Car Racing without Money-Chapter 233 - 120: The True Nemesis of the Racetrack (Double-Length)

Chapter 233: Chapter 120: The True Nemesis of the Racetrack (Double-Length)

But the qualifying race only requires one or two flying laps, whereas the main race consists of dozens of laps.

A few flying laps already caused cracks in the chassis. How can we ensure the main race can be completed smoothly? 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"No buts!"

Before Sawano Hiroyuki could finish his explanation, Odetto directly interrupted him.

"Sawano, you know this track is difficult to overtake on. If we raise the suspension and slow down, can Xiangbei’s chances of completing the race and winning increase?"

Faced with this rhetorical question, Sawano Hiroyuki was momentarily speechless.

Changing the car’s setup plan only ensures a more stable completion of the race to earn points; it doesn’t mean increasing speed to compete for the championship.

"If you can’t win the championship, then maintaining the ranking or finishing one or two places higher, what’s the big difference compared to retiring due to chassis damage?"

"As long as you don’t win the championship, even being second is just being the number one loser!"

In competitive sports, people only remember the champion. This is the greatest lesson Odetto learned in his decades-long career.

He doesn’t care about the few extra points gained by improving ranking. He’d rather be a gambler who either wins or loses; the championship is the only goal of value in Odetto’s eyes.

At the same time, Odetto didn’t forget Chen Xiangbei’s bold words after the last race, claiming he would win the championship at Donington Park Circuit, not even Jesus could stop him!

Once you’ve made a statement, you must do your utmost to achieve it.

Odetto has always pushed Chen Xiangbei to be high-profile, but this is based on strength and performance.

Otherwise, past bold statements would become boomerangs and eventually be reduced to laughingstocks!

As Odetto was making his decision, Chen Xiangbei already changed into his racing suit and walked out of the lounge.

He didn’t mention anything about car setup, just asked: "Ready?"

"Yes."

Chen Xiangbei nodded.

"Will the muscle strain in your arm affect you?"

Odetto asked again, as Lu Xiaoman reported the situation to him last night.

After all, in qualifying, he could endure the pain for a few laps, but in the main race with prolonged high-intensity driving, Chen Xiangbei might not be able to bear it.

The team leader must understand the driver’s physical condition to prepare contingency plans in advance.

"I got a numbing shot."

Chen Xiangbei had considered the intensity of the main race and ultimately decided to get a numbing shot to ensure everything went smoothly.

Using numbing medication to handle pain is common in sports events, considered a basic precaution.

"Okay, prepare to start."

Odetto neither comforted nor encouraged, simply gave a plain order.

But there was undisguised admiration in his eyes. Chen Xiangbei’s persistence and tenacity confirmed that the Chinese kid shared his philosophy.

That is, the championship is the only pursuit!

Back in the day, Schumacher fractured his left leg at Silverstone Circuit, had a 30-centimeter metal plate inserted to fix the fracture, and six weeks later, without removing it, endured the pain to return to the paddock attempting to race, although he was eventually persuaded by the team and doctors otherwise.

At that time, the already accomplished Schumacher was even more desperate than Chen Xiangbei today, driven by his unwillingness to give up the chance for a third world championship.

Without that near "obsession" for the championship, one cannot achieve the greatness of the King of Cars!

...

At 3:20 in the afternoon, the main race at Donington Park began on time.

The race command center issued orders, and twenty cars passed through the pit lane, stopping in sequence according to the qualifying order on the starting grid.

However, Chen Xiangbei’s car number 13 didn’t stop at the front pole position but was penalized to P6.

Compared to the dozens of Chinese spectators during yesterday’s qualifying, today’s main race has a section of the grandstand waving red flags, roughly estimated to have at least hundreds of overseas Chinese supporters.

Although it may seem like a small number compared to the total audience of tens of thousands, it is actually the first time a Chinese driver has had such a group of supporters on a European circuit.

Chen Xiangbei is no longer fighting alone!

"No, Chen Xiangbei was obviously on pole; why is he in P6?"

At this moment, a supporter raised a question. Many were not professional racing fans and hadn’t paid much attention to Formula 1 before.

They simply learned from the media and the internet that a Chinese driver joined an F1 team, so they came to Donington Park Circuit for the main race to cheer him on.

Race reports mentioned that Chen Xiangbei took pole position and even broke the track record, so logically, he should be starting from pole position.

"The FIA penalized dangerous driving; both Chen Xiangbei and car number 9, Mansell, were penalized five positions."

"But car number 9 was already at the back; what’s the loss in penalizing him?"

"None, but the rules are what they are."

Not only did the audience question the FIA’s penalty decision, but even the race broadcast studio was discussing it.

This time, the official commentator was still James, but the guest was his old partner Mike.

"It’s really regrettable for Xiangbei. He got a good pole position but was penalized five spots to start from P6. Given Donington Park’s characteristic that makes overtaking difficult, retaining the championship won’t be easy."

James’s tone carried a hint of regret. After commentating on several races, he had grown somewhat "fond" of this Chinese kid.

He doesn’t exhibit the conservatism and timidity of past Asian drivers. Compared to European drivers, Chen Xiangbei’s style and attitude are even more aggressive.

Today’s Formula 1 racing is developing towards a conservative strategy with the continuous refinement of rules.

Cars are getting slower, overtakes are getting fewer, and even drivers are becoming more submissive.