Chapter 692: Chapter 276: The Boundary Between Profession and Passion (Part 2)

The essence of F1 race strategy eventually boils down to a mathematical problem.

With precise calculations and appropriate allocation, you can control the rhythm.

"I’ve already done it."

Bell nodded, not needing Odetto’s reminder. As the design director, he naturally makes preparations ahead of time.

After about four hours of travel, the bus carrying all members of the HRT Team arrived at Lingyan Circuit.

Compared to the bustling atmosphere of the first two stations, the location of Lingyan Circuit is somewhat similar to the opening race in Bahrain; both are in newly developed areas, hoping to leverage the influence of the circuit and the F1 Grand Prix to boost local economic development.

Facilities such as hotels, malls, and ports have been planned around the circuit, but when Chen Xiangbei and others arrived, all they saw was an endless wasteland, with the nearest hotels several kilometers away.

Even over a decade later, the scene remains unchanged, and the original idea of building a city around the circuit fell through entirely, as F1’s South Korea Grand Prix was only held for a few years before exiting the calendar.

The Lingyan Circuit wasn’t lively to begin with, and considering that Chen Xiangbei and others arrived on Tuesday, earlier than other F1 teams, the solitary team appeared even more desolate.

Those who know would identify it as an F1 circuit, while those who don’t might mistake it for some impoverished wilderness.

Fortunately, Chen Xiangbei and the others weren’t there for tourism, and the bustle had nothing to do with racing.

Upon arriving at Lingyan Circuit, the team’s technical group and engineering team got to work, assembling various equipment and racing simulators.

At this point, the usually silent Huali Engineer Cheng Jian approached, focusing intently on the assembly of F1 equipment and various racing components, his eyes filled with fascination and admiration.

Seeing this, Liang Chi folded his arms across his chest, expressed heartfelt nostalgia to Chen Xiangbei, "At one time, when I saw F1 cars up close, I had the same expression as he does."

"It’s an aspiration for the world’s strongest cars and a longing for cutting-edge automotive industry."

Indeed, even in 2010, the domestic automotive manufacturing level could only be termed as a major player on the international stage, not a strong one.

To put it bluntly, the industry hadn’t completely shaken off the shadows of imitation and shoddy production.

F1’s chassis layout, aerodynamic design, engine power, kinetic energy recovery, etc., are considered to be top-tier technologies in traditional car companies, while at that time, most car companies were still at the basic stage of civilian four-cylinder engine research.

The allure of technology can always attract engineers deeply into it.

"It’s a pity that our HRT Team isn’t an engine manufacturer."

Chen Xiangbei responded with slight regret.

HRT Team’s current research level only reached the aerodynamics layout layer; even chassis manufacturing was somewhat lacking, let alone power units.

If they could develop engines independently, it might greatly benefit domestic car manufacturers.

"Things are done bite by bite, steps are taken one by one. In the F1 Paddock, how many teams can naturally produce engines?"

"A few years ago, when Huasi Sports went bankrupt, I thought China’s racing was in darkness, but who would have thought light lies beyond the obscurity?"

"Kid, Uncle Liang thinks differently now, and I am filled with confidence about the future!"

Liang Chi replied with extreme conviction; having seen the darkness, he now appreciates how significant the progress is.

Two years ago, he wouldn’t even dare to think about China winning an F1 title, let alone a Chinese car manufacturer entering F1.

At this efficiency, engine manufacturing isn’t as far-fetched!

While Liang Chi and Chen Xiangbei were feeling nostalgic, Odetto approached and informed them, "Xiangbei, the racing simulator is assembled; do you really think practicing on this would yield substantial results?"

Odetto had been holding onto this question for two years. The simplified version of the three-axis racing simulator wasn’t highly realistic; more crucial, it lacked reference data for Lingyan Circuit, leaving Chen Xiangbei unaware of the optimal cornering routes, quickest cornering lines, brake points, overtaking lines, and defense lines.

Rather than imposing the high-intensity simulator practice upon oneself pre-race, relaxing for two days might actually lead to better race conditions.

"There’s an old Chinese saying: ’Sharpening the spear before battle isn’t fast, but it shines.’"

"I believe it’s better than doing nothing."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile, never fearing pressure.

"OK, as long as you believe there’s no problem."

Odetto didn’t argue further, pointing to the driver’s lounge behind him, signaling that Chen Xiangbei could begin the simulator practice anytime.

Chen Xiangbei didn’t idle either; he moved forward to the racing simulator.

Truth be told, after nearly a month or two without driving, he felt nostalgic.

Many drivers are in a state of aversion or even dislike towards simulator practice.

It’s similar to playing video games; playing casually could lead to addiction and it might feel enjoyable.

But once a hobby turns into a profession, the feelings brought become entirely different!

Profession implies you cannot entertain at your will; simulated driving becomes mechanical repetition, and sometimes, for unfamiliar corners, one might need to practice thousands of times to achieve the best effect.

Similar to the famous game League of Legends in later generations, playing with friends brings joy, solo queue is passable.

But if forced to undergo countless times of last-hitting training, it turns into torment!

This is why many young drivers like Hamilton refuse and avoid simulator practice, requiring team owners to pressure or even enforce training.

However, some people have different mindsets; even repeated practice thousands of times doesn’t tire them.

Representative of such people is Verstappen. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Verstappen is called "Autobots" because his entertainment only involves racing. What others evade—simulator practice—he actually enjoys thoroughly.

Turning profession into a hobby absolutely transforms into a life’s blessing.

This aspect of Chen Xiangbei is somewhat similar to Verstappen; he likewise sees mechanical racing simulator practice plans without disdain and occasionally feels excited with sudden breakthroughs.

Just like defeating a boss in a video game.

Of course, if prolonged without breakthroughs, he might fall into frustration.

Humans ultimately aren’t machines and cannot practice emotionlessly.

He sat in the simulator, started it, and tuned the settings to the Korean Lingyan Circuit map. This circuit, built in 2009, had blank data for various races, only basic introduction material.

The entire circuit extends 5.621 kilometers, designed by German F1’s chief circuit designer Herman. The Bahrain Sakhir Circuit, East Sea International Circuit, and others he ran also came from this renowned designer’s hands.

Herman had a characteristic—a high limit, simultaneously an extremely low one.

Regrettably, the Korean Lingyan Circuit was a creation during Herman’s low-limit period.

The pit entry brake point on this circuit happened directly on the drive line, meaning if a vehicle brakes to enter the pit for tire change, it poses significant threat to normal driving vehicles behind it.

Moreover, it’s not just this; while other circuit protective walls use tire walls or elastic nets,

Lingyan Circuit used cement construction tightly pressed against the inner side edges of many corners right by the track!

This design not only lacks elastic buffers but also severely obstructs drivers’ vision, equating to multiple corner blind spots, creating a street race-like driving effect.

Additionally, the Lingyan Circuit itself is semi-permanent, built crazily in just a year, causing many sections of the track asphalt not meeting F1 standards, resulting in constant bumpiness with severe cracks.

All these factors combined mean it’s a rather dangerous circuit.

Of course, for Chen Xiangbei, accustomed to danger, there’s nothing much special.

After setting up, he entered the circuit, running a lap slowly, equivalent to familiarizing himself with the feel and layout.

But after completing the lap, he felt an inexplicable familiarity with the circuit layout, always feeling like he has run it somewhere before.

The problem was Lingyan Circuit perfectly offset his previous life’s career period, absolutely impossible to have run on it, even basic simulator experience was nonexistent!

What’s going on here?

Amidst his confusion, Chen Xiangbei suddenly recalled one point.

In his past life, he had played a racing game called KartRider.

The map named "Lingyan Circuit" was identical in layout to this one, wasn’t it?

Considering it’s childhood memory from a previous life, Chen Xiangbei never associated it, but now realizes he indeed TMD had run it...