Car Racing without Money-Chapter 574 - 225: Challenging a True Title Contender

Chapter 574: Chapter 225: Challenging a True Title Contender

The commentator Red’s words directly left the audience in the stands speechless. Not only the group of "black fans" who looked down on Chinese drivers, but even Chen Xiangbei’s most loyal fans couldn’t imagine he was actually this strong.

Having once defeated the emerging Alonso, and with the strength of a mid-field driver like Trulli, Chen Xiangbei’s all-out strike couldn’t be stopped!

"300km/h speed through a chicane, this Chinese guy really isn’t afraid of death."

"Is Chen Xiangbei really that strong? Today, he’s already shown twice full-throttle cornering."

"To achieve such speed, it requires an exceptional sense of the car and control. The former relies on talent, the latter on skill. Driver Bei might really be able to match Raikkonen."

"I feel there’s a possibility that we are witnessing the historical podium finish of a Chinese driver in this Australian Grand Prix!"

Compliments and exclamations rose one after another, and with a series of attack and defense moves, Chen Xiangbei impressed many on-site.

The talent this kid has shown really has a hint of the young Kimi Raikkonen!

"Pressure needs to be applied to young people to squeeze out their potential. The internal competition in the team ends here."

"I’m the manager who understands the drivers the best!"

Briatore said these words in a boasting tone; this guy has always had a high opinion of himself.

To this, Odetto and others had no rebuttal, nor was there anything to rebut.

Whether it was luck or keen insight, the Italian rogue indeed knows how to tap into a driver’s potential and unleash their personal style.

In the paddock, results speak, and Briatore succeeded. Hence, he became "Saint Briatore!"

If he failed, his statements would turn into pure bravado, and he would be called "Bri-Bluff."

Seeing Odetto and others "convinced," Briatore again pressed the communication button, but this time, his target for giving orders was not Chen Xiangbei but car number 14, Trulli.

"Trulli, hold back the chasing Rosberg, create an attacking environment for Bei on the car ahead."

Since the number one and two drivers have been decided, Trulli must take on the responsibility of the second driver to block cars, sacrificing his interests if necessary for the team’s performance.

"Manager, isn’t it a bit cruel to have Trulli hold back now?"

Race engineer Sote suppressed his anger and asked.

It’s true that bets must be honored, but as a team manager, he should at least consider the drivers’ psychology and emotions.

Is it necessary to be this realistic and ruthless?

"Cruel?"

"Sote, this is the paddock."

"Trulli should be grateful. At least after Toyota’s withdrawal, I gave him a chance to still drive."

Briatore’s tone was very calm, even cold.

He could understand Sote’s dissatisfaction and anger, but after years in the paddock, Hua Bu had long downplayed the value of emotions.

Compared to being a second driver and a wingman, a driver without a car is the greatest cruelty!

No matter what grudges or resentments Briatore and Trulli had, he ultimately kept Trulli in the paddock, allowing him to race an F1 car on the track. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

This response left Sote speechless, for indeed, with Toyota’s sudden withdrawal, Trulli was on the brink of forced retirement, with no team extending an olive branch.

Though Trulli’s joining HRT was backed by the exchange condition of Ferrari’s used wind tunnel.

But in reality, this did not play a decisive role.

Without Briatore’s nod, Trulli wouldn’t have entered HRT!

On the track, before hearing Briatore’s orders, Trulli was mostly in a daze state.

During the winter testing practice, he agreed with Chen Xiangbei that whoever ran the fastest lap would become the team’s number one driver and get resource priority.

However, due to the grudges with Sutil and the Toyota engine blowouts and other factors, that contest ended with no result.

Single-lap speed has always been Trulli’s strength, his pride and capital. Even after a comprehensive poor performance compared to Chen Xiangbei in the opening race, Trulli was still full of confidence in himself, thinking it was still uncertain who would win!

Today’s overtaking incident shattered Trulli’s perception.

The Chinese newcomer not only had faster absolute speed than himself, but also comprehensively surpassed him in attack and defense battles and in grasping overtaking timing.

He lost, and lost utterly!

The order from Briatore in the headset broke Trulli’s daze, and meanwhile, his peripheral vision caught the approaching Rosberg at the back.

Unlike what race engineer Sote thought, Trulli was not that fragile. After just taking a deep breath, he proceeded to follow the team orders to block Rosberg’s chase.

The reason is simple—after more than a decade in a professional career, Trulli had grown familiar with the ruthlessness of the paddock!

Wasn’t it like Barrichello enjoyed being a number two driver, being forced to yield to Schumacher?

Hadn’t the bittersweet Masa from Brazil wanted to win in front of his home audience, only to have to play the wingman for Alonso?

Or was it that Bottas really had no dreams watching Hamilton become a seven-time champion without envy?

The answer is obviously no.

If you’re not good enough, accept your fate!

Besides, regardless of how openly Trulli and Briatore clashed, or how many grudges they had in the past.

Trulli always had a clear understanding that Briatore gave him a chance to stay in the paddock.

If you lose, you must be able to bear it; Trulli wouldn’t engage in burning bridges.

Since Briatore did not adjust the solo channel, Chen Xiangbei, running ahead, also heard this instruction in the headset.