Car Racing without Money

Chapter 698 - 279: Autobots from China (2)

This adaptability and learning speed, at least in GP2, he hasn’t seen it."Practice more, and naturally you’ll get faster."

"Can I do a few laps?"

Perez retorted with a question.

After watching for so long, he also felt an urge to give it a try.

"Of course, you’re also a HRT driver."

Chen Xiangbei nodded slightly, he was only enjoying the priority resources as the first driver, not monopolizing the whole team.

Perez also has the right to use the simulator.

Given "permission," Perez sat in the racing simulator cockpit, while Chen Xiangbei planned to go out for some air.

However, just as he turned around, Perez’s voice came from behind.

"I’ll definitely be faster than you!"

Suddenly hearing this, Chen Xiangbei was first taken aback, then a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Because he understood Perez’s mindset at this moment.

Although Chen Xiangbei had only completed a few more F1 races, compared to Perez, he was already considered a "veteran."

Especially after taking a race victory, the difference in their experience had dramatically widened!

Perez is like Chen Xiangbei just entering the F1 Paddock, bearing the high expectations of his nation, eager to defeat the "gods" of the racing world and prove himself.

Chen Xiangbei’s initial targets were Trulli, Kubica, Button.

Then later, Hamilton, Alonso, Schumacher.

Nowadays, Perez’s first target is likewise to defeat his teammate Chen Xiangbei!

Perhaps because Chen Xiangbei’s simulator speed was too exaggerated earlier, Perez felt compelled to boost his confidence for the challenge using this method.

In the F1 Paddock, lack of performance and experience isn’t terrifying.

Fear is what guarantees defeat!

Even with psychological hints, Perez needs to establish confidence in himself, he must never think Chen Xiangbei is unbeatable!

"Alright, I’ll be waiting for you."

Chen Xiangbei responded with a faint smile, showing no anger at the "provocation."

Those who like to show off are often fragile.

Truly strong people are confident, and confidence brings calm.

Leaving the driver rest area, compared to the bustling activity of other teams, the HRT team’s paddock setup was nearing completion, with Bob Bell and others standing in front of the car, holding laptops, discussing something.

Upon seeing this, Chen Xiangbei approached and asked, "Is there a problem with the car?"

"No significant problems, the engine power has been reduced somewhat to ensure stability."

"Back to the initial settings then?"

"Yes."

Hearing Bell’s response, Chen Xiangbei frowned slightly.

The essence of F1 is seven parts car, three parts driver; top drivers can balance it to fifty-fifty.

Regarding East Sea International Circuit, Chen Xiangbei has confidence in achieving relatively good results in low power mode.

But at Lingyan Circuit, Chen Xiangbei lacks that confidence and certainty.

Additionally, as a work by German circuit designer Herman, Lingyan Circuit is also a high-speed-oriented track, especially with two major braking long straights similar to East Sea, requiring high tail speed.

Slow cars will get overtaken harshly on ultra-long straights!

"Is there no other choice besides this approach?"

"There is, move the new power unit Perez is using to your car."

Next to him, Odetto offered another solution, which was to use the resources of the second driver.

Trulli’s car was damaged in the previous event, which led to the introduction of a brand new power unit for this race, currently the team’s last spare engine.

As the first driver, Chen Xiangbei has priority.

Just like in the future when Albon directly "commandeered" teammate Sargent’s chassis at Williams Team.

But then Odetto added.

"If you use the new power unit, it means you’ve used four engines in four races, far exceeding the scheduled plans, and you’re bound to exceed FIA’s quantity limitation."

"In the second half of the season, you might face grid penalties at every race!"

If Chen Xiangbei uses the new power unit, using a Chinese idiom would be "eating next year’s food today," meaning temporary gain that must be paid back according to FIA rules.

And the cost could be even greater.

Because his old engine is still usable despite low power, replacing it would consume an allocation.

If he truly encounters engine failure that renders it unusable, then there will be no replacement.

"Then I’ll use the old power unit."

Without much thought, Chen Xiangbei made his choice.

Odetto wasn’t surprised by Chen Xiangbei’s decision.

This kid inherently does not enjoy political maneuvers in the paddock to suppress teammates.

Actions that harm others without benefiting oneself, he would not partake.

"How’s the track simulator going?"

"Basically familiar with it."

"I don’t like the uncertainty in the word basically."

Odetto coldly replied; "basically" implies unknown surprises, he prefers absolute certainty.

"The simulator is fine, but the real track can’t guarantee there won’t be changes."

Changing his approach, Chen Xiangbei replied, real-life races are unpredictable, no one can confidently say they have full control over an unfamiliar track.

"Should we walk the track ahead of time?"

"Okay."

Chen Xiangbei nodded, as he just wanted to stretch his muscles.

The two began strolling around South Korea’s Lingyan Circuit, compared to the racing simulator, the real track’s asphalt was very coarse, with many places showing cracks, indicating high tire wear.

Additionally, Lingyan Circuit’s concrete barriers obstructed visibility far more than the simulator; many corners have blind spots in the exit and entry angles, akin to street racing.

As they walked, Odetto suddenly squatted at the track’s edge, showing a peculiar expression.

"Odetto, did you find any problems?"

Chen Xiangbei leaned over and asked.

"This drainage ditch is fake."

[Fake?]

Hearing this, Chen Xiangbei squatted down to observe carefully.

The drainage grates at Lingyan Circuit weren’t hollow like roadside ones that allow rainwater to pass through but instead were solid decorations!

To put it simply, they’re like a "blind road."

Chen Xiangbei knew Lingyan Circuit was a rush job, but didn’t anticipate South Korea would be so perfunctory.

Without adequate drainage, it doesn’t take a torrential downpour; even a drizzle can turn the track into a sea.

Because competition-grade asphalt surfaces have poor permeability, rainwater will just pool on the track.

"A rain race would be exciting."

Chen Xiangbei remarked with a faint smile.

"Are you looking forward to it?"

"Of course, the bigger the storm, the pricier the fish!"

Though Odetto didn’t grasp why he said this, he understood the underlying meaning.

Rain races can level out performance differences between cars, favoring the low-power mode 13-car!

A lap of the circuit was soon completed, yet Chen Xiangbei didn’t stop.

A half-finished track signifies more unknown factors, what he needs to remember isn’t just the eighteen corners but also every elevation change and even every crack detail.

Just as Odetto said earlier, Chen Xiangbei also dislikes "uncertain" factors.

Odetto didn’t say much, silently following behind Chen Xiangbei on the track walk.

No one in this world can teach an F1 driver how to drive; he can only provide data and analysis, mastering a track is up to Chen Xiangbei himself.

Now, Chen Xiangbei is no longer the rookie who first entered the scene; he no longer needs excessive emphasis.

It’s time to witness his ability to stand alone.

One lap, two laps, three laps...

Chen Xiangbei kept walking, stopping, persistently staying on the track for over three hours, until sunset.

Additionally, members of other teams in the repair lane saw him walking lap after lap, becoming increasingly surprised and impressed.

The Chinese Kid is practically a robot, managing this extremely tedious track walk for hours, giving the feeling of running a marathon—many never see a second like him in their long careers!

Even Odetto couldn’t bear it later, finding a shady spot to sit and cool off, his own old bones couldn’t endure the young man’s stubbornness.

Just as Chen Xiangbei felt "not finished enough," Lu Xiaoman appeared, interrupting his intent and bringing news.

Yonhap News Agency issued a request, hoping to conduct an exclusive interview with Chen Xiangbei!