One extremely convenient aspect of racing in the United Kingdom is that the headquarters and research bases of multiple F1 teams are mostly within a two-hundred-kilometer radius around London.

Staler originally planned to serve as a guest commentator, then come over to say hello to Chen Xiangbei, and inform him in person that the Brown GP Team was hiring him as a test driver.

However, upon reaching the drivers' lounge, Staler changed his mind.

Chen Xiangbei's performance in today's qualifying was too perfect, so he decided to invite the Chinese Kid to the Brawn GP research headquarters to witness firsthand the RA109 prototype car filled with cutting-edge technology.

At the same time, he wanted to use Chen Xiangbei's performance today to tell Ross Brown that his choice was not wrong!

It must be noted that hiring Chen Xiangbei as a test driver was not a smooth process. The majority of the team management, including Ross Brown, opposed Staler's proposal.

They believed that regardless of obtaining pole position and winning the first race of the Renault junior series, a newcomer lacked the capability to serve as a test driver for an F1 team.

In a certain sense, the doubts of the Brawn GP Team's management were reasonable.

In fifty years of F1 history, only one "Ice Man" from Finland, Kimi Raikkonen, has successfully jumped from Renault to F1.

How many super-geniuses are there in the world?

Even if there were any, they wouldn't possibly emerge from China, which lacks a foundation in formula racing!

Moreover, they had no connection with Chen Xiangbei, nor did they have Staler's previous investment in Chinese racing, which made it impossible for them to trust and accept a new driver without reason.

But being a four-million US dollar investor, Staler pushed through and decided on Chen Xiangbei, and now it was time to let both sides meet face-to-face.

"With great pleasure."

Chen Xiangbei, without hesitation, accepted Staler's invitation.

His knowledge of the RA109 prototype car came entirely from historical information.

To witness the current fastest and most powerful racing car firsthand, and to visit the research factory of Brawn GP, he believed it would be a wonderful experience.

After informing the team members, Chen Xiangbei got into Staler's old Jaguar, heading to the Brawn GP Team's research base located in Town M, which was approximately eighty kilometers away.

During the drive, Chen Xiangbei asked a question.

"Mr. Staler, why did you suddenly announce me as the test driver?"

For this question, Staler seemed to have anticipated it. He smiled softly and said, "When I came up with this idea, the outside world was filled with opposition and skepticism, believing that it was only due to financial returns and personal preference that a Chinese rookie was signed on."

"I do not deny the existence of some selfish motives, hoping that drivers from the Chinese race could succeed, thus proving that the years of investment and effort were not in vain."

"But what truly moved me was the vision and potential you demonstrated, far surpassing the level of a junior formula driver."

"I firmly believe that you will one day step into the F1 Paddock!"

Staler's meaning was clear: Chen Xiangbei had conquered him with his strength, not because of sponsorships or personal connections as the public thought.

"Thank you for your recognition, Mr. Staler."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile, and a warm feeling arose in his heart.

Many times, self-confidence and recognition from others are different concepts. It indeed requires some belief and "courage" to unwaveringly support a Chinese rookie at this stage.

"Xi, no need to be polite. My recognition comes from you proving your strength!"

Indeed, whether it's Staler or the audience in the stands.

The support and recognition that Chen Xiangbei received, and gradually changing the world's perception, were rooted in his speed and performance.

Without strength as a foundation, he would only be silently eliminated and forgotten!

After about an hour's drive, the Jaguar car stopped in front of a very modern factory, with a huge sign above the gate that read Brawn GP.

However, in many places on the factory walls, there were still Honda's "H" logos, reminding everyone of its original identity.

Staler led Chen Xiangbei into the factory, which, compared to the previously deserted Super Aguri headquarters, was filled with various equipment, instruments, and car parts, with at least dozens of research engineers working diligently at a glance.

Although nearly a billion fans globally watch F1 races, few understand the racing car development process.

In fact, after an F1 car is developed and races on the track, it doesn't remain unchanged. The entire season requires constant innovation and upgrades to maintain sufficient competitiveness.

This is why, many times, a team starts very strong, crushing competitors everywhere.

As the race progresses, they start falling behind and disappearing from sight, often due to the team failing to keep up afterward.

Such situations occur more frequently in smaller teams, such as the Sauber Team in 2022, initially holding the lead position in the "earth group" due to the lightest weight advantage in the Paddock.

However, as the season went on, the team's funding and development could not match those of the bigger teams, gradually being caught up and overtaken by competitors.

As for big teams getting slower, it could be due to insufficient upgrade magnitude or possibly a "negative upgrade."

After all, simulation data from wind tunnels differ in real combat, and track layout and driver adaptability must also be considered. Many times, upgrade parts look great in computer data but turn out to be disastrous in actual application.

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