Car Racing without Money-Chapter 493 - 193: A Mind-Bending First Impression (Part 2)

Chapter 493: Chapter 193: A Mind-Bending First Impression (Part 2)

Just as the drivers were lining up, Briatore’s sarcastic voice crackled through the earpiece.

"Xiangbei, Sutil from Indian Force is behind you, and he won’t let you through."

The feud between Sutil and Trulli needs no further elaboration, the two nearly came to blows on the track, indicating both have fiery tempers.

In fact, there’s an even more explosive incident involving Sutil in F1 history, where he nearly slashed Renault’s president’s throat at an East Sea bar, and Hamilton was also involved.

This incident, known as the "Testimony Gate," along with "Liegate," "Crashgate," and "Spygate," form the four legendary black marks in F1 history.

The specifics involve Sutil and Hamilton going to a bar to celebrate McLaren’s victory after the East Sea race, where they had a confrontation with Renault’s president.

Sutil, acting loyally for his friend, smashed a bottle and slashed Renault’s president’s neck with it.

Initially, it was merely a nightclub brawl.

But when the court case came up, Hamilton chose to save himself and refused to testify for Sutil.

Brawling injuries and intentional harm clearly have different legal repercussions.

Hamilton’s move led to a fallout with Sutil and became one of F1’s notable incidents.

Of course, rumors afterward suggested the team prevented Hamilton from testifying due to the impact it would have.

The truth of the matter, who was right or wrong, is probably only clear to those involved.

As Briatore’s sarcasm rang out, the Indian Force’s leader, Tost, also noticed Chen Xiangbei’s intention to cut in.

He immediately issued the order: "Sutil, don’t let the Chinese guy squeeze in."

India and China have competitive relations in many aspects, especially with Indian Force, a team filled with national pride.

Even if both sides have no intention of clashing, the domestic media would compare them.

Moreover, Tost himself wasn’t fond of Chen Xiangbei, so why would he let a Chinese driver triumph over an Indian team?

"Roger that."

Sutil replied simply and then glanced at Chen Xiangbei.

Due to the intense heat, most drivers didn’t lower their visors, allowing for some facial cooling, and Chen Xiangbei naturally saw Sutil’s slightly hostile and provocative gaze.

To be honest, Chen Xiangbei wasn’t planning to react to Hua Bu’s provocation.

Over time, he had come to understand the Italian rascal’s constant desire to stir up big news.

But if the other side deliberately blocks him, then Chen Xiangbei must assert himself.

F1 is a place where the weak are prey to the strong, and if Chen Xiangbei can’t squeeze in, the other drivers will notice.

Weakness means being an easy target.

Especially for a rookie driver, making a strong first impression is crucial.

Later, when Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu frequently lost positions after the first lap, a close look revealed that beyond his own "lethargic" start, many incidents occurred at T1 corner where other drivers displayed a tough stance towards him.

Whether due to lack of confidence or to avoid car damage, the result generally was taking the outer line and yielding for safety.

Gradually, opponents got used to Zhou Guanyu’s style, adopting an attitude of having him figured out!

HRT Team was similarly afraid of car damage, as Toyota’s exit hadn’t left enough spare parts or power units in reserve.

But fearing is one thing, showing it is another.

Once opponents know your weakness, they will exploit it, advancing aggressively!

The two exchanged glances, and Chen Xiangbei casually pulled down his helmet visor, hiding his entire face in "darkness."

Seeing this action, Sutil instinctively thought the other was backing down.

A rookie is still a rookie, not daring to meet his gaze!

Soon the lights at the end of the pit lane turned green, and one by one, the queued cars began rolling onto the main track.

At this time, Sutil also prepared to start along with the car in front, without considering leaving space for Chen Xiangbei.

However, just as the car in front started, Chen Xiangbei accelerated quickly, thrusting the car’s nose between the two vehicles.

Then he slightly pressed the accelerator, the torque exceeded the grip of the cold tires, causing the rear wheels to spin and the car to fishtail, immediately positioning the car directly in front of Sutil.

If Chen Xiangbei had only squeezed in with a quick start, others might not see the "open conflict" between the two. But this fishtail maneuver immediately stirred up the paddock.

What is the Chinese kid up to?

"James, is there any conflict between Bei and Sutil? This move feels very aggressive."

Emil asked, puzzled.

Compared to himself, James knew more about the Chinese driver Bei.

"Probably related to his teammate Trulli."

James suggested, Trulli and Sutil had a significant collision last year, leading to a deep grudge that seems to have extended to a battle between the teams.

After all, outsiders didn’t know the relationship between Chen Xiangbei and Trulli; they thought HRT management wanted to "pair the old with the new" to help the rookie learn and progress under the guidance of the veteran.

Listening to James’ answer, Emil nodded.

Then, in a surprised tone, he remarked, "Bei’s driving style is really unlike other Asian drivers."

To this comment, James responded with a smile full of meaning.