Car Racing without Money

"The situation on the track has changed. Xiangbei chose to speed up on the second lap in an attempt to shake off Costa, who was drafting behind him."

"Pushing at this time causes significant tire wear. Xiangbei's tire conservation ability is currently unknown. Is he confident he can finish the race despite severe tire degradation?"

"Or has the Super Dream Team prepared a one-stop strategy, considering a pit stop for a tire change?"

Commentator James was somewhat perplexed by Chen Xiangbei's operation. Even if he wanted to ditch Costa behind him, he should at least wait until after a dozen laps when fuel consumption reduces significantly, thus decreasing the car's weight and tire wear, before making a move.

If he speeds up now and his tire conservation isn't sufficient, after a dozen laps Chen Xiangbei's car could slide around the track!

Ranked second, Costa was momentarily stunned by the sudden gap with the car in front.

Based on previous race experiences, a situation like this could last for about ten laps. Only if a driver makes a mistake under pressure from a pursuing car will the latter choose to attack, otherwise, everyone focuses on tire conservation.

"Team, there's a change in Plan B. Should I choose to accelerate and chase, or maintain the current speed for tire conservation?"

Costa asked his team via TR, noting that the Chinese driver had not played by conventional rules the whole race, making their pre-planned strategy unable to keep up with changes!

Soon, a response from the race engineer came through his helmet earpiece.

"According to the monitoring data, Driver 13, Xiangbei, has accelerated very quickly, currently creating a gap of over 1 second between you. To pursue, you must go full-speed PUSH."

"Costa, do you have the confidence to shake off Magnusson?"

The Manor Team engineer did not mention catching up to Chen Xiangbei but asked whether he could shake off Magnusson instead.

After Chen Xiangbei raced far ahead, Costa's biggest enemy was Magnusson, who was quietly drafting behind him.

If Costa could successfully shake off his opponent, he could replicate Chen Xiangbei's maneuver, potentially benefiting from the lead car's draft.

If he couldn't shake off Magnusson, it would be akin to paving the way for his opponent.

It's worth noting that before Xiangbei accelerated, he had an advantage of nearly 1 second gained in the T1 and T2 turns. Even if the opponent drafted and caught up a bit later, he'd still have around a 0.5-second lead.

Magnusson was currently very close to Costa, with a gap likely around 0.2 seconds.

"I can shake off Magnusson!"

Without much hesitation, Costa gave his answer.

Although he hadn't managed to enter F1 in history, winning the FE World Championship still proved he was an extraordinary top driver.

Costa naturally possessed a driver's confidence and pride!

After all, if you don't even have the confidence to shake off your opponent, why bother competing? Wouldn't it be better to concede from the start?

"OK, shake off Magnusson and catch up to the Chinese driver to draft, which can compensate for your extra tire wear."

"Roger that!"

Just as Odetto anticipated, Chen Xiangbei's actions triggered a chain reaction. Without a common adversary, Costa was unwilling to be a stepping stone for Magnusson.

However, Costa did not choose to accelerate immediately, fully aware of Magnusson's skill. He had to select the best corner and timing.

Costa chose the Copse Turn, turn 9 on the Silverstone Circuit, as his spot—famous for Verstappen's infamous "51G" crash in 2021.

Back then, Verstappen and Hamilton battled wheel-to-wheel, and at this high-speed corner on the Silverstone Circuit, their cars collided. Verstappen's car was sent off track by Hamilton, "flying" towards the tire wall at a speed of 290 km/h.

Post-race data showed that Verstappen experienced a maximum G-force of 51 when he hit the tire wall, an amazingly exaggerated figure, exceeding the human cornering load limit by five to six times!

Fortunately, it was only a momentary G-force and, combined with Verstappen's robust physical condition, there were no severe injuries or aftereffects apart from extended sight blurriness post-accident.

Costa planned his move here due to the T9 turn having a blind entry point, providing concealed and sudden acceleration, leaving Magnusson with no reaction time.

Additionally, following the T9 turn are four left-right high-speed continuous corners, demanding high car balance and driver control, which can also disrupt the vacuum draft behind the car.

Without drafting support, the following car would have no speed advantage!

"WOW, it seems Xiangbei's acceleration has caused a chain reaction. Costa is preparing to shake off Magnusson at the T9 corner."

"I didn't expect a Renault Formula Racing junior event, where lead drivers enter an all-out battle on the second lap. Is this the change Driver Xiangbei brings to the European races?"

"I have to admit, my view of this Chinese rookie has significantly improved; he showcased the speed and excitement of motorsports!"

At this moment, James put aside his stereotypes and inner prejudices, expressing recognition and praise for Chen Xiangbei.

He had commentated on many junior formula races, usually constrained by car performance unless there were accidents on the track to bring about changes. Most of the time, it's a "train" situation where everyone focuses on tire-saving tactics, and no one wants to initiate an attack.

In higher-level driver competitions, the more conservative and dull it tends to become!

This is why, in later generations, lower-tier formula races like F3 often adopt reverse-grid starting methods.