HRT has never been an indecisive team, now that Chen Xiangbei has made a decision, every team member will steadfastly move toward this goal.

Simultaneous tasks include replacing the new power unit, increasing the main race engine output power, and filing a report to the FIA.

Besides, during Chen Xiangbei's pre-race preparations, a familiar visitor arrived at the garage, who was none other than his classmate from Honda, Hoshino Yoshi.

The last time they met was at East Ocean Circuit in Australia, where Hoshino Yoshi brought Chen Xiangbei a "gift" from Nakajima Goro, helping him win the prestigious Grand Prix Champion in F3.

This time, Hoshino Yoshi wasn't able to help Chen Xiangbei any further, not even Nakajima Ikki, who had once imparted his secrets, was able to remain in the F1 Paddock, being dismissed early by Sir Williams.

Hoshino Yoshi simply came to see Chen Xiangbei and his former coach Sawano Hiroyuki.

Standing at the door of the P room of HRT Team, looking at the crowded paddock, Hoshino Yoshi sentimentally said, "Xiangbei-kun, you've fulfilled our early promise, standing at the pinnacle of racing."

In terms of racing, F1 indeed represents the pinnacle.

But for Chen Xiangbei personally, the current achievements are not enough.

So he smiled and shook his head, saying, "I have just stood before the throne." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Hoshino Yoshi understood the meaning Chen Xiangbei was trying to convey and asked, "Then when will you sit on the throne?"

"I don't know."

"I think it might be today."

Hoshino Yoshi looked up at the sky, realizing how beautiful it is to achieve the dreams of youth.

But Chen Xiangbei still shook his head and said, "That's not my throne."

"Do you want the world championship?"

"Yes, that is the true pinnacle!"

A glimmer of fascination and daze showed in Chen Xiangbei's eyes, looking at a fluttering prancing horse flag in the distance.

If talking about the true peak, perhaps only that man can be considered so.

"Yes, only being the world champion counts as the new king on the throne."

"Xiangbei-kun, it seems that in my lifetime I won't be able to keep up with your pace."

Hoshino Yoshi replied with a smile, without any dismay or jealousy.

In fact, in over a year of professional advancement, he has become the youngest podium finisher in Japan's Super GT history.

In some sense, this could be seen as standing at the top of Japan's touring car racing.

However, there is a gap that cannot be crossed between touring cars and formula cars, not to mention Chen Xiangbei is racing in the world-class F1, and they probably won't ever meet the pinnacle as they once promised in their youth.

"Not necessarily, could the starting point be lower than your Japanese driver Sato Takuma?"

Hearing Chen Xiangbei's words, Hoshino Yoshi smiled without responding, knowing that the other was comforting him.

Just then, Odetto's voice came from behind.

"Bei, get ready to attend the pre-race conference."

As a home driver, Chen Xiangbei naturally had to participate.

However, this pre-race conference for Chen Xiangbei, apart from its symbolic meaning, was extremely dull.

The reason is that for the main race of the East Sea Grand Prix, a high-ranking official is watching on-site and will also participate in the post-race award ceremony, so the reporters' questions are formal and conservative, and the drivers maintain a "harmonious" image, limiting Chen Xiangbei's "bold" expressions.

But when Chen Xiangbei's figure appeared on the big screen on the track, it still aroused enthusiastic cheers within the paddock. In fact, the Chinese audience at the home ground doesn't require grandiose language, just the presence of a Chinese driver is sufficient.

Results are one thing, often, a breakthrough from zero is more meaningful!

The end of the interview led to the customary parade lap, and this time Chen Xiangbei enjoyed a special treatment, being accompanied by a single convertible for a lap around the track.

The scene of the home driver having a solo parade lap is quite rare in the F1 paddock, appearing only under particularly meaningful circumstances.

For example, someone like Chen Xiangbei, the first trailblazer.

Or Bruno Senna at the Brazilian track, once drove around the track in Senna's old car.

Future Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu, in 2024 at East Sea International Circuit home track, also enjoyed a solo parade lap.

Furthermore, after the competition, an exception was made to allow him, like the top three drivers, to stop on the main track and enjoy the audience's cheers, creating that iconic picture of crouching down and crying with his hands covering his face.

The reason the FIA is willing to make such exceptions is partly to let drivers enjoy the glory at home court.

Another aspect is for expanding the Chinese market.

A population of over a billion holds endless potential, and when the economic level rises such that cars are no longer tools but lifestyle items, it naturally breeds a culture of car enthusiasts, which is the foundation of racing culture.

It must be admitted, Liberty Media is extremely proficient in the commercial operation of sports.

As Chen Xiangbei rode in a modified Huali convertible onto the main track, the whole crowd erupted, chanting his name thunderously.

"Chen Xiangbei~~! Chen Xiangbei~~! Chen Xiangbei~~!"

A crowd of two hundred thousand, this sound could pierce the skies, and nothing can obstruct its penetration.

"Old Lee, I never thought there'd be a day when I would hear the whole crowd call out a Chinese driver's name at East Sea International Circuit, it feels like a dream."

Commentator Sha Tong saw this scene, and said what was truly in their heart, filled with mixed emotions.