Car Racing without Money-Chapter 344 - 149: Afraid of Doubts and Criticism?
The team’s operational efficiency was very high, and by the next day, they had packed the equipment and were conducting the handover work for the race cars before the transfer.
Chen Xiangbei did not participate. He went alone to Valencia, Spain, where Dong Hebin was at the Renault Team division, undergoing testing for the youth training driver program. This would be his last hope to enter F1.
Seeing Chen Xiangbei arrive, Dong Hebin was very happy. It had been almost two months since they had parted ways at the Catalonia Circuit.
Compared to Chen Xiangbei, who had money and resources for private testing, Dong Hebin could only go through the rookie process for a standard three-day test. If the potential he demonstrated didn’t impress the F1 Team, he would be seen as someone to give up on.
Unfortunately, Dong Hebin failed to meet the Renault F1 Team’s standards, and he could only settle for becoming a youth training driver under Renault.
"Brother Bin, I’m heading back to the Brawn GP headquarters in the UK. I came today to say goodbye."
Dong Hebin was not surprised by Chen Xiangbei’s words and only asked a question in return.
"What was the final test result?"
"1 minute 21.435 seconds."
"Impressive!"
Dong Hebin sincerely praised him, knowing very well what that lap time meant as a fellow rookie test driver.
Chen Xiangbei had already reached the F1 driver’s standard!
"What are your plans next?"
"I might participate in an F3 race to impress the F1 team management on-site with my performance, and strive for an official driver seat."
"If Brawn GP weren’t a championship-contending team, you might already have an offer for a seat."
Dong Hebin replied with a wry smile. He didn’t know whether to say Chen Xiangbei was lucky or unlucky.
Signing a test driver contract, who would have thought it would be with a championship-contending team.
For an average rookie, gaining fame and more abundant technical resources, and experiencing a faster car from a championship team could be a huge bonus.
But for a genius like Chen Xiangbei, he wasn’t looking for a platform but a solid official driver seat!
In the course of a team’s championship contention, a rookie can’t challenge the seats of two official drivers, even if the former showed promising lap times and potential during testing.
All Chen Xiangbei could do was wait.
But Chen Xiangbei didn’t want to wait. He was seeking opportunities to take the initiative!
"What about you? How’s the youth training driver trial?"
"It’s basically confirmed. Renault will announce it once the contract is signed."
"Congratulations."
Upon hearing these words from Chen Xiangbei, the bitter smile on Dong Hebin’s face deepened.
He was already 27 this year, far past the age for youth training.
Signing this contract meant he would be saying goodbye to F1 for good. The Renault youth driver identity was more like a consolation prize.
"Xiangbei, give it your all and achieve results as a Chinese!"
"I will."
Chen Xiangbei nodded, then opened his arms and embraced Dong Hebin, marking the end of their farewell.
When Chen Xiangbei returned to the Catalonia Circuit, the crew members had even packed their luggage, and the bus waiting to take them to the airport was already parked at the hotel entrance.
As they brought their luggage from the room and sat on the bus, Odetto arrived tardily just as the vehicle was about to start, sitting directly beside the empty seat next to Chen Xiangbei, expressionless, and said.
"The substitute seat for Campos Team is secured."
Chen Xiangbei never doubted Odetto’s efficiency and capability.
Otherwise, today’s Dream Team wouldn’t exist.
"How much was negotiated?"
Compared to securing a seat, Chen Xiangbei was more concerned about the cost.
Presently, there were no additional major events one could attend to gather sponsors domestically.
It wasn’t feasible to, like Ma Qingye in later years, race a few Formula races, then return to China to race touring cars for money, was it?
"Fifty thousand euros."
Hearing this figure, Chen Xiangbei breathed a sigh of relief.
Even though converting it into the cost for a single event still falls into the expensive category.
But as a temporary "transfer student," wanting to take advantage without cost is not a realistic expectation in this world.
"Additionally, there is one more choice you need to make. Participate in the F3 event, either accepting Campos Team’s technical support or from Dream Team or Brawn GP Team."
After hearing Odetto’s question, Chen Xiangbei was momentarily stunned, not understanding what was happening.
He was eager to participate in the F3 event, partially to get noticed by the F1 team for next year’s official driver seat competition.
Additionally, because Brawn GP Team might change ownership, he wanted to leverage the technical resources they could currently provide.
Since there was this F1 backer at Brawn GP, why would he need Campos Team?
But right after, Chen Xiangbei realized Odetto’s meaning.
To some extent, his current predicament was akin to that of Mick Schumacher in the future.
While Mick Schumacher was participating in F2 events, he joined a team called Prema, a top-notch team in lower-tier formulas.
However, to ensure his championship win without fail, the Ferrari Team even dispatched F1 engineers to assist with car tuning.
With both top F2 team support and top F1 engineer assistance, driving a "specialized car," Mick Schumacher easily clinched the F2 championship.
Yet this move couldn’t avoid criticism, with the public questioning the authenticity of Mick Schumacher’s F2 championship, suggesting it was due to benefits from his legendary father, the King of Cars, and his background. It wasn’t real strength that overcame opponents!
If Chen Xiangbei wanted to exhibit his strength without dispute and be recognized by the outside world.
Then when he races in the F3 event, it’s best not to use technical power from Dream or Brawn GP Team.
Otherwise, even if he wins, his identity as a Chinese racer would only invite more skepticism.
At best, people would say "specialized car," at worst, "money power," and rumors would exaggerate as far as possible.
Various tales would severely undermine his ability and the gold content of his victory.
However, the problem was that without the technical support from Dream or Brawn GP Team, Campos was almost at the bottom of the F3 team rankings; they were focusing entirely on forming their F1 team, leaving engineers who couldn’t adequately tune the cars!
The more uniform the car, the bigger role tuning plays, and the more insider issues there can be.
Simply changing a new engine every round can secure a lead starting position.
Often, the costs between F3 racers’ cars could exaggerate to tenfold differences.
Chen Xiangbei couldn’t be sure of the resources and background his teammates had, nor did he have confidence in the Campos Team.
Without much hesitation, Chen Xiangbei provided his answer.
"I choose to fight alongside my own team."
Hearing this response from Chen Xiangbei, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Odetto’s mouth.
"Aren’t you afraid of being questioned and criticized by the outside world? Even F1 teams might doubt your real capability."
"Odetto, haven’t I been questioned and criticized enough?"
Instead of giving a direct answer, Chen Xiangbei just smiled and asked in return.
"Indeed, there’s been a lot, you’re destined to be at the center of public attention!"
