Car Racing without Money-Chapter 494 - 193: A Mind-Bending First Impression (Part 3)

Chapter 494: Chapter 193: A Mind-Bending First Impression (Part 3)

"Xiangbei will shatter all your preconceived notions."

Whether Emil’s notions were shattered is unknown, but Sutil’s were indeed shattered.

He never imagined that a rookie from China would exhibit such a tough attitude and performance, completely disregarding him, a senior in the racing circuit.

Even more astonishing was Chen Xiangbei’s starting reaction, and that drift-correction maneuver, which seemed beyond the skill level of a rookie.

The timing is too precise!

If the reaction is a bit slower, he wouldn’t squeeze in.

If the throttle is a bit heavier, it would spin out of control.

Before Sutil realized, Chen Xiangbei already floored the throttle and sped away.

The track temperature was high enough, eliminating the need for any fancy tire warming maneuvers; completing the warm-up lap at normal speed was enough to reach operating temperature.

Cars dynamically started past the timing point, with track equipment recording speed and time.

Just as Odetto predicted, drivers in the second qualifying session were no longer holding back, showing off their best skills.

"Vettel from the Red Bull Racing Team is the first to set a lap time of 1 minute 30.658 seconds, truly living up to being the acknowledged heir to the King of Cars; he’s always performed well in front of Schumacher!"

James exclaimed with admiration, noting that Vettel has always regarded Schumacher as his idol and life mentor.

He had mentioned many times in interviews the hope to show his best side to King of Cars Schumacher.

Now with Schumacher’s return to the circuit, Vettel is fulfilling his wishes.

"Alonso from the Ferrari Team is even faster, setting a lap time of 1 minute 30.544 seconds, once again improving the fastest lap by 0.1 seconds."

"Weber and Rosberg crossed the line consecutively, their times were slightly slower, about 0.2 to 0.3 seconds off; I wonder if McLaren and Mercedes Team cars are lacking competitiveness this year."

"Schumacher has slowed down, and from the team radio, we know that he’s inside the cockpit analyzing his telemetry data; could there be an issue with the car?"

The two commentators, speaking in a fast and passionate tone, explained the current situation within the circuit.

It was at this moment that Emil noticed a uniquely spelled name suddenly rocketing up.

The new rookie driver from China, Xiangbei, posted a lap time of 1 minute 30.732 seconds and climbed to fifth on the leaderboard!

"MY GOD, driver Xiangbei’s speed is incredibly astonishing; his current lap ranks fifth, overtaking McLaren Team’s previous champion Jenson Button, and former Brawn GP driver Barrichello."

"To think driver Xiangbei was once a test driver for Brawn GP Team, and there was even a rumor about him competing for a regular driver’s seat, though at the time, no one believed a rookie could have the strength to challenge championship drivers."

"Today, Chen Xiangbei has proven with speed that he possesses the potential to surpass world champions in qualifying races; I wonder what Ross Brown is thinking at this moment!"

James uttered these words with deep emotion, having watched Chen Xiangbei grow in lower-tier formulas and naturally knowing the obstacles he faced last year while seeking a regular driver’s seat.

Brawn GP gave Chen Xiangbei an opportunity but did not provide him a path upward.

Now Chen Xiangbei has surpassed Jenson Button driving for McLaren, leaving Barrichello driving the Williams car far behind.

I wonder if Ross Brown feels any regret in his heart?

Listening to the commentary, Ross Brown’s expression inside the Mercedes Team’s pit was very complicated.

To outsiders, he seemed like a fool for not recognizing Chen Xiangbei’s potential.

In fact, Ross Brown understood better than anyone that this Chinese rookie deserved a regular driver’s seat.

But neither Brawn GP Team nor the Mercedes Team could offer it.

Betting on rookie potential is the niche of medium-sized teams.

Top teams don’t need to gamble; they can directly sign star drivers!

But such things are beyond explanation; he can only, as an observer, feel happy for Chen Xiangbei.

"Xiangbei, pit for a tire change."

The team instruction resonated through the earpiece, and all the drivers completing their first flying lap chose to pit for a tire change before pushing again.

High-temperature track ultra-soft tires can only maintain peak performance for one lap; they need to switch to a new set of red tires to secure their ranking.

"COPY."

Chen Xiangbei responded, then added, "Odetto, check the brakes; the temperature isn’t dropping."

On the way back to the pit, Chen Xiangbei had already slowed down, yet the brakes remained high in temperature.

The tires could be changed, but the brakes could not. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Roger that."

Without more words, Chen Xiangbei entered the pits through the repair lane for a tire change.

The team technicians checked the brakes while using the air guns to blow the brake discs for auxiliary cooling.

"Xiangbei, there’s no problem with the brakes."

Liang Chi provided a confident response to Chen Xiangbei.

[No problem?]

Upon hearing this reply, Chen Xiangbei frowned.

No problem is the biggest problem.

This means the issue lies in the car’s design itself; continuous extreme lap speeds exceeded the TF110 brake duct’s cooling capacity.

"Xiangbei, the fastest lap now is 1 minute 30.477 seconds; you need to be even faster."

Odetto gave a reminder that the lap time was rising faster than expected.

Chen Xiangbei’s current results might not guarantee a top ten entry into Q3.

"Received."

After responding, Chen Xiangbei focused his gaze on the starting lights above.

In an instant, the TF110 car shot out like a lightning bolt.

This flying lap from Chen Xiangbei was faster than ever!

"Driver Xiangbei is on his second flying lap, you can feel he’s really pushing; he’s practically putting his life on the line to challenge for the fastest lap, grazing the track barriers numerous times while cornering."

"But this near-death mission led to driver Xiangbei’s speed showing purple in the S2 section; who would have thought pre-race that a rookie driver teamed with a new squad would set segment fastest times?"

"Xiangbei is about to cross the finish line; I’m eager to see his final lap time, can he maintain his fifth rank?"

"1 minute 30.622 seconds!"

"Driver Xiangbei has risen to fourth on the lap time board, it’s simply a miracle!"