Car Racing without Money-Chapter 487 - 191: I’m Not Fighting Alone (2)

After the practice session ended and before the qualifying session began, there would be a few hours of rest.

This time is used for lunch and for the drivers to relax and adjust their state.

Most of the time, drivers would listen to music to relax their mood during this period, or for those with strong mental qualities, even take a quick nap.

Chen Xiangbei was neither; he sat on the lounge sofa, watching Trulli’s first-person view from the third practice, trying to learn from his strengths and make up for his weaknesses in high-speed turns.

For a rookie, learning and even mimicking are stages that one must go through in their career.

Trulli initially planned to sit in the lounge, but when he saw Chen Xiangbei on the sofa, intently watching the race footage, he felt mixed emotions inside.

To be honest, Trulli "disliked even the house and furniture" and had a very poor first impression of Chen Xiangbei.

He saw him merely as a pay driver who got his seat by throwing money around to satisfy Briatore, backed by massive sponsorship from Chinese capital.

However, after interacting for some time, regardless of the Chinese Kid’s talent and strength, at least in terms of effort, Trulli felt there was none better throughout his fifteen years in his career!

Now, even during the rest period before the qualifying session, Chen Xiangbei did not waste his time.

"Kid, sometimes being too tense isn’t a good thing."

After hesitating for a moment, Trulli ultimately offered a reminder.

As the saying goes, moderation in relaxation is key, and human energy is ultimately limited.

Being in a constantly tense state, as Chen Xiangbei was, might backfire.

If this tension snaps, it could lead to a broken state of mind.

"I know."

Chen Xiangbei nodded.

Then a smile forced its way onto his face as he said, "But I’m not that fragile."

Chen Xiangbei appreciated Trulli’s good intentions, but he needed breakthroughs and improvement more at the moment.

Though an F1 track seems to have only a dozen turns, each turn actually means a standard braking point, an apex point to pass through, and countless derived routes for cutting corners.

Chen Xiangbei needed to memorize every detail of the track to let the car take turns at nearly the same speed in different positions.

In later years, Verstappen’s most impressive feat was maintaining his lap speed within a margin of milliseconds over long distances.

This meant that his route each lap could nearly perfectly overlap on the track!

Such mastery of track familiarity and long-term training led to muscle memory.

Top F1 drivers can simulate the track blindfolded, knowing which corner they’re at just by the sound of gear shifts; these seemingly miraculous deeds are no unfounded rumors.

They can indeed reach such god-like states!

What Chen Xiangbei had to do was seize every second to get infinitely close to, or even surpass, the gods of the racing world.

"Suit yourself."

Faced with Chen Xiangbei’s persistence, Trulli was too lazy to say more.

He walked into the smaller room inside, intending to lie down on the bed and rest for a while.

The two hours passed quickly; looking at the wall clock showing the upcoming qualifying session, Chen Xiangbei stretched and moved his body.

The audience on the bleachers was already seated, and many fans who couldn’t buy tickets were gathering outside the Bahrain Sakhir Circuit, shouting cheers in unison hoping to let the drivers they supported hear them.

This was the season opener, carrying extraordinary significance.

"OH~~~! The seats at the Bahrain Circuit are packed, even the scorching summer can’t dampen the fans’ enthusiasm. I believe that when the qualifying session of the opener arrives, it will trigger an explosive effect in the arena."

F1 official commentator James used his passionate words to warm up the qualifying session in advance.

"Emil, what do you think about this qualifying session, and who do you believe will take pole position?"

The track’s guest commentator was a local host from Bahrain today.

James proactively threw out a topic, going with his opening.

"This year of major rule changes, along with three new teams entering the F1 Paddock, I believe will absolutely bring fresh excitement to viewers."

"Regarding who will take pole position, I agree more with the veteran."

Emil wore a "you know who" smile.

When the veteran isn’t specifically mentioned, there’s no doubt that person is Schumacher!

"Of course, Schumacher is already a legend in the paddock. I’m equally eager to see his performance upon returning."

"Then among the newcomers and new teams, who do you favor more?"

"Bruno Senna from Lotus Team!"

Emil gave a firm answer.

To middle-aged commentators who experienced the Senna era, the racing god was akin to a faith in their hearts.

Now that this surname has returned to the paddock, it certainly deserves full support.

Moreover, during the third practice, Bruno Senna ranked eighth, standing first among the rookies!

"James, who do you favor?"

Faced with Emil’s counter-question, James hesitated for a moment.

Then he replied, "HRT Team’s North."

"North?"

Upon hearing this answer, Emil discreetly curled his lips, clearly unimpressed with the Chinese driver.

"James, North’s ranking fell significantly during the third practice, which is the closest simulation test to the qualifying session. Do you really think he can be the best rookie?"

"I have witnessed miracles on North."

James didn’t elaborate; that F3 support race at Spa Circuit left an incredibly deep impression on him.