CHAPTER 206: CHAPTER 113: YOU THINK YOU CAN STOP ME? (DOUBLE-LENGTH)

It seemed like to confirm Staler’s words, Chen Xiangbei indeed made no moves on the track. He continued with the planned warm-up laps and felt the different sensations on the track after the car’s adjustments.

James showed a regretful expression; he thought that at this age of recklessness, Mansell’s actions would lead to quite a show.

Soon, after two warm-up laps, the temperature of Chen Xiangbei’s slick tires had already surpassed 100°C, reaching optimal working conditions.

"Xiangbei, you can go for a flying lap now."

Audel gave the team instructions to Chen Xiangbei based on the car’s data and track traffic conditions.

"Copy."

After a simple reply, Chen Xiangbei went full throttle through the starting line for a dynamic start.

Having spent half a day practicing, Chen Xiangbei was no stranger to the Donington Park Circuit.

Technically, this flying lap was smooth and fluent; the lower chassis and the harder suspension indeed helped reduce the effects of G-force and increase the maximum cornering speed.

However, Chen Xiangbei immediately discovered a new problem. Due to this undulating, old track, the car body greatly bounced after lowering the chassis height and using hard suspension, presenting a phenomenon akin to "porpoising".

The Renault car bounced significantly on many sections, especially when taking the curbs at the limit; the ups and downs sometimes made Chen Xiangbei feel like the car was taking off.

Moreover, because of continuous high-frequency bumps, Chen Xiangbei had to grip the steering wheel firmly with both arms, somewhat countering the pressure relieved from lateral G-force, which hadn’t eased the shoulder muscle pain.

"Sawano, what was my lap time?"

"Very good, 1 minute 08 seconds 975."

Sawano Hiroyuki spoke with a hint of excitement, knowing that this lap time was achieved under heavy fuel conditions, and Chen Xiangbei had already broken into the 1-minute 09-second realm, approaching last year’s track pole position time.

At this pace, Chen Xiangbei has a good chance of approaching or even surpassing Ricardo’s pole position record!

It seems that Audel’s new tuning plan indeed brings a significant improvement.

Upon hearing this answer, Chen Xiangbei didn’t say much as he planned to push for another flying lap after finishing this buffer lap, to see where the limits of this setup lie.

The lap time of Chen Xiangbei wasn’t only known to Sawano Hiroyuki, but with all the track monitoring equipment turned on, any team in the pits could see the exact lap time.

At this moment, many team engineers instinctively took a deep breath.

Indeed, there were no baseless rumors within the paddock; it was true that the Chinese kid’s practice time broke the track’s pole position record, otherwise, it would be impossible to enter the 1-minute 08-second realm on heavy fuel and the first lap.

As the car lightened on fuel, and the racing line filled with rubber debris, Chen Xiangbei’s lap time could still improve by at least 0.5 seconds.

But the problem is, Ricardo’s pole record is only 1 minute 08 seconds 433!

"How on earth did the Chinese kid go so fast on the first lap?"

"Wow, if I remember correctly, the Renault European Cup pole was just barely 0.2 seconds faster than this last year!"

"Driver Xiangbei is quite strong; could he really seize the pole position!"

Hearing the exclamations of the European audience, the Chinese audience who came to Donington Park to cheer for Chen Xiangbei was more bewildered at this moment.

To be honest, most of the Chinese spectators who came today weren’t fans of formula racing.

The reason is simple: there is a weak foundation of formula racing in China, insufficient to cultivate a large number of fans, let alone overseas fans.

They came mainly out of a sense of compatriotism, to support Chen Xiangbei.

Less than ten minutes ago, they heard all sorts of jeers from British fans cheering for Mansell’s antics on the track.

But within a few minutes, they turned to astonishment at Chen Xiangbei’s prowess.

"Is Chen Xiangbei really that amazing, already challenging for pole position?"

A Chinese spectator voiced his doubts, even though Chen Xiangbei had won the pole and the champion in the first race, they weren’t confident that this was due to strong capabilities.

"Seems like it, otherwise these guys wouldn’t be so surprised."

"Damn, could it be that becoming an F1 driver isn’t a joke, and Chen Xiangbei really has the strength?"

"Nonsense, no strength to clinch the first race champion?"

The various discussions and exclamations in the stands did not affect Chen Xiangbei, who planned to do a second flying lap in the slightest.

As he once again crossed the starting line, Chen Xiangbei now truly went full throttle; his goal was to improve his single-lap speed by at least 0.3 seconds, then pit for a new set of tires to complete the final battle for pole position.

Quickly passing a few corners, Chen Xiangbei saw a slow car appearing in front.

Unlike the Silverstone Circuit, many sections of the unmodified old Donington Park Circuit are less than half the width of a typical F1 track.

This means that if the car in front hogs the racing line, Chen Xiangbei would lose a lot of speed if he wanted to change lanes and overtake.

However, many times there is no choice; the track isn’t owned by Chen Xiangbei, so unless blocking happens in the corners, the following car often opts for the fastest overtaking.

This is also why timing and traffic conditions are crucial in qualifying sessions.

But as the two cars gradually approached, just as Chen Xiangbei was about to change lanes and overtake, the car in front suddenly accelerated, as if starting its flying lap.

Realizing something was amiss, Chen Xiangbei asked through team radio: "Audel, what’s the situation with the car in front?"

"The car in front is the DAMS Team’s No. 9 driver Mansell."

"Xiangbei, what are you planning to do?"

All Renault cars have the same livery, distinguishable only by the number on the car’s nose.

Chen Xiangbei was behind, naturally unable to see the car ahead’s number.

On the other hand, Mansell in front could vaguely see the car number of the approaching Chen Xiangbei through the rearview mirror.

Audel informed Chen Xiangbei of the driver ahead via the track monitoring system, curious about how the Chinese kid would respond this time.

"Take him down."

Chen Xiangbei said three words, his expression completely changed.

He was just reluctant to bother, not out of fear.

Becoming a professional driver indeed requires restraining oneself from impulsiveness, not engaging in road rage.

But that doesn’t mean Chen Xiangbei has no temper.

The track has seen many top drivers, including Senna and Schumacher, often filled with a fighting spirit, sometimes wanting to brawl in heated moments.

Chen Xiangbei’s character is either to dismiss it or to respond thoroughly when he decides to, resolving matters once and for all.

Enjoy provoking and blocking cars, huh?

"What makes you think you can!"

"Good, let me see how you’ll take him down."

Audel’s tone was extremely excited; he didn’t mind Chen Xiangbei’s calmness nor did he care about the Chinese kid’s aggressive demeanor.

Especially when someone else had already confronted you!

The F1 paddock in the seventies and eighties was a powder keg, with no driver being a pushover.

If Chen Xiangbei backed down, he rationally wouldn’t criticize anything, as a leader, he shouldn’t encourage riders to retaliate.

But emotionally, Audel would be greatly disappointed.

Audel preferred seeing Chen Xiangbei filled with a fighting spirit, just like the response "take him down!"