Car Racing without Money-Chapter 472 - 186: The Next Superstar Driver (10K)

Chapter 472: Chapter 186: The Next Superstar Driver (10K)

More importantly, the lap times during winter testing have already pushed the limits of the HRT Racing Car.

But it’s not the limit for other teams’ cars!

The reason is simple. Even though they’ve collected some airflow data from the aerodynamic packages, HRT Team’s research engineers have made upgrade plans, yet they still don’t dare to put things that haven’t been verified in the wind tunnel directly on the car.

The aerodynamics of an F1 car matching with hardware compatibility is a rather complex and profound knowledge.

Even a slight difference somewhere can result in vastly different outcomes.

The TF110 car’s performance during winter testing wasn’t bad. The team’s research team believes it has reached the level of the mid-tier teams, with competitiveness to score points in the opening race without needing to take unverifiable risks.

It’s a minor issue if the speed doesn’t increase, but negative upgrades would be even more troublesome!

The current speed and performance, securing points at the debut race is the team’s goal. In F1 history, not many rookies have achieved this, especially before the reform of the points system.

"Briatore has promoted you as the next star driver, is your capability just securing points at the debut?"

Before the reporter’s question, Chen Xiangbei was trying to keep a low profile.

F1 is not a lower-level formula; it’s the realm of gods here, Chen Xiangbei is well aware of this.

But this doesn’t mean "gods" can’t be defeated!

"Where do you think I should place?"

"Raikkonen made a triple jump to debut sixth, I think it should be at least top six."

The reporter gave his answer, with a provoking smile on his face.

When Chen Xiangbei was in lower-level formulas, he was often compared to Raikkonen.

Some even enthusiastic fans heralded them as the "leap frogging twins."

But for Raikkonen fans, most of them think Chen Xiangbei is just trying to get attention.

What level is a Chinese rookie, to be worthy of being called twin stars with Finland’s historical genius driver, world champion?

Now this reporter brought Raikkonen again, it’s evident that no matter how Chen Xiangbei answers, the fans will view it as promotional binding, causing a stir in the racing fan circles.

It’s worth noting Raikkonen’s fan quantity, during these years isn’t less than Schumacher!

"Alright, I’ll show you what it means to be the next star driver."

Chen Xiangbei promised casually while looking at Hua Bu again.

When the Italian rascal boasted about the next superstar privately, Chen Xiangbei had a clear B statement in mind and flatly refused, not buying into this sugar-coated cannonball.

Today he openly admitted in front of hundreds of reporters and all official F1 drivers that he would become the next star driver.

It’s because Chen Xiangbei realized, rather than being forbearing, why not be recklessly defiant!

Foreign reporters don’t understand human words at all, the middle-ground humility simply doesn’t work; on the contrary, they’ll see you as a soft target.

Conversely, only by showing a blatant arrogance in a lower-level manner can they understand what respect and courtesy mean!

Sure enough, when Chen Xiangbei said this sentence, many reporters’ expressions changed.

Most of them haven’t paid attention to basic races like Renault’s level, even the F3 supporting events lacked enough heat.

In many people’s impressions, including Japan, Asian drivers are all humble and timid, not daring to speak boldly, even described as timid and cautious. Who claims they’ll become the next star driver like this? 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Chen Xiangbei’s words and behavior directly subverted the inherent impressions of the reporters present.

"This Chinese newcomer is really astonishing with his speech."

"I feel he’s been provoked out of control, unable to restrain his emotions."

"No, Xiangbei was notorious for arrogance in lower-level events, originally thought he’d become humble over time, seems not at all."

"F1 isn’t a lower-level event; arrogant remarks will carry a cost!"

Various discussions began to sound, Jean Todt sensed the press conference’s explosive atmosphere growing increasingly intense, directly announcing the end of the journalist question session, entering the driver meet-and-greet.

Outside the media center, tens of thousands of team and driver fans are still standing, waiting to get driver signatures and some team souvenirs.

As the reporters gradually exited, Jean Todt approached Chen Xiangbei, handing over the Super Driver’s License while saying: "Xiangbei, you’re quite different."

Jean Todt didn’t judge the pros and cons of Chen Xiangbei’s speech; he knows well this is part of the driver’s personality.

Compared to other foreigners, Jean Todt, who has been in a relationship with Michelle Yeoh for many years, has met many Chinese and overseas Chinese, not many show the firm and flamboyant behavior like Chen Xiangbei.

Most of them would choose to keep things calm when faced with such provoking questions.

"If everyone were the same, wouldn’t that be boring."

Chen Xiangbei took the Super Driver’s License and replied with a smile.

"Haha, seems indeed so."

"Congratulations, Xiangbei."

"Thank you."

The two shook hands, Jean Todt said no more and turned to leave with FIA officials.

However, Chen Xiangbei left a deep first impression.

Just as Jean Todt left, Briatore approached.

He naturally placed his hand on Chen Xiangbei’s shoulder and said with pride, "Xiangbei, great performance at the press conference."

"Was the first reporter invited by you?"

Chen Xiangbei immediately asked, it was clear that Schumacher was supposed to be the main focus of the conference, yet someone inexplicably shifted the topic to him.