Car Racing without Money-Chapter 431 - 174: F1 Winter Training Team Assembles

Chapter 431: Chapter 174: F1 Winter Training Team Assembles

Car development is often ahead of its time, meaning that the Renault power unit for the 2010 season had likely taken shape in the second half of 2009.

Before Briatore’s suspension and departure, the R30 prototype was already constructed and had completed ignition testing.

According to the data he obtained, the Toyota RVX-09 Engine was already leading in terms of horsepower!

However, the F1 power unit is incredibly complex, with plenty of room for tuning and optimization; the initial data of the Renault prototype does not equate to final performance.

Moreover, the F1 power unit has two extremely important parameters: stability and durability!

It’s important to know that, throughout the history of F1, there have been numerous power units with impressive spec sheet data. However, due to various design flaws and over-exploitation of engine performance, the failure rate was high during races.

Just like Ferrari’s engine camp in the 2022 season; the paper data showed it leading in horsepower output and top speed, yet the high power adjustments easily led to engine overheating and retirements.

Choosing between top speed and stability is relatively easy for engine suppliers.

Wanting both is like trying to have both fish and bear’s paw, a rare feat.

Regardless, strong ignition data on paper is a good start.

Chen Xiangbei vaguely remembers the team’s ranking in history with Renault engines from the 2010 season.

Red Bull Racing Team took first in team ranking, while Renault itself came in fifth.

No matter whether Red Bull’s first-place rank was more due to power unit advantages or higher aerodynamic efficiency,

the resemblance between Toyota TF110’s startup design and Red Bull’s RB6, with no apparent drawbacks in the engine, means the new race car is mostly a successful treasure hunt.

For a new team, this is definitely considered a perfect start!

"Not bad, the performance is developing as expected, it seems we can at least guarantee our competitiveness for the new season."

Chen Xiangbei nodded with satisfaction; the TF110 did not let him down.

"Let’s head back to headquarters first; I’m guessing Manager Hua Bu has plenty to discuss with you."

Lu Xiaoman’s face carried a playful smile.

Briatore’s mood during this period is almost proportional to the performance shown by the TF110.

This Italian old rogue has successfully appealed in the French High Court, reversing the previous lifetime ban judgment. A small security deposit allows him back to the pit.

Hua Bu’s ambitions now extend beyond merely returning to the pit; he is determined to teach the FIA and skeptics outside a lesson.

Proving that his success doesn’t rely on any underhanded tactics but on pure strength and leadership, capable of bringing even a brand new team to the peak!

HRT is Hua Bu’s next Benetton or Renault Dynasty!

"What does Manager Hua Bu want to discuss?"

"Money!"

Lu Xiaoman straightforwardly responded.

The formula for F1 team’s success is simple: rely on cars and drivers.

At its core, these two elements are built on "money."

For Briatore, he couldn’t care less about Chen Xiangbei’s patriotic agenda; what matters is how much business and sponsorship the Chinese Kid can bring in from China.

HRT Team urgently needs to build or purchase a wind tunnel to keep up with the season’s mid-term upgrade progress.

Otherwise, it would face the situation of Brawn GP Team this year: dominating the championship podium fiercely at the start, but struggling in the mid-term due to lack of funds.

Just that Brawn GP is fortunate to have Honda’s foundation, along with investments from Daimler Group and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, allowing them to rally in the final few races and crush Red Bull Racing Team’s dream of challenge.

HRT Team does not have this luck. Setting aside the unproven TF110, the involvement of Chinese capital has both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage mainly lies with Chen Xiangbei personally; he effectively gains backing from home, overcoming home registration disadvantages.

The drawback lies in the difficulty of attracting other capital cooperation due to different national conditions.

Of course, capital is driven by profit. While the drawbacks raise the threshold, they won’t become a wall.

If HRT Team could create a Ferrari-like "Prancing Horse" dynasty or if Chen Xiangbei possessed skills like Verstappen, would foreign investment be a concern?

Perhaps then, it won’t be HRT Team seeking sponsorship, but various capital actively seeking cooperation opportunities.

While driving back to the team’s headquarters, Lu Xiaoman initially wanted to ask about the ROC National Cup; however, Chen Xiangbei fell into a drowsy sleep shortly after taking the passenger seat.

Seeing his exhausted state, Lu Xiaoman naturally refrained from disturbing him.

About an hour’s journey later, the Volkswagen Golf used for commuting stopped in front of the team’s headquarters. Feeling Lu Xiaoman shaking his shoulder, Chen Xiangbei drowsily woke up.

Upon opening his eyes, he found the Lifield Technology Center had undergone significant changes within just a week’s time.

The Super Aguri logo above the main gate was replaced with three giant HRT letters. The formerly white factory walls were now painted a more technologically advanced silver.

After getting out of the car, Chen Xiangbei didn’t even bother with his luggage, heading straight to the garage.

In truth, he was quite impatient to see what changes the TF110 had undergone.

Walking into the interior of the Lifield Technology Center, compared to the scene upon leaving, the changes were just as significant.