Car Racing without Money-Chapter 170 - 105: Renault’s First Victory!

"COPY!"

Magnussen replied with a tone that couldn’t hide his enthusiasm; he finally could reveal his fangs.

"Vergne, Magnussen is going to attack, use the slipstream to overtake Costa, whose tires are so worn that he can’t stop you!"

Almost simultaneously, the ART Team conveyed their orders to Vergne.

They have a team engineer specifically listening to Magnussen’s TR communication on the public channel, just waiting for this aggressive Danish driver to make his move.

Finally, the moment has arrived!

"Aaron, swap positions with Vergne."

At the same time, another team order was passed to Vergne’s teammate.

He had been leading the way, creating slipstreams, essentially acting as a "wingman," and now it was time for him to retreat.

Many experienced spectators predicted that the last few laps would undoubtedly see fierce contention, but this time the attack was more sudden and intense than ever!

Almost without any warning, Magnussen chose to strike directly on the long straight.

Many know about the "slipstream effect" in formula racing, understanding that being in the vacuum region of the front car’s slipstream allows for faster speed and better fuel and tire efficiency.

However, most are unaware of what the "sling-shot effect" is.

Simply put, in the slipstream region, the car experiences a low-pressure suction due to the speed difference in air flow.

As long as you seize the moment to change lanes, the speed will suddenly increase as if being "slung" out by a catapult; this phenomenon is known as the "sling-shot effect."

This isn’t exclusive to racetracks; even on highways, when you encounter a speeding truck, you can feel a suction when trying to overtake, also due to the low-pressure intake from differing air flow speeds.

Magnussen’s overtaking move was extremely clean and smooth; Costa didn’t even have time to change lanes to block before a car shadow swiftly passed by his side.

Unfortunately, Costa had to endure the same scenario twice.

Before entering the corner on the straight, Vergne also launched his overtaking maneuver, this time Costa was ready to attempt blocking.

But the tire wear prevented him from gripping the ground in the corner; Vergne had conserved tires thanks to the slipstream from his teammate throughout, making his tire wear the lowest among the drivers on the track.

Utilizing the advantage in grip, Vergne took the crossing line and easily overtook Costa.

"Xiangbei, the car behind is catching up, prepare to defend!"

Sawano Hiroyuki noticed two cars behind him suddenly accelerating and immediately alerted Chen Xiangbei through the team communication system.

"Let them come."

Chen Xiangbei replied in a calm tone, having already prepared himself.

What surprised Chen Xiangbei, however, was that he thought he’d be facing Magnussen’s attack, but the lead car visible in his rearview mirror turned out to be Vergne’s number 5 car!

[What’s going on?]

Chen Xiangbei was full of surprise, previously informed via TR communication that Vergne was in fifth place. Could it be that he overtook three cars in one lap, even leaving Magnussen unable to block him?

Just at this moment, Odetto’s voice came through the headphones.

"Bei, the ART Team’s strategy is not just tire conservation, they also have an extreme light fuel load."

"Since the start, Vergne should have carried at least ten percent less fuel than usual, now relying on tire and light fuel advantages, he’s nearly two seconds faster per lap than you."

"In the last lap and a half, find a way to block him!"

Two seconds?

Hearing this number, Chen Xiangbei was astounded.

Being two seconds faster at this stage must mean tire wear is twice as good; is Vergne some epic "master of tire conservation," or does he not even consider post-race weighing, assuming he can avoid it entirely?

Actually, Chen Xiangbei had misunderstood somewhat; compared to a team like Super Dream, where both drivers are equal and with more camaraderie.

ART is truly a highly professional, survival-of-the-fittest team.

From start to finish, ART’s resources have only been given to their lead driver Vergne, his teammate doesn’t even compare as an opponent, purely serving as cannon fodder!

Leading the way to break the wind up front was what enabled Vergne’s extreme light fuel and tire-saving strategy.

Magnussen’s patience is insignificant compared to Vergne!

Realizing the reason, Chen Xiangbei couldn’t help but inwardly complain.

Even F1 team’s number two drivers aren’t treated this strictly; ART Team doesn’t treat non-competitive drivers as people!

Of course, now isn’t the time for such complaints; Vergne reached the slipstream area behind Chen Xiangbei at "light speed."

The sudden shift in the situation on the track made commentator James exclaim in awe: "MY GOD, truly unexpected, who would have thought the two drivers contending for the championship would be new Chinese driver Bei and Vergne!"

"Extreme light fuel load and tire conservation are the keys to Vergne catching up; whether this race is a victory in strategy or personal capability superiority, let’s wait and see!"

James felt a surge of excitement; such tactical and technical duels are rare even in F1 races, yet it’s happening in the Renault European Cup’s opening event.

It’s not just James; the spectators on the track were similarly stirred by the scene, cheers erupted like thunder.

"Vergne, well done, overtake this Chinese rookie!"

"Driver Bei’s tires can’t hold on, take him in the next corner!"