"Based on the current real-time speed measurement, Fang Junyu's lap speed is very fast, improving by 0.5 seconds compared to his own fastest lap. Can he surpass Chen Xiangbei?"
Commentator Luo Feng from Hong Kong Island stared intently at the large screen, instinctively clenching his fists to cheer for Fang Junyu.
The event broadcast was aware of the popularity and traffic of local drivers, and the camera was focused almost exclusively on Fang Junyu. There was a chorus of cheers and encouragement from the audience, no less supportive than for Chen Xiangbei earlier.
However, the world of racing isn't a fairy tale; often, effort alone doesn't guarantee good results.
At the famous hairpin at East Bay Circuit, Fang Junyu was going too fast and spun, his entire car rotating like a top.
Luckily, the hairpin itself is a very low-speed corner, and the new tires had excellent grip, so after spinning once, Fang Junyu was able to control the car without serious track incidents, though his flying lap result was ruined.
"Ah, Fang Junyu made a mistake!"
"The East Bay Circuit is still difficult to drive; attempting the Star Circle without warming up the tires is too challenging."
"Chen Xiangbei really has something to him; even local driver Fang Junyu couldn't outdrive him."
"Fang Junyu is also competing for the first time; give him two more years to grow, and he might not be weaker than Chen Xiangbei!"
The stands were filled with various sighs and regrets from the audience, who had high hopes for local driver Fang Junyu before the race, believing he could make history for Hong Kong Island racing and become the first local to grab pole position.
But this lap spin caused Fang Junyu to drop to thirteenth in the qualifying.
According to the East Bay Circuit's characteristics making overtaking difficult, unless a miracle occurs, he's basically out of the championship contention!
"Kokumoto Keiyo's lap speed is pretty good, clocking a lap of 2 minutes 10 seconds 026."
"The reigning champion still has strength; if he optimizes tire warm-up and the initial speed, it feels possible to break into 2 minutes 09 seconds and challenge Hamilton's record."
Just as commentator Li Bing finished speaking, the last driver Motana crossed the starting line.
Instantly, the lap speed of Kokumoto Keiyo, ranking second on the big screen, was refreshed, showing a time of 2 minutes 09 seconds 522.
"Last year's runner-up Motana exploded with his Star Circle, becoming the second driver to break into 2 minutes 09 seconds and setting a new pole position record."
"Motana showed his strength and potential, fulfilling his pre-race boast to defeat the reigning champion Kokumoto Keiyo. Unfortunately, his opponent is no longer Kokumoto Keiyo; Chen Xiangbei's lap speed remains at the top."
"Let's give the warmest applause and cheers to congratulate the pole position driver of the 56th Grand Prix F3."
"Chen Xiangbei!"
With Motana crossing the line, the qualifying settled, Chen Xiangbei secured pole position and became the holder of a new record.
"No suspense, pole position Chen Xiangbei!"
"Chen Xiangbei created history again, the first Chinese pole position driver in the Grand Prix!"
"Go, Chen Xiangbei, we look forward to your race victory!"
The street sides and audience stands were boiling with excitement, and even though the racing building obstructed the sound and view, Chen Xiangbei could still hear the thunderous cheering.
This was recognition and praise for himself!
Compared to the excitement of the live audience, the team members were much calmer at this moment.
After all, they are professionals and know what breaking the pole position record by 0.7 seconds means.
Without adequate tire warming, even with optimal conditions, the initial speed will definitely be a notch slower; it's impossible to see a miracle lap speed surpassing Chen Xiangbei, unless this driver possesses Senna, Schumacher's single lap capability.
Undoubtedly, drivers of this caliber usually appear only once in a generation.
With Schumacher's retirement, the next generation is unknown.
But at least it won't be Kokumoto Keiyo or Motana.
Already celebrated the return of the pole position, there's no need to celebrate a second time.
Chen Xiangbei had already exited the cockpit at this time and stood in front of the data computer with the team's strategy group, discussing the tuning issues exposed by the extreme lap.
"Xiangbei, for the pole position lap pushed with light fuel, according to the tire wear sensor data transmission, the front tire life is 47 percent remaining, rear tire life is 56 percent remaining."
"The wear ratio of front and rear tires is relatively close compared to before tuning, but the front tires still bear steering pressure, so wear is still greater than the rear tires."
"As for precise tire wear data, the technical team will still need to check it after the race to conclude."
Mizutani Sho explained to Chen Xiangbei, focusing on the tire wear.
In this era, the tire sensor's remaining life percentage is actually estimated based on formulas, providing a general data range, far less precise compared to future F1 cars with accuracy for each wheel.
However, even future F1's tire wear data can't completely equate to tire condition, similar to an electric car's dashboard showing remaining range.
Some show zero range and can still travel a distance.
Some have tens of kilometers of range left but suddenly lose power and stall.
[Is the light fuel full-speed lap so tire-consuming?]
Chen Xiangbei subconsciously frowned, as the wear level at East Bay Circuit was far higher than expected.
During qualifiers, hindered by traffic conditions, Chen Xiangbei couldn't fully push a flying lap in front, often being interrupted halfway, leading to unclear tire data.
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