Car Racing without Money-Chapter 530 - 207: Intensified Internal Team Conflict
"Do you have a problem with that?"
Chen Xiangbei looked at Kovalainen, who had a face full of anger, and slowly stood up, responding coldly.
The comment about being better than Raikkonen wasn’t made by him, nor was it about strength within the F1 paddock.
Even Chen Xiangbei himself wasn’t arrogant enough to challenge Raikkonen right now.
But so what?
Kovalainen’s tone and attitude clearly didn’t make sense, as he was clearly filled with hostility.
And Chen Xiangbei had a historical perspective, very aware of how Raikkonen had helped him; even the seats with the Lotus Team and future Lotus Team were secured thanks to the Finnish power.
As the saying goes, a drop of water received shall be returned with a gushing spring; Kovalainen’s anger was quite normal.
Just like Chen Xiangbei received help from Staler, he had to stand up for Emily at this moment.
It wasn’t about right or wrong, only about position.
To Kovalainen, Chen Xiangbei standing up was undoubtedly adding fuel to the fire.
How could a Chinese kid be so arrogant in front of him?
Intoxicated by alcohol and anger, Kovalainen instinctively charged at Chen Xiangbei with an aggressive posture.
In response, Chen Xiangbei had no intention of showing weakness, as he had already clenched his fists, ready to make Kovalainen feel the iron fist from China!
Not starting trouble but not afraid of it has always been Chen Xiangbei’s style.
However, before Kovalainen could reach him, Briatore, leading the HRT Team members, approached.
Hua Bu, who had a background in gangs from the mixed scenario in Italy early on, was hosting today as the organizer of the celebration party. For Kovalainen to start a fight with Chen Xiangbei would undoubtedly be a slap in his face.
Meanwhile, A Yong and Lei Ge, along with others, rushed forward without hesitation. The two had backgrounds as mechanics and kept up with fitness exercises regularly, surpassing Chen Xiangbei in both height and weight.
What is the Lotus Team anyway? If they dared to fight, the Finns would learn why the flowers were so red today!
The atmosphere in the club became tense, with HRT’s overwhelming numerical advantage quickly surrounding the Lotus Team members.
After all, HRT was genuinely holding a celebration party; the Lotus Team had Bruno crash and faced media questioning, and Kovalainen himself failed to score. They were just there as a driver team to unwind after the race.
Facing A Yong and Lei Ge, who were like two towering "iron towers," and had fierce expressions, Kovalainen’s eyes became much clearer.
Only now he was somewhat caught in a situation; having initiated trouble and provoked others, what face would he have if he backed down?
Just as the two sides were about to throw down, Lotus Team boss Fernandes squeezed into the crowd and stood in the middle, advising, "Calm down! Everyone calm down first; if the two teams fight in a club, do you know what kind of public opinion storm it’ll cause if it gets out?"
"Don’t forget, this is the largest club in Bahrain, and we’re not the only ones here!"
Just like Fernandes said, due to national restrictions, there aren’t many places for foreigners to drink in Bahrain, let alone high-end clubs which are even fewer.
Aside from the two teams, there were also many F1 fans and tourists present, including media personnel.
Chen Xiangbei had already spotted several people taking out their phones, ready to record this "spectacular" moment.
This scene inevitably reminded him of the historical "Bar Gate," where a conflict led Sutil to retire from the paddock; had he not left the country overnight, he might have become the first F1 driver to be imprisoned in China.
But even with serious consequences, if Kovalainen didn’t back down, Chen Xiangbei wouldn’t yield either.
Meanwhile, Odetto was also standing in the middle of the crowd, facing Kovalainen, saying, "You’re an F1 driver, not some street fighter. Resolve any grievances on the track, understand?"
Compared to Fernandes’s warning, Odetto’s words touched on Kovalainen’s pride as an F1 driver.
To engage in a brawl with a newcomer was undoubtedly an act of "demeaning oneself."
Drivers should decide the outcome on the track!
"Driver Bei, remember, I’ll make you understand how far apart you and Raikkonen are."
Kovalainen fiercely threw out this harsh remark, then turned around and left the club.
Having experienced such a thing, he naturally had no mood to "share the room" with Chen Xiangbei.
Seeing Kovalainen leave, the Lotus boss didn’t say much more, calling for the team members to leave as well.
Watching the crowd from the other side gradually disappear, Briatore snorted disdainfully, and turning to stand beside Chen Xiangbei, he teased, "Kid, Kovalainen’s attitude surely won’t let this go; what do you think?"
"He picked the wrong opponent."
Chen Xiangbei calmly replied.
If Raikkonen had made such a threatening remark, Chen Xiangbei might have taken it seriously.
But Kovalainen, making a threat against him?
"Very determined, I like it!"
Next, Briatore’s face showed a mysterious smile, complementing with a "you know it" expression.
"Women would also like it."
Never did the old playboy betray his "womanizer" title, as everything he said or did ultimately turned into flirting.
This small conflict didn’t affect the HRT Team members’ mood. Everyone continued the post-race celebration party, though the clips that got uploaded online had already begun to spread quietly, with very catchy headlines.
