Car Racing without Money

"Xiangbei-kun, are you planning to push on your second practice lap?"

Feeling that Chen Xiangbei was particularly earnest in warming up the tires this time, Sawano Hiroyuki sensed something and inquired through the TR communication.

"Yes, I'm planning to experiment with the simulator data while the track is less crowded."

As one of the most classic circuits within the F1 paddock, Spa's tuning solutions have been thoroughly explored over the years.

Adjustments that can be made are essentially taking into account the characteristics of the car, the driver's habits, and the track environment.

F3 is a standardized racing series, with consistent characteristics and performance, so that can be overlooked.

Regarding the driving habits, Chen Xiangbei has been on the simulator more than a thousand times in the past half month.

Out of a twelve-hour training time, apart from four hours of fitness and rest, the remaining eight hours are basically spent in the simulator cockpit.

As for the track environment, the variables are not significant, merely choosing between soft tires and ultra-soft tires.

No F3 driver would use medium or hard tires in a fifteen-lap stint when a pit stop is mandated.

Chen Xiangbei has now switched to ultra-soft tires, which heats up faster and offers better grip.

Of course, the cost is a surprisingly short lifespan when pushing at full speed.

But with just one lap push being sufficient, Chen Xiangbei is fully confident that he can reach the limit of the Spa Circuit in the shortest time!

Spa Circuit is 7.004 kilometers long, making it one of the longer tracks in the F1 circuit.

The current pole position record in F1 is held by Kimi Raikkonen at 1 minute 43.576 seconds.

While the F3 pole position record is held by Hamilton at 2 minutes 05.241 seconds.

"Watch out for safety."

Sawano Hiroyuki understood Chen Xiangbei's character and was aware of the lap times of the Chinese kid on the simulator, thus he didn't offer any persuasion.

Just gave a reminder about safety issues, as risk increases alongside speed.

"Received."

During Chen Xiangbei's tire warming process, FIA official commentator James had already started his live commentary.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the racer from China, Bei, is the first to hit the track, currently doing his warm-up lap."

"As the official commentator for the Renault series, I know racer Bei better than most. This arrogant Chinese kid taking the lead is sure to surprise everyone!"

James is practically an "old friend" of Chen Xiangbei, though the two do not know each other and have never met.

But he has watched every step of Chen Xiangbei's growth in European racing.

He can be said to be the first European besides the Dream Racing team members to notice Chen Xiangbei, believing in his ability to create miracles even when the outside world was skeptical!

"James, what do you mean by a surprise?"

The commentator guest Klas beside him questioned.

The influence of the Renault Formula series is ultimately limited, besides Chen Xiangbei has only competed in two races.

As for the Grand Prix, the prestige is unquestionable, but it's far away in China's Ao Island, where most European racing professionals cannot witness it firsthand.

Things heard compared to things seen have a fundamentally different impact on people.

Additionally, Klas, being an F1 commentator, has witnessed the planet's most elite speeds and drivers, thus an "F3 surprise" in his eyes is akin to child's play.

"Bei at least making the top three in this practice session."

Hearing James' words, Klas smirked faintly.

Pre-booking a top-three spot before even racing, does he really think Europe lacks capable drivers?

No matter how familiar James is with this Chinese kid, his partiality seems a bit excessive.

"I don't believe it."

A straightforward refutation, Klas doesn't buy that Chen Xiangbei can enter the top three in one lap.

"Then let us wait and see."

James didn't argue, trusting his instincts!

On the track, Chen Xiangbei's tire warming was nearing completion, and other drivers gradually started entering the main track for practice.

At this moment, not only was the camera focusing on Chen Xiangbei, but also the eyes of engineers from dozens of teams including F1 teams in the paddock were on car number 13.

Especially Sir Williams, who was staring intensely at the big screen with a complex expression.

It's worth noting that when it comes to F1 management, even Ross Brown has to step back a bit, because Sir Williams was already watching Chen Xiangbei during his first Renault race from the VIP box at Silverstone Circuit.

He only refused Staler's recommendation at that time, not putting Chen Xiangbei on the team's reserve list.

Not that he was underestimating or discriminating against Asians; in fact, the Williams Team has Nakajima Ikki, a Japanese driver.

Chen Xiangbei's line data from the East Bay Circuit was referenced from this "second-generation racer".

The main reason was Chen Xiangbei's growth rate was too exaggerated.

Who would have thought a Chinese newcomer with almost a blank karting history would jump straight to F3 within half a year, and through Staler's revelations and test results, was planning to advance to F1 through exhibition races.

Even just half a year ago, as long as Sir Williams had been immersed in the F1 paddock, he had never witnessed such an absurd maneuver—this Chinese kid seemed to be daydreaming.

Now, looking again, Chen Xiangbei unknowingly stood on the threshold of F1, creating his own miracle!

Can the Chinese kid cross the final threshold?

No one knows the answer, but the roar of engines on the track has already echoed through the sky. As Chen Xiangbei passes the starting line, he has achieved a full-throttle dynamic start!