Car Racing without Money-Chapter 405 - 166: Filling the Final Gap
Although Renault is a French car manufacturer, its F1 headquarters has always been located in Motorsport Valley in the United Kingdom.
Even during the "Black Gold Divine Lotus" period in cooperation with Lotus and later on returning and being renamed Alpine, the headquarters location still remained unchanged.
In some respects, the United Kingdom is considered a paradise for racing practitioners, where exchanges and cooperation are very convenient, as easy as visiting a neighbor.
More importantly, Motorsport Valley is not just the headquarters of eight F1 teams; it is also a gathering place for four thousand automotive industry-related companies.
This is why, after Kalanbant obtained the funds from Chinese sponsorship, he unhesitatingly purchased the former Super Aguri’s Lifield Technology Center and moved HRT headquarters from Spain to the United Kingdom.
Only in Oxfordshire’s Motorsport Valley can resources be efficiently utilized in the shortest time possible to create the prototype of a strong team!
To put it in a trendy term, it’s called the industrial clustering effect.
Upon receiving notification from Ross Brown, Chen Xiangbei unhesitatingly drove to Renault Headquarters.
Knowing of Chen Xiangbei’s arrival, Briatore was equally curious, honestly wondering what kind of magic the Chinese Kid possessed to earn Ross Brown’s favor and wholehearted assistance.
After all, as a former member of the Iron Triangle of the Ferrari Dynasty, Ross Brown couldn’t have a low opinion of rookies, was it just based on a minor Grand Prix and Spa Station F3 championship?
In the office, Briatore was discussing with current team principal Blair.
The reason he came to the team headquarters today is due to the "Hua Bu" appeal hearing, requiring broader support.
Briatore has currently enlisted some FIA committee members and former F1 management company president Bernie to speak for him, and being the involved party in the "Crashgate" incident, Renault F1 Team is naturally an essential part.
With the backing of these personnel or powers, and some appropriate media guidance and public influence, Briatore has seventy-eight percent confidence that he can overturn the FIA’s lifetime ban decision!
While the two were discussing, a Renault staff member entered the office and inquired.
"Mr. Briatore, a Chinese driver has arrived at the team headquarters wanting to see you, should he be brought in now?"
Staff from Renault’s race division were somewhat familiar with Chen Xiangbei.
After all, during the Spa Station F3 competition, Blair had invited Chen Xiangbei to Renault’s P room and even discussed third driver matters.
"Briatore, are you in contact with Xiangbei?"
Upon hearing the staff member’s words, Blair asked with a surprised expression.
Theoretically, Briatore and Chen Xiangbei belong to quite unrelated types of people, how could they know each other?
"Yes, Ross Brown recommended Xiangbei, and HRT over there hopes I can take on the role of team manager."
"HRT Team?"
Facing this response, Blair was even more puzzled.
Currently, HRT Team has not yet held a press conference to officially announce Chen Xiangbei as a formal driver.
To the external world, including Renault, they are unaware of the relationship between Chen Xiangbei and HRT Team.
However, Ross Brown had already informed Briatore in advance.
"That’s right, HRT Team received funding from Chinese sponsors, and they’ve already signed Xiangbei as a formal driver."
After saying this, Briatore asked in return: "Blair, are you very familiar with Xiangbei?"
Since the outbreak of the "Crashgate" incident, Briatore hadn’t paid much attention to Renault Team or many affairs within the F1 Paddock during this period.
One aspect was putting energy into court appeals.
The other reason was that Briatore happened to make time for a honeymoon with his twenty-year-old model wife.
This Italian playboy elder has never "wasted" his life.
"During the Belgian Grand Prix, I once invited Xiangbei to be Renault Team’s third driver."
[Oh~~!]
Upon hearing this reply, Hua Bu became somewhat interested.
Blair was once his subordinate, at least his vision couldn’t be too lacking.
He actually found favor with a Chinese newcomer; it seems Xiangbei indeed possesses remarkable qualities.
"Is the Chinese Kid very strong?"
"Honestly, very strong."
Blair replied with mixed emotions.
Within the ten teams in the F1 Paddock, apart from the Brawn GP Team, none knew better than Renault the strength and potential of Chen Xiangbei.
Otherwise, Blair, as Renault’s team principal of the "big three," wouldn’t lower himself to voluntarily invite a Chinese rookie.
It’s a pity Blair wasn’t "Hua Bu"; he lacked the decisiveness to provide a formal driver seat, like when he kicked Jenson Button and signed the Spanish newcomer Alonso.
Blair roughly guessed that HRT Team signed Chen Xiangbei by taking advantage of the opportunity to lease Campos Team’s P room to obtain internal data on the Chinese newcomer.
Gold always shines; Renault Team discovered Chen Xiangbei, and so too can HRT Team.
"Very strong?"
"Now that’s interesting."
Briatore showed a playful smile, unafraid of difficulties and challenges, but rather detesting mediocrity!
"Blair, let me use your office, I need to talk to Xiangbei."
"OK."
Blair nodded and then stood up, ready to leave.
Arriving at the door, he hesitated for a moment, then turned back: "Briatore, I have a feeling you’ll get along well with Xiangbei." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶
"Why?"
"The Chinese Kid is filled with sharpness and fearlessness."
