Car Racing without Money

Chapter 803 - 327: The Heavy Pressure of the Championship Fight (2)

He knew that according to the practice session’s benchmark, breaking Schumacher’s track record during qualifying was only a matter of time.But he didn’t expect it to be surpassed during the first practice!

Honestly, Chen Xiangbei pushed that last lap very hard, essentially giving it his all.

He initially thought that this lap time could be maintained, and even in Q3, it would at least place him in the top five.

Now he’s not so sure anymore.

"Odetto, should I push for another lap?"

Chen Xiangbei asked back.

"No need, protect the engine’s life and return to the pits."

Although this lap saw many top qualifying results, Chen Xiangbei’s speed guaranteed a safe entry into Q2, and Odetto promptly issued the order to pit, ending the first qualifying session early.

It’s important to note that during qualifying, engines are pushed to full power, which puts immense pressure on their cooling and lifespan. Typically, if a stable progression is ensured, the team will have the driver return to the pits early.

Another thing is that the Monaco Circuit is too narrow; the flying lap window period is extremely hard to catch.

If you encounter a slow car ahead, many lower-level passes can’t be executed; you’re forced to brake and wait behind for the opportunity.

Of course, the most crucial point is that Chen Xiangbei doesn’t have enough soft red tires.

The intensive testing and pushing during practice sessions have already used up two sets of soft red tires. Normally, three sets are used during qualifying, meaning Chen Xiangbei won’t have any new red tires available for the race.

Chen Xiangbei’s return didn’t cause much attention or stir in the paddock.

Because a silver-painted car was speeding down the track, and it belonged to Rosberg from the Mercedes Team.

In this lap, he wants to showcase the glory of a home driver.

And prove he is stronger than Driver Bei!

"Go Rosberg, take pole position at the Monaco Circuit!"

"Monaco’s first home champion, we’re eager to witness your coronation!"

"If only Rosberg were a true local driver."

A Monaco resident stood on a balcony listening to the chants for a home champion, a look of hopeful aspiration on their face.

At his core, Rosberg is still a German.

"Charles Leclerc’s karting record is flawless, I believe we’ll see a home champion driver in the future!"

Amidst the audience’s cheers and discussions, Rosberg’s Mercedes car raced across the Monaco Monte Carlo Circuit like a silver meteor streaking through the night sky, leaving a dazzling afterimage.

"Brown, team leader, Rosberg’s lap is very fast, I think it’s broken Schumi’s track record!"

Inside the Mercedes Team’s pit box, the team members were already getting excited.

For any F1 team, even if they have a seven-time champion like Schumacher, it only represents past glory; young blood represents the future.

The new generation of drivers, the four horsemen—Hamilton and Vettel have already fulfilled their talents, becoming the key building blocks for McLaren and Red Bull Racing Team respectively. Kubica has equally shone at Sauber, with Ferrari Team extending an olive branch early.

As a world-class factory team in F1, Mercedes’s goal is not merely to put up an average performance and settle for middle-tier results; aiming for a world championship is the objective!

Rosberg needs to step up, to carry the Mercedes banner after Schumacher’s retirement!

Throughout, Rosberg’s performance, results, and speed have always been slightly inferior to his contemporaries. Even Hamilton, his closest friend, didn’t consider him the strongest foe, instead aiming at Kubica.

Today’s Monaco Grand Prix victory will be the stepping stone for Rosberg to elevate to a top-level driver!

"No doubt about it, this lap is incredibly fast, definitely the fastest of the session so far."

"Schumi, your past glory belongs to you; the future belongs to Rosberg!"

"Let the lap time results come out; I want to see Rosberg’s name at the top of the list!"

The silver Mercedes car on the track crossed the finish line, and the timing numbers came to a synchronized halt.

With a lap time of 1:12.707, Rosberg successfully claimed the top spot!

The audience in attendance fell into chaos as they stared at the vibrant red numbers on the broadcast screen, cheering and shouting in celebration, as if they were welcoming the birth of a home champion prematurely.

"SHIT, celebrating before securing pole position—isn’t it a bit too early for champagne?"

Regarding the jubilant waves outside the pit box, Briatore replied in a tone filled with disdain.

After saying this, he approached Chen Xiangbei, extended his arm to reveal the watch under his shirt, and asked: "Do you know the brand?"

Briatore’s sudden quirky conduct left everyone in the pit box speechless.

"Tag Heuer."

Chen Xiangbei replied coldly.

Not that he has expertise in luxury goods, but this brand is an F1 sponsor and the first luxury brand to have its logo printed on racing cars. Furthermore, the official Monaco Circuit countdown is sponsored by Tag Heuer.

As long as you pay attention to timing, you’ll see the Tag Heuer mark.

"Secure the Monaco pole position, and you’ll become the global ambassador for Tag Heuer. I’ve already negotiated it."

While saying these words, Briatore raised his eyebrows.

"Manager!"

Listening to Briatore’s words, Sawano Hiroyuki couldn’t help but shout.

The Monaco championship is an honor and a dream for drivers.

In discussions of honor and dreams, you’re suddenly talking about money?

"Well, my gloves are indeed missing a watch."

Chen Xiangbei pointed to his gloves, his tone filled with ease, as if completely unaffected by the pressure of the race.

The aura of the luxury watches fits perfectly with F1 drivers and their audience. Almost every known driver has endorsed a watch brand, even Zhou Guanyu signed an endorsement deal with Hublot during his F3 driver days.

However, modern F1 drivers are required to wear fireproof suits and gloves, making it inconvenient to wear wristwatches. The way to flaunt the endorsed brand usually involves drawing a watch on the glove, similar to drawing a watch on your wrist as a child.

Chen Xiangbei’s glove has always been vacant, and now there’s a goal to fill it.

"GOOD, just wait for the second practice to start!"

After receiving a satisfactory answer, Briatore returned to the manager’s seat, lazily propping his foot on the table.

Seeing this scene, Sawano Hiroyuki expressed extreme dissatisfaction to Odetto: "Leader, isn’t the manager distracting the drivers during their competition?"

During qualifying, especially on a precision-demanding circuit like Monaco, drivers need to be entirely focused; there isn’t room to discuss endorsement deals during qualification breaks.

"No, he’s helping Bei relieve pressure."

"Relieve pressure?"

Sawano Hiroyuki was even more bewildered by Odetto’s explanation.

"Did you notice, Bei’s arm is slightly shaking?"

[Shaking?]

Sawano Hiroyuki froze; he actually hadn’t noticed this detail.

"Briatore wasn’t discussing any watch contract; Tag Heuer has its spokesperson. He noticed Bei’s arm trembling and used the watch to relieve and divert attention."

"The pressure of competing for the championship is far greater than expected."

"Don’t forget, Bei is still in his rookie season."

Hamilton and Vettel finished their first championship contention seasons as runners-up, with many large and small errors throughout, possibly even just one good race might have secured a championship a year earlier.

Later, Norris’s first championship contention season faced off against Verstappen’s Autobots attack, and under immense pressure, could be described as unbearably tragic, with consecutive slip-ups.

This is not only Chen Xiangbei’s first championship contention season but also his debut season.

Many times, Chen Xiangbei didn’t show it, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel nervous or pressured.

Briatore might not be great as a person, but he is without a doubt a legendary team leader.

In terms of relieving pressure, the meticulous Odetto can’t compare to him, nor can achieve this playful and relaxed effect.

Never underestimate Briatore’s playful demeanor and underrate this Italian old rogue’s professional ability. The man who cultivated Schumacher and Alonso—how could he be a failure?

No time for more idle chat; the second qualifying session is swiftly approaching.

This time, Chen Xiangbei didn’t rush to get on the track but kept taking deep breaths, adjusting his physical condition and rhythm, while replaying the first lap in his mind for any details that could be improved.

Chen Xiangbei doesn’t know exactly how fast Rosberg can drive.

But he knows that 1:12.991 is definitely not his limit!