammate Massa only finished sixth, with more than 100 points less than Alonso.

Alonso perfectly exemplifies what it means to be a god-level driver with a built-in 0.5-second acceleration.

Even a young Vettel driving a Mars rover is only about as good as Alonso at his peak!

After receiving Alonso's answer, Bach immediately turned the microphone to Vettel and asked, "You are currently only two points behind Alonso, and you have a very high chance of turning the tide. Do you aspire to become the new world champion?"

"Yes, I aspire to become a world champion!"

Vettel's tone was filled with longing and determination. He had already won the world runner-up title last year and almost overtook Brawn GP driver Jason Button.

He was in second place again, and he didn't want to fail again.

"Good, I can feel your burning desire to win. I look forward to a thrilling championship match between you and Alonso."

Bach then asked Hamilton, Weber, and others in turn, with the topics mostly related to the competition for the world championship. The answers were as expected, and frankly, they were somewhat conservative and boring.

As the official host of F1, Bach needs to consider his global image and cannot recklessly stir up trouble or create controversy.

However, when it came to the Q&A session, the atmosphere changed completely, becoming sharp and confrontational.

Furthermore, their focus shifted from Alonso and others to Chen Xiangbei.

The reason is simple: this kid is the challenger of the new season and the disruptor of the old order!
"Bei, you're currently ranked fifth in the standings, with only a theoretical chance of winning the drivers' championship. Do you still have confidence in yourself?"

"This question is meaningless, next."

Compared to the conventional answers from the previous drivers, Chen Xiangbei's response took a sudden turn.

He doesn't bother with formalities and is always full of confidence in himself!

As soon as Chen Xiangbei gave this answer, many familiar sports reporters at the scene showed an expression of "I knew it."

Anyone in the same industry who asks this kind of question is obviously in the business or entertainment field. Anyone who has dealt with Chinese guys a few times would not ask such a pointless question.

"Bei, your points have been declining in recent races, and many people believe that your time in F1 was just a flash in the pan. What is your response to this?"

A BBC reporter directly asked about the recent hot topic: Chen Xiangbei's ranking has been declining, so who gave him the confidence to make a comeback and win the championship?

"The drop in ranking is the car's problem, not mine, thank you."

This answer caused an uproar among the reporters present.

Chen Xiangbei has missed the driver press conference for several races now. After all, a drop in ranking means a drop in performance, so the focus of the interviews will naturally be on the race winners.

In addition, HRT's overall strategy was to secure points over long distances, and there were no more amazing comebacks from the back of the pack to win the championship. As a result, there was a lack of screen time and buzz, and many people have forgotten about Chen Xiangbei's arrogant image.

They're all back now!

Only a Chinese kid would dare to say such a blunt thing, and be so arrogant as to be invincible!
Driver Bei hasn't changed much.

[Isn't the driver afraid of being fired for blaming the team like this?]

Would you lay off a future racing superstar?

This is the driver I admire, Bei – forever arrogant!

Whispers arose from the crowd, and some fans in the back row couldn't help but shout excitedly.

Many people admire and support Chen Xiangbei because they like his strong and arrogant spirit, which overturns their perception of Chinese and even Asian drivers and fits the image of a god-level driver.

After all, the weak have never earned respect in the competitive world of F1. Both Senna and Schumacher, legendary drivers, were by no means exactly known for their affable personalities.

"North, Kimi Räikkönen will be watching the Monaco Grand Prix. There are rumors that he will be racing a rally with you. Is that true?"

Al Jazeera reporters seized the opportunity to ask questions. The news that Raikkonen would be running a rally race with Chen Xiangbei had already spread, but most people thought it was a rumor.

Although F1 drivers are basically all-rounders and would be considered top-tier in any other motorsport, they are still very capable.

However, the way rally cars are driven is fundamentally different.

Even a super genius like Kimi Räikkönen, who was unprecedented in his time, had only average rally results.

Needless to say, Chen Xiangbei had never had any experience in rally racing, so it was illogical for him to rashly go and race against Raikkonen.

"That's right, I did make an appointment with Raikkonen to run a race a long time ago."

"long time ago?"

The Peninsula reporter was surprised; he hadn't expected Chen Xiangbei to not only confirm the rumors but also to schedule the challenge much earlier than anticipated.

"North, are you trying to prove that you have the same talent as Raikkonen to respond to the ridicule and humiliation you received about the Twins?"

Another reporter pressed for an answer.

As is well known, Chen Xiangbei initially rose to fame by using various marketing tactics to piggyback on the "Twin Stars" title, thereby gaining public attention. Of course, this attention was mostly negative; many outsiders felt that this Chinese guy had no shame, questioning how he could possibly be compared to Kimi Räikkönen.

However, being "famous for being infamous" is still fame. Just like many celebrities on the internet in later generations, the point is to first build up your fame and then clear your name of those dark histories after you become famous.

In reality, success or failure often determines one's worth.

Chen Xiangbei has now proven his talent in the F1 field, and he truly deserves the title of "the twin stars who skipped grades" alongside Raikkonen.

However, with Raikkonen switching to rally racing, Chen Xiangbei lost the opportunity to compete against this legendary Finnish talent, and the outside world could not prove who had the better talent or who was the historical genius!
Now things have taken a turn for the better, with Raikkonen officially challenging Chen Xiangbei to a rally race they've never even run before.

If Chen Xiangbei wins this time, no one will question the "Twin Stars'" talent anymore, and those words of ridicule and humiliation will become self-inflicted humiliation!
Do I still need to respond?

A mocking smile appeared on Chen Xiangbei's face.

These journalists, like many foreigners, have an inflated sense of self-importance, believing that they can do whatever they want by controlling public opinion and creating pressure. Chen Xiangbei needs their approval to prove himself.

In fact, the fact that Chen Xiangbei is now among the championship contenders is already the best proof of his talent. Moreover, the title of "Twin Stars" is already a thing of the past for him.

"Then why do you want to run a rally race?"

The reporter was puzzled. If Chen Xiangbei wasn't trying to prove his talent or respond to the ridicule and humiliation he had received, then there was no reason for him to participate in a rally race.

"It's simple, I want to beat Raikkonen."

"Whether it's the F1 paddock or a rally track, I can win."

That's right, what Chen Xiangbei wants to prove is not the "Twin Stars", but that he is stronger!
As the saying goes, there is no first place in literature, but there is no second place in martial arts, and the same is true for racing.

The "Twin Stars" marketing strategy was once a marketing ploy for Chen Xiangbei, but now it feels more like a constraint for him.

Because many people only see him as the second Raikkonen, a driver of equal renown who followed in Raikkonen's footsteps.

Just like the titles "Southern Murong" and "Northern Qiao Feng," for the weak it's a way to glorify themselves, but for the strong it becomes "I, Qiao Feng, am a great man, and you, Murong Fu, are not worthy to be on par with me."
Of course, this is just an example. Raikkonen's character and driving skills are beyond question in the F1 paddock, and it is no exaggeration to call him one of the cleanest drivers in the last twenty years.

But Chen Xiangbei didn't want to be second to anyone else; he only wanted to be number one.

Even if it were Senna or Schumacher to be second, he wouldn't want to be associated with that title.

I am who I am, Chen Xiangbei, China's number one driver!
[FUCK, that Chinese guy's gotten a bit cocky. He's just a championship contender, does he really think he's a world champion?]

Why does driver Bei believe he can beat Raikkonen?

I'm putting my words here: whether it's the F1 paddock or a rally track, you will be Raikkonen's defeated foe!

A chorus of shouts immediately erupted from the crowd. It's worth noting that with his handsome looks and cool personality, Raikkonen had a fan base and popularity worldwide at his peak that was almost on par with Schumacher, and even surpassed Alonso.

Even within China, his return to the F1 paddock in 12 directly doubled the pre-sale sales of tickets for the Donghai Grand Prix!
Undoubtedly, Chen Xiangbei's "provocative" remarks against Raikkonen brought back memories of the staged accidents that once annoyed racing fans, and they certainly couldn't tolerate it!
As the pre-race press conference began to veer away from F1 racing, host Bach quickly steered the conversation back to the Monaco Grand Prix.

However, the attention of the media and spectators both on and off the track was entirely drawn to Chen Xiangbei's "provocative" declaration. They were more curious about how Raikkonen would respond and how this rally showdown would proceed.

After the interview, Chen Xiangbei walked out of the media center and headed towards the team's maintenance station.

When his figure appeared in the view of the audience on both sides of the pit stop, cheers erupted from the stands.

It's worth noting that the VIP tickets on both sides of the team's pit lane are quite expensive. Those who would buy them at such a high price are either wealthy celebrities or die-hard fans of a particular team or driver.

Undoubtedly, the audience above the HRT maintenance station consisted mostly of Chen Xiangbei's supporters.

Having experienced so many races, they don't care about provoking Raikkonen. Motorsport values ​​speed and passion, and requires that adrenaline-pumping excitement.

It's not about love and peace between drivers, nor is it about friendship first and competition second!

Chen Xiangbei's youthful arrogance and overconfidence are exactly what fans have been hoping to see. Chinese athletes are no longer the low-key and mediocre old faces; they should say it out loud if they can win.

How can you win if you don't even dare to speak up?
"Bei, you were really manly just now!"

"Raikkonen is strong, but I believe North is stronger!"

"In competitive sports, being bad is the only original sin. Driver Bei, you've shown me your strength."

"Go for it, North! Not only do you have to beat Raikkonen, but I also want to witness you become the King of Monaco!"

Faced with the fans' frenzied shouts, Chen Xiangbei felt a little embarrassed.

His confidence has indeed improved by at least one level compared to when he first entered the competition.

However, this arrogant demeanor is more about maintaining his toughness and fighting spirit in the white-dominated world of Formula One racing.

Especially in the final moments of the championship race, whoever shows even a hint of weakness first is essentially exposing a vulnerability that can be exploited.

The noise outside had no effect on Odette inside the garage. Seeing Chen Xiangbei enter, he calmly asked, "You probably know the Monaco circuit data better than I do, so let's get straight to the point."

"The main feedback from the first practice session is to familiarize ourselves with the track surface conditions and how our racing line affects tire wear, understand?"

"I see."

Chen Xiangbei nodded.

Although the Monaco circuit is hailed as one of the three crowns of motorsport, as F1 cars have become larger and larger, overtaking has become increasingly difficult, making the overall races less interesting.

The focus is often on qualifying; whoever gets pole position is most likely to become the Monaco champion.

The main strategy and tactics became betting on a safe car to enter the pit and cooperating with teammates to suppress the car.

Of course, the size of F1 cars in this era was not as exaggerated as the five-meter-long cars of later generations, but overtaking was still very difficult. Practice races were more about getting familiar with the track environment and tire wear.

"And what about the adjustment direction?"

Chen Xiangbei casually asked another question.

The team has always focused on long-distance tire maintenance to score points, so it's unclear what Odette's plans are for this race.

Upon hearing Chen Xiangbei's question, Odeto's face revealed a strange expression.

She stared at him for a few seconds before replying, "Do it as fast as you can."

(End of this chapter)