Car Racing without Money-Chapter 174 - 106: A Rookie Can’t Be That Strong (Double-Length)
Chen Xiangbei has made history in Chinese Formula Racing!
"Brother Bei, you’re amazing, you’re the champion!"
"Champion, Xiangbei-kun!"
One congratulation after another keeps coming, but Chen Xiangbei is too lazy to pay attention to journalists and opponents at this moment. He opens his arms wide and gives a big hug to the team members directly.
Only Odetto, who is used to the big scenes, crosses his arms in front of his chest and says lightly: "Bei, well done, but still need to keep working hard."
However, the slight upward curve of his lips reveals his true thoughts.
Just as the team is celebrating the victory, several FIA officials come to Chen Xiangbei’s side and notify him: "Bei, it’s time for the driver and car weighing now."
The FIA Formula Racing technical regulations specify in detail the minimum weight for each level of formula vehicles, ballast weight, and driver weight, as well as the requirement to ensure that at any stage of the race, a liter of fuel sample can be extracted from the car.
If the onboard fuel amount is less than one liter, the race result will be directly canceled.
Under normal circumstances, after the race, the cars are not driven directly back to the pit station but are stopped in an area called Parc Fermé.
This term is a French word that is literally translated as ’closed park,’ and it can be simply understood as a quarantine area.
Once the car enters this area, the team is not allowed to make any changes to the tires, setup adjustments, or fuel load, waiting for the FIA officials to conduct inspections.
As the first race champion, Chen Xiangbei is entitled to enjoy cheers and celebrations after the race, and theoretically, weighing should be conducted during the idle period after the interviews and before the award ceremony starts.
Now the post-race interviews have not ended, equivalent to the FIA officials arriving early, interrupting Chen Xiangbei’s celebration with team members.
"I will go to the weighing area myself after the interviews."
Chen Xiangbei replies coldly. His attitude is not because of the interrupted celebration.
Instead, it’s the actions of the FIA officials, which plainly carry a hint of malicious suspicion, the official doubting the weight of his car.
Or to put it more directly, they suspect he won the championship through unfair means!
"Bei, it’s time for weighing now, it’s FIA regulation."
The FIA officials leave no room for negotiation. Weighing after the interviews of the top three is merely a long-standing convention, not mandatory content in the FIA regulations.
Conversely, as soon as the checkered flag appears and the race ends, the FIA has the authority to request weighing of the driver and car at any time!
The FIA official’s unusual operation and tough attitude immediately catch the attention of journalists at the scene, who madly take photos, vaguely smelling a big news opportunity.
Is Chen Xiangbei’s championship tainted with cheating regarding the car’s weight?
"There must be something wrong with the Chinese guy, no wonder Vergne couldn’t overtake him at the end!"
"Feels like the car was weight-reduced; otherwise, the tires were almost worn out, how did he manage to cross the line at turn T7?"
"Not only do we need weighing but also a fuel extraction check; a Chinese rookie can’t be this strong!"
"Exactly, Renault racing can’t allow any cheating to exist!"
Voices from the stands arise again. Sensing Chen Xiangbei’s displeasure, Liang Chi pats him on the shoulder and says: "Xiangbei, don’t give them a handle, we stand upright without fear of shadows tilted."
Liang Chi has experienced similar scenes in off-road racing, where Chinese drivers’ achievements often face strict inspections from the event organizers.
It’s not limited to motorsports; the sampling inspection of Chinese athletes in other sports events is often conducted at a higher frequency.
Taking a step back, the behavior of the FIA officials is unreasonable, yet appropriate. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚
What Chen Xiangbei needs to do is not to throw a tantrum like a child, but to remember this scene today and respond to these doubts with results in the future!
"Bei, go ahead."
Odetto also comforts him. Great drivers in history have all faced doubts.
During King of Cars Schumacher’s consecutive championships, his car was even dismantled for inspection, suspecting hidden code to boost engine power within the program.
In a certain sense, this is a necessary phase to summit.
"Okay, let’s go weigh."
Chen Xiangbei nods and stops arguing. As a driver, not being easily swayed by emotions is also a compulsory subject.
Just when Chen Xiangbei turns to prepare to go with the FIA officials to the weighing area, Sky Sports reporter Hank seizes the opportunity and loudly asks him.
"Bei, does the FIA’s early weighing make you feel disrespected, and is there anything you want to say now?"
To be honest, Chen Xiangbei was actually a bit resentful towards Hank, the reporter who likes to stir up trouble and create big news, given that the subject of those rumors was himself.
But Hank’s question at this moment gives him just the channel to voice out.
"I will definitely take the next race championship, even Jesus can’t stop me, that’s my word!"
At this moment, Chen Xiangbei truly releases his edge.
If they like early weighing, then on the next championship podium, Chen Xiangbei will stand at the highest point again to prove his strength.
"Great, keep this momentum!"
Odetto lowers his arms from his chest and gives Chen Xiangbei a thumbs up.
Young people should be outspoken and passionate in such situations; if not, how could they be called young?
Not only has Odetto expressed admiration, but many journalists and staff also show appreciation for Chen Xiangbei’s declaration.
No one likes a coward, and the Chinese Kid, in this situation, dares to issue such bold claims, surely makes people look at him in a new light!
