Car Racing without Money-Chapter 374 - 157: Would You Like to Join the Big Three?

Chapter 374: Chapter 157: Would You Like to Join the Big Three?

But he was invited by the "National Sports Commission" to team up with Cheng Congfu to participate in the 09 season of the A1GP Formula Nations Cup.

If Chen Xiangbei remembers correctly, Dong Hebin should have been preparing with Cheng Congfu in France, so why did he suddenly come to the Spa Circuit in Belgium.

"Renault team leader Blair really admired your performance at the Spa Circuit. He hopes I can act as an intermediary to talk to you, and there’s also a legendary figure in the racing world present today."

"Xiangbei, I think this is a chance to join an F1 team!"

Dong Hebin’s tone was very excited; the reason he rushed from France to Belgium overnight was because, after the first round race ended yesterday, Renault team leader Blair called him.

He inquired about Chen Xiangbei and expressed an intention to recruit him.

After the new driver test results at Catalonia Circuit came out, Dong Hebin realized he likely wouldn’t become an official F1 driver.

Since that’s the case, he hopes even more that Chen Xiangbei can seize this rare opportunity to become China’s first official F1 driver!

[Renault’s leader is interested in me?]

Hearing Dong Hebin’s words, Chen Xiangbei was admittedly a bit confused.

He had indeed always been seeking a seat as an official F1 driver, but had never considered Renault.

The reason is simple: a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse; even if Renault’s circumstances have worsened a bit, they are still among the "top three teams." Why would they offer a seat to a rookie from China?

One must know that talented drivers like Verstappen started from the junior Red Bull Racing Team to enter F1.

A rookie directly entering a "top three" team has very few precedents in history.

To say the least, the 25 season was pretty extravagant when semi-newbie Lawson jumped directly into the Red Bull Racing Team.

As for pure newbie Antonelli, he directly joined the Mercedes Team.

Chen Xiangbei is wary enough to believe that such a good thing may not happen to him.

Also, who is the legendary figure in the racing world?

"Xiangbei, don’t hesitate. Before the race starts, come with me to Renault’s office."

Before Chen Xiangbei could respond, Dong Hebin pulled him out of the driver lounge toward Renault Team’s office.

Seeing Chen Xiangbei leaving, Lu Xiaoman approached Odetto with a curious tone, asking, "Leader, where is Xiangbei going?"

Earlier, when Dong Hebin came to the paddock room, he had already greeted Odetto, but Lu Xiaoman and others didn’t know what was said.

"To see the world."

"What?"

Odetto’s response completely baffled Lu Xiaoman as Chen Xiangbei has seen much of the world already. What new world could he see now?

But Odetto wasn’t in the habit of explaining; he turned and began discussing the car maintenance situation with Liang Chi.

After three consecutive races, the durability test on the engine is intense. Odetto needed accurate data to decide whether to open the engine to full power for the second round race.

To surpass opponents, speed is the first element!

Meanwhile, with Dong Hebin leading the way, Chen Xiangbei entered Renault Team’s paddock room.

Faced with this unfamiliar Chinese driver, the Renault team members showed curious expressions. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Chen Xiangbei deliberately looked around, hoping to see Renault driver Alonso up close, but he didn’t find him in the paddock room.

Opening the office door, Dong Hebin didn’t enter but stood at the doorway beckoning him.

Chen Xiangbei walked in, seeing two middle-aged men; one was the current Renault team leader Blair, the other had a signature curly hairstyle.

Chen Xiangbei stared at the man’s face for a few seconds, then his face revealed a shocked expression.

Dong Hebin wasn’t wrong; this man truly is a legendary figure in the racing world.

His name is Alain Prost!

Throughout the eighties in the F1 circuit, only two drivers truly stood at the pinnacle: one is the universally recognized racing god Senna.

The other is his opponent, the French driver Prost, nicknamed "The Professor."

If Senna is the embodiment of aggression, Prost is the epitome of steadiness; together, they represent two extremes in the racing world!

However, due to Senna’s driving style and remarkable exploits drawing more attention, combined with the legendary color of his death, the four-time champion Prost, being his rival, stepped into the "villain" role with relatively poorer public opinion.

Yet one thing is certain: Prost is a driver who not only matches but, in some ways, surpasses Senna.

Bear in mind Prost’s acquisition of four F1 Championships had substantial merit, defeating teammates who were world champions like Lauda, Rosberg, Senna, Mansell, and Hill under unfavorable scoring rules.

The F1 scoring rules in the eighties didn’t involve seasonal totals like later generations; it was effective scoring.

Simply put, it counted points from the best performances across the races, excluding the poorer ones.

It was under this effective scoring system’s "encouragement" that eighties drivers drove by risking their lives for positions; steady-type drivers weren’t as valued.

Under modern scoring rules, Senna’s overall performance would suffer more.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Prost is stronger than Senna; they each had their strengths.

Stepping back, without effective scoring rules, Senna might not have been as aggressive; he too could have showcased his long-distance steadiness.

"Bei, congratulations on your performance at Spa Station."

Blair first politely greeted.

"Thank you."

Chen Xiangbei replied politely as well.

Then he added, "I wonder what specific matters the invitation from Leader Blair pertains to?"

Even though Chen Xiangbei knew well in his heart, he deliberately asked while awaiting the answer.

Facing Chen Xiangbei’s direct questioning, Blair and Prost exchanged a look and showed a hint of a smile.

"Bei, your personality is just like your racing style, brimming with youthful vigor."

"Since that’s the case, let’s get to the point: are you interested in joining the Renault Team?"