Car Racing without Money

Chapter 806 - 329: The Legendary Star Circle

"Xiangbei, prepare to pit."The instruction from Odetto came immediately, and he added another sentence.

"That was a beautiful run."

The qualifying results in Monaco are arguably the most prestigious event in the F1 calendar, without exception.

An amateur, even if they haven’t taken pole position, has already performed excellently if they can post the fastest lap.

Even though Odetto is not like Briatore, who tends to make a fuss and pop champagne halfway through with all sorts of brags, he couldn’t help but praise Chen Xiangbei ahead of time; he sees the shadow of a future racing superstar!

"Got it, also bring up my recent onboard footage."

"Xiangbei, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, you ran very well."

Sawano Hiroyuki immediately advised upon hearing this.

He had already sensed the heavy pressure Chen Xiangbei was under from Odetto’s previous reminder.

The short ten-minute interval in qualifying is often used by drivers to go to the restroom or hydrate, at most to discuss strategy concerns with the team; they hardly ever watch onboard footage.

The reason is simple: not much can be gleaned in such a short time, and qualifying doesn’t allow for car adjustments. Doing so only adds unnecessary pressure and worry, offering no benefit.

"No, it’s not fast enough."

Chen Xiangbei shook his head.

Whether from his perspective or the outsiders’, his recent lap could almost be described as perfect.

The issue lies precisely in the word "perfect."

This means Chen Xiangbei’s goal to improve his lap time is nearly impossible; he has hit the limit of his and the car’s speed.

But this is not the limit for Red Bull, Mercedes, not even Ferrari or McLaren.

Chen Xiangbei has a historic God’s-eye view and can almost be sure that if Vettel, Alonso, Rosberg, and others emerge, their lap times in Q3 can certainly be faster.

In fact, this is indeed the case, as they all opted to preserve strength in Q2.

Chen Xiangbei has reached his limit, but his rivals have not. It seems the entire venue cheers for the Chinese kid reigning over the Monaco Circuit, but this actually feels more like a prelude to misfortune.

"Mr. Xiangbei, I think..."

Sawano Hiroyuki still wanted to persuade, but Odetto shook his head at him and said, "Do as Xiangbei says, he has his judgment and choices."

Indeed, at this stage, rather than arguing whether it can be done, it’s better to let Chen Xiangbei decide for himself.

Adults should be responsible for themselves.

Car number 13 returned to the team’s P room, and Chen Xiangbei immediately stood in front of the computer, looking at the onboard video of his recent flying lap with a very serious expression, saying nothing.

No one knew what he was thinking, and no one disturbed him.

As time progressed, the third qualifying session entered the launch preparation phase.

In the Ferrari Team’s pit, Domenicali formally issued an instruction: "Alonso, this lap needs to take pole position."

Domenicali is not considered a strong leader, mainly because Ferrari’s iron triangle was too famous before, leaving other team strategy members with little voice, and it was difficult to establish authority quickly after the dissolution.

Another reason is that both Ferrari drivers, whether Masa or Alonso, are considered veteran famous drivers on the circuit and can’t be bossed around like newcomers.

Especially Alonso, currently the strongest driver on the circuit, the GOAT level after Schumacher, has to be given some respect.

Just like the future Red Bull Racing Team, treating the second driver like cannon fodder, changing them frequently, but treating Verstappen like a revered ancestor.

Even as a driver, he has the right to intervene in the power struggle between Marco and Horner.

Domenicali used to rest assured with Alonso, believing that Hamilton, Vettel, and other rookie drivers couldn’t threaten the strongest racer on the circuit as long as the car wasn’t slow enough to secure a championship.

The problem now is that the Ferrari isn’t fast enough!

In terms of absolute performance, Ferrari ranks about second to third in speed, almost on par with McLaren and HRT.

Furthermore, what’s pressuring Domenicali is that he realizes he has somewhat underestimated the newcomers in the circuit.

Not to mention Hamilton and Vettel, who have already proven their top talent by securing the top two championship positions; now even the Chinese newcomer Chen Xiangbei possesses the strength to threaten Alonso.

A mere few points’ advantage as the temporary leader in the leaderboard is really not safe enough.

Alonso must clinch the championship at the Monaco Station to secure the title as the 10th season world champion more securely.

The title of three-time champion is at stake in this race!

"I’ll give it my best shot."

Alonso also understood the gravity of the situation and did not have any arrogance; he genuinely viewed several championship-contending drivers as the most threatening opponents.

With Alonso’s statement, Domenicali could finally breathe a slight sigh of relief.

Only ten cars left in Q3 means the track traffic conditions and surface conditions have reached a state that can be utilized at any time, eliminating the need to deliberately wait for a flying window.

When the qualifying time started, the Red Bull Racing Team sent out both cars first. To ensure they could secure pole position and gain a starting advantage on the front row, the team also reached a gentleman’s agreement.

Whoever runs slower would be responsible for towing the fast car once.

Monaco doesn’t have enough long straights, meaning that the effect of towing isn’t very good.