Car Racing without Money-Chapter 401 - 164: Official F1 Driver Contract (3)
"Of course, welcome back!"
Kalanbant naturally knew the connection between Chaomeng and Super Aguri, and he bought Lifield Technology Center with Honda Group offering a discount, otherwise the price would have been a hundred thousand US dollars higher.
On the other hand, over at the Toyota Team, Odetto, Sawano Hiroyuki, and others managed to facilitate smooth takeover talks with the high-level management at Toyota Tokyo Headquarters, thanks to their relationship with Suzuki Aguri and Nakajima Goro.
The HRT Team’s combined "Two-Tian" power wasn’t just talk—the entire essence and key elements of Japan Formula racing were successfully picked up by Chen Xiangbei!
Meanwhile, Huali Automobile was not sitting idle. It exchanged comprehensive "learning" convenience through granting authority to Kalanbant.
The top management had already drafted top automotive engineering personnel from China to prepare for a trip to Racing Valley at the Lifield Technology Center, and how much they could learn depended on the skills of the domestic engineers.
"Bei, I want to show you something good."
After a simple reception, Kalanbant led Chen Xiangbei into the center’s interior.
Compared to the hundreds of engineers outside, who exhibited a semblance of a strong, large team,
Lifield Technology Center was empty internally; the once-existing research equipment had long been sold off by Super Aguri and needed to be repurchased and assembled, which wouldn’t be quick.
However, at the center of the hall, two racing cars had been already displayed, and they were prototype Toyota TF110s!
These two cars had no paintwork, maintaining their carbon fiber essence, with their exposed engine components and visually appealing aerodynamic shapes showcasing top-tier technological content.
Once, Chen Xiangbei saw a prototype Honda RA109 at the Blackley Factory.
Now he saw the Toyota TF110 prototype car at Lifield Technology Center.
The two vastly different racing cars brought the same impact and shock to Chen Xiangbei, gathering the crystallization of the pinnacle of automotive technology, needing no decoration or boasting—it was just so elegant, charming, and powerful!
"Mr. Kalanbant, have you obtained the TF110 test data?"
Chen Xiangbei asked a question, currently, everything about TF110’s performance is based on guesses of aerodynamic shape.
Only real test data can ensure its competitiveness.
"I got Toyota’s wind tunnel test data, this car’s aerodynamic efficiency is very high, and according to Technical Director Pascal Vasselon, TF110 is equipped with a blown diffuser technology similar to Red Bull’s new racing cars."
"It fully utilizes exhaust gases after engine combustion to increase the car’s downforce and cornering ability, this is a prototype car capable of contending for a championship!"
When saying this, Kalanbant’s tone was somewhat excited.
He had previously anticipated TF110’s performance to be strong through internal assessments.
Now after obtaining wind tunnel test data, he realized how powerful it truly was!
Hearing the term "blown diffuser technology," Chen Xiangbei knew he had bet correctly.
If Honda RA109’s black technology was the double-decker diffuser, then historically Red Bull RB6’s black technology was the waste gas splitter.
This technology performed exceptionally well, to the point of attracting FIA’s intervention.
In 2011, strict regulation was implemented, and when containment of the Red Bull Racing Team was found impossible, an outright ban in 2012 ensued!
Toyota and Red Bull’s technology development directions were almost identical, predestining TF110 for greatness.
"Contend for the championship?"
Standing beside Chen Xiangbei, Odetto murmured, feeling incredulous.
The prediction of this Chinese kid was uncannily accurate, foreseeing the RA109’s performance as near unbelievable, and now, he also bet right on TF110’s performance.
Could this really be destiny?
"Mr. Kalanbant, do we have real car test data now?"
Odetto pursued an inquiry; wind tunnel data was purely theoretical performance, actually seeing how fast it can run depends on real car tests.
"No, this is a semi-finished product; the engine hasn’t even completed ignition yet."
Kalanbant shook his head.
The reason Toyota doesn’t have "Reincarnation of the Filthy Earth" lies here.
RA109 gathered three wind tunnels, and four team technology strengths, making its research speed relatively ahead of other teams.
Ross Brown knew the actual test data of the car early on, prompting him to resolutely secure funds and acquire the Honda F1 Team.
TF110 only had Toyota’s singular strength, making progress evidently slower, up to now having theoretical data only, not even igniting the car yet.
"Mr. Kalanbant, we need to accelerate the research progress at least to catch up with this year’s winter testing."
Replicating a miracle like Honda RA109 which didn’t undergo winter test as a Mars Rover is challenging; normally, testing is needed to identify design errors and development flaws in new race cars.
FIA strictly prohibits private testing for new race cars; the sole opportunity for verification is winter testing.
"I will find a way, but the team is currently lacking in many areas, especially wind tunnel equipment."
Saying this, Kalanbant turned his gaze to Chen Xiangbei, seeing if the Chinese kid could secure more sponsorship.
The historical lackluster performance of the HRT Racing Car was attributed to the lack of funds to construct a wind tunnel, with race car development purely through assembly!
The chassis was given to the Italian Dallara for design, the engine was purchased from Cosworth, and the gearbox was manufactured by X-trac.
As for the critical aerodynamic shape, it relied entirely on CAE simulation software.
Indeed, the HRT Racing Car never relied on wind tunnels, emphasizing a reliance on computer randomness!
The cars from this approach could be imagined, a second or two slower in single laps, and you’d still need to praise the computer’s performance.
"The team still has one seat; I believe BOSS you can sell it at a good price."
Facing Kalanbant’s suggestive gaze, Chen Xiangbei responded with a cheeky smile.
Fleece a sheep wherever possible, truly treating himself like a cash machine.
Anyway, the seat had to be sold; HRT’s previous mediocre performance could still fetch ten million US dollars.
Now having strong team backing, a semblance of greatness, selling for twenty million US dollars wouldn’t be a problem, just enough to get a wind tunnel back.
Seeing Chen Xiangbei so direct, Kalanbant could only smirk sheepishly.
Having seen the TF110 prototype car, Kalanbant led everyone into the team meeting room.
At this moment, documents were already arranged on the tabletop in the meeting room.
Kalanbant picked up the document and handed it to Chen Xiangbei, saying, "Bei, this is an official F1 driver contract."
"Sign your name, and you’ll become an official F1 driver, representing HRT Team in next season’s race!"
Looking at the driver contract handed over by Kalanbant, even though Chen Xiangbei was psychologically prepared before coming, he couldn’t contain the pounding excitement of his heart now.
The dream of two lifetimes was finally realized!
