Chapter 721: Chapter 290: I Can Go Even Faster
"Damn, can Chen Xiangbei really complete a flying lap with soft red tires?"
"That’s insanely brave, on such a slippery track, if he hits the concrete wall, it’s instant death!"
"Unbelievable, it’s incredible, how exactly did Chen Xiangbei do it?"
"This is the power of the Chinese champion; I’ve always said Chen Xiangbei would one day become the world’s number one!"
"Go for it, Chen Xiangbei, dominate the Korean track!"
The fans of Chen Xiangbei on site were going crazy; they were initially just satisfied with Chen Xiangbei making it to Q3.
After all, making it to Q3 in the rookie season’s qualifiers with a 100% success rate is already an outstanding achievement. Sometimes, one should learn to be content, especially considering the foundation of racing in China, calling it a miracle is not an exaggeration.
Yet, Chen Xiangbei seemed more dissatisfied than the average fan, racing his way to the top position!
"Can soft tires grip the ground?"
Seeing this result, Ferrari Team leader Domenicali turned his gaze back to the data on the screen.
The screen clearly showed the track’s slipperiness level; the risk level of soft red tires was extremely high, and without being able to push at full speed, timidly driving wouldn’t even be as fast as using wet tires.
Did the Chinese kid actually succeed?
Next to him, legendary designer Roy Byrne heard this and knew that Domenicali wasn’t asking him, but more of an incredulous murmur.
This lap by the Chinese kid was indeed somewhat mind-blowing, unsure if his luck with a gamble paid off or if his skill and courage were exceptional.
It was chief racing engineer Armand who reacted quickly, immediately ordering the technicians: "Warm up the soft red tires immediately; we can still run another flying lap before the qualifier countdown ends!"
What Chen Xiangbei could do, Alonso had no reason not to achieve.
Even Masa, who isn’t good in rain conditions, isn’t less than historically top-level drivers; Armand doesn’t think a Chinese rookie can overshadow a world runner-up.
Due to the characteristics of F1 racing’s heated tires, even with a warm-up lap, warming blankets are needed to preheat them to reach optimal temperature the fastest, especially on wet and cold rainy tracks.
However, since a second qualifier accident occurred this race, no team deemed using soft red tires necessary, nor did they preheat a set for backup.
The Ferrari Team needs to act fast and try to run another flying lap!
Actually, not only the Ferrari Team, but all teams in the Q3 pit were taking action.
Drivers who made it to Q3 are essentially amongst those top racers who made history; their wet race skills might vary, but none believed to be inferior to this Chinese rookie, Chen Xiangbei.
This lap by Chen Xiangbei became a catalyst, reigniting the mystery of the third qualifier in Korea!
"This is impossible!"
In the broadcasting room, the Korean commentator Park Dongxu saw this scene, his eyes fixed on the screen numbers, and shouted on the spot.
In two practice and qualifier sessions, apart from a fifth-fastest lap due to rain, other times he made it just on the cut-off, with no demonstrated ability to take pole position like a circuit winner.
Once might be an off day, but consistently, it inevitably leads to underestimation, especially from these Koreans who don’t know him.
But with one soft red tire set, he managed to control the slippery Lingyan track—was he cheating?
Next to him, Red’s initial shock wasn’t much less than Park Dongxu’s.
But having commentated several of Chen Xiangbei’s races and with a deep understanding of this Chinese rookie, he quickly snapped back and said in a sighing tone.
"Park, never underestimate Driver Bei; I’ve witnessed too many of his miracles."
"This young Chinese newcomer is like Senna of the past; until everything settles, nothing is impossible!"
This time, Red gave Chen Xiangbei very high praise, comparing him to Car God Senna.
Indeed, in terms of qualifier surprises, Chen Xiangbei showed shadows of Senna from back then—absolute speed that brought shock and ultimate car control in rain races.
"How many races has Chen Xiangbei run, what makes him comparable to Senna?"
Park Dongxu was still unconvinced; Chen Xiangbei’s lap was indeed impressive.
But ultimately, wasn’t his key move just relying on switching to soft red tires, grabbing an early advantage?
According to the live updates from the event organizers, all teams that made it to Q3 have already preheated their tires and will soon switch to soft reds for their last flying lap.
Will Chen Xiangbei still maintain his top position then?
"I’m not talking about the score, but about a spirit, a spirit daring to take risks."
Red emphasized once more, everyone knows that Chen Xiangbei’s current result is undoubtedly far from being put on par with the three-time world champion Senna.
But Senna being hailed as the ’eternal Car God’, was it solely due to his achievements?
The answer is no.
Without bringing up this era’s Schumacher, a seven-time champion, who outnumbers Senna’s championships many times over.
Even his contemporary "Professor" Prost, with four world championship titles, greatly surpasses him.
Senna is remembered for his bravery, his daring, his never-give-up attitude!
Know that in Senna’s time, driver fatality rates were very high, far from future stability and safety conditions in racing cars; many drivers prioritized safety over achievements, often choosing the former to protect their lives.
