Car Racing without Money-Chapter 565 - 221: Drivers Must Have Personality

"North, clouds are gathering in the northwest direction of the Albert Park Circuit. According to Melbourne Meteorological Bureau’s radar map, there is a possibility of rain in the next thirty minutes."

"Currently, the northerly wind is at level four to five, and gusts could reach up to level seven in the open areas near the lake. You must closely monitor the aerodynamic stability of the car and the timing of your braking points."

Inside the HRT Team pit room, Odetto was explaining the precautions for wind to Chen Xiangbei.

"Yes, I will."

Chen Xiangbei nodded seriously upon hearing this.

Although he had already discussed with Odetto during practice about hoping for wind and rain.

In some ways, the complex and volatile climate conditions are a double-edged sword for the TF110 car, especially with the new upgrade package reducing rear downforce, meaning wind resistance stability decreases simultaneously.

"The team’s strategy group has decided on a two-stop tactic, starting with soft red tires."

"Make use of your quick reaction advantage to overtake Trulli at the start if possible. If not, find a way to hold the racing line at Turn 1, preventing Kovalainen or Kubica from finding an opportunity."

After saying this, Odetto paused and added with a somewhat serious expression.

"I’m worried about collisions at Turn 1."

The most exciting and thrilling phase of F1 racing is the start and the battle for the line at the first turn.

At least half of the incidents happen at these two timing points.

Many times, even if the drivers have no grudges, in the heat of competition, if there’s no room to dodge, collisions are unavoidable.

The "enmity" between Chen Xiangbei, Kovalainen, and Kubica needn’t be elaborated on—even if the opponents have no malicious intent to crash, it’s certain their wheel-to-wheel will be very tough.

As long as either Kovalainen or Kubica manages to get the front wing ahead of Chen Xiangbei’s rear wheel, a scenario of "who lets who be the inferior" will likely occur within the rules.

If you don’t want to yield and don’t want to get into danger, then don’t give your opponent any chance!

"Understood."

Having partnered for so long, Odetto’s subtle hints were enough for Chen Xiangbei to understand his intentions.

The best defense is actually an offense. If he can overtake Trulli at the start, then his teammate can defend against the two rivals for him.

This is the real goal of starting on soft red tires!

The "battle" among teammates has already started with the arrival of the race.

As Chen Xiangbei and Odetto were talking, Briatore came over to notify them: "North, the drivers have assembled. Go join the pre-race parade."

"Okay."

Everything that needed to be said was already said. Chen Xiangbei wasn’t some "naive sweet kid," so he nodded and headed towards the parade cars.

Compared to the isolation and coldness of the previous race, Chen Xiangbei could feel distinct "hostility" this time during the pre-race parade.

Rosberg’s post-race comments and Chen Xiangbei’s flamboyant and strong style inevitably clashed with the interests of other drivers, which is almost a path every F1 rising star must take.

Hamilton has walked this path, Verstappen has walked this path, and now it’s up to Chen Xiangbei to see if he can carve out a bloody way with his strength!

All drivers boarded the parade cars for a lap around the circuit, and Chen Xiangbei still stood alone at the back, even Schumacher from the last race didn’t approach him for a chat.

To be honest, Schumacher didn’t have any issues with Chen Xiangbei—he himself had acted more flamboyantly and firmly in the past. The Chinese newcomer was undoubtedly small fry in front of the King of Cars.

The attitude change was more about taking care of his junior teammate Rosberg’s feelings.

However, Chen Xiangbei on the parade cars didn’t become invisible.

The Australian parade host, with a mindset of stirring things up, approached Chen Xiangbei with the microphone.

"North, you had a confrontation with Kubica in the qualifying, and defeated him once again. Do you have anything to say about that?"

The host’s question, accompanied by the parade car photographer’s lens, was broadcasted on the large screen by the track.

Maybe the director thought a hot news topic might appear, even did a close-up of Chen Xiangbei’s facial expression, drawing the attention of tens of thousands of spectators on the track, all watching to see what Chen Xiangbei would answer.

"Nothing to say."

Chen Xiangbei, expressionless, replied coldly.

He’s no longer the rookie unfamiliar with Western journalists’ tactics and methods of creating big news.

Chen Xiangbei and Kubica don’t have any personal grievances; winning or losing on the track is common, he won’t mock his opponents.

At the same time, Chen Xiangbei has his pride and competitive spirit, unwilling to say something like Kubica is great but just didn’t perform well, waiting for next time to compete again—such insincere platitudes.

Since he didn’t want to say anything, he simply chose not to answer!

But Chen Xiangbei was still young. Some things wouldn’t be satisfactory for the audience just because you refused to answer.

Compared to the Chinese Kid, Kubica is the "home driver." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"How can the Chinese guy be so pretentious, and say nothing?"

"He even refused to comment on Kubica, does he really think he’s better?"

"Kubica, give the driver North a show in the race!"

Without the F1 engine’s roar to cover, insults and jeers from the spectators could be faintly heard from the parade cars.

The parade host, with a fake smile, continued to ask, "North, I can sense you are very confident in yourself."

"You achieved a good result of fifth place in the opener, do you have any thoughts on going further this race, like making it onto the podium?"