CHAPTER 198: CHAPTER 111: THE COLLISION OF IDEALS AND EMOTIONS (DOUBLE-LENGTH)

"Brother Xiangbei, we finally have supporters. No need to envy the other drivers anymore!"

Compared to Chen Xiangbei, A Yong was even more excited.

After all, Chen Xiangbei had raced in the F2 events in his past life and experienced similar scenes, but this was truly A Yong’s first time witnessing a red flag waving for their own driver on the track!

"It seems that Xiangbei’s victory video at Silverstone has spread widely. Overseas Chinese and students have already learned about a Chinese driver fighting in the Renault European Cup, and they’ve specially come to cheer him on."

Lu Xiaoman sighed. She was part of the team’s logistical support and did not stay in the pit room throughout the competition.

For this reason, Lu Xiaoman was more aware of Chen Xiangbei’s "reputation" at Silverstone Circuit than other team members.

The mockery and skepticism went without saying. Even after ascending to the champion’s podium, there were still many boos.

Lu Xiaoman kept this to herself and never mentioned it to Chen Xiangbei. Instead, she purposely found online videos and encouraged him to read the encouraging comments more.

On the one hand, she wanted Chen Xiangbei to have more motivation.

On the other hand, Lu Xiaoman deeply understood one principle.

That is, dreams that are not ridiculed are unworthy of pursuit!

Facing cold eyes and ridicule, rising step by step to the peak is what Chen Xiangbei should accomplish.

Facts proved that just one race had already made a difference.

"Performance brings supporters naturally; that’s the law of competitive sports."

Sawano Hiroyuki added this line, fully aware of where a driver’s popularity comes from.

Achieve results, and you’ll have countless fans.

In contrast, as a loser, even your breathing seems wrong.

"Not entirely, their willingness to come and support mostly stems from my identity as a Chinese driver."

Chen Xiangbei explained with a smile, acknowledging that being the Renault’s champion in the first race wasn’t exactly a top-notch achievement.

The Chinese people on the sidelines, supporting not due to performance, but more due to kinship.

"Thank you, I will do my best!"

Chen Xiangbei responded with a wave and led the group toward the pit lane.

Unlike before at Silverstone Circuit, this time when he passed by other teams’ pit rooms, he could clearly feel countless eyes on him.

The fact that a few Chinese supporters came, Chen Xiangbei could understand.

After all, the video on YouTube had over a million views, and with a large number of Chinese and students in the UK, finding some free time to come to Donington Park Circuit to watch a race wasn’t particularly difficult.

Later, when Zhou Guanyu trained abroad, many Chinese fans went to cheer him on.

But seeing these team members from competing teams giving him "attention," that was somewhat beyond his comprehension.

A mere Renault first-race championship, did it really warrant such attention?

Carrying this confusion, Chen Xiangbei walked into the Super Dream Team’s pit room, where Mizutani Sho approached immediately and said, "Xiangbei-kun, not sure who leaked your practice lap times, but now everyone knows you ran a 1:08.296."

Upon hearing Mizutani Sho’s words, Chen Xiangbei suddenly realized. No wonder this group of people felt off...

Before Chen Xiangbei could reply, Odetto had already spoken up.

"Bei, go change into your racing suit now."

"Also, last night I adjusted the car settings, lowered the chassis height, and increased the suspension stiffness."

"Odetto, the track has significant elevation changes. We already experienced tire lift during practice. With the opposite setting now, it’s likely to be more than just lifting — there’ll be a risk of bottoming out."

Chen Xiangbei immediately expressed his concerns.

Although the team leader holds the absolute authority over car tuning, driver feedback is also an essential part, and he couldn’t understand why Odetto wanted to change the settings.

"Insider info—yesterday afternoon during practice, Carlin Team’s Magnussen ran a 1:08.302, and Manor Team’s Costa also broke the pole position record with a 1:08.411."

"Both have privately tested at Donington Circuit, plus both teams have years of experience in lower formula series, with rich track data and driver line information. Without adjusting settings, you won’t outrun them."

This time, Odetto did not hold back, straightforwardly explaining his reasoning to Chen Xiangbei.

"Odetto, how do you know all this?"

Chen Xiangbei surprisingly asked back, curious how Odetto, who hadn’t even left the hotel, got hold of others’ lap times.

At this question, Odetto sneered and replied with disdain, "Bei, since they consider you a main competitor and go out of their way to find results and target you, I can also acquire competitive opponents’ practice data."

"In short, don’t think you’ll gain any advantage over us!"

Indeed, Odetto had another unspoken reason for the settings adjustment.

Lowering the chassis and increasing suspension stiffness helps reduce the impact of lateral G-forces on the driver.

While the old man wouldn’t apologize for his orders, it didn’t mean he wasn’t concerned about Chen Xiangbei. Some things just weren’t suitable to express.

Even if there’s a risk of bottoming out, it’s better than the risk of injury to Chen Xiangbei.

The performance-oriented Odetto never thought he’d be influenced by emotions one day.