Car Racing without Money

Chapter 144: Real F1 Professional Training (Part 2)


To put it another way, if it weren't for Chen Xiangbei's recommendation, Staler wouldn't have funded the acquisition of the Honda F1 Team by himself. The tens of millions of US dollars he invested have already yielded substantial returns during this round of capital increase and share expansion.

As an investor, Staler doesn't see anything wrong with it, and Chen Xiangbei doesn't need to feel indebted.

"Thank you, Staler."

Chen Xiangbei expressed his gratitude. Many business actions really shouldn't be viewed through an emotional lens.

"Xiangbei, I should be thanking you."

Staler responded earnestly.

The appearance of Chen Xiangbei, this Chinese Kid, not only allowed Staler to achieve a successful investment but also rekindled his longstanding passion for racing.

Having such an experience in the twilight of his life, Staler feels very satisfied.

...

After more than ten hours of flying, the flight landed at London Airport, and it was now nearing midnight.

Compared to the first unfamiliar visit to the United Kingdom, Chen Xiangbei and his team were now quite adept, taking a cab straight to the Super Dream Team headquarters.

They would rest for the night to recharge and head to the Brown GP Team headquarters the next day.

However, Chen Xiangbei's idea to have a good rest was dashed the moment they arrived at the team's headquarters.

The team members left behind had already prepared a celebration event. They were very happy that Chen Xiangbei managed to win the Grand Prix championship.

After two months of engaging in Renault Formula, the genuine team atmosphere had already been blended in, and the shadow of the former Super Aguri was becoming more and more blurred. The members embraced their new identity as part of Super Dream more.

Even Kobayashi Shuji, a teammate and rival, joined the celebration event. Chen Xiangbei's strength and performance had impressed him.

Not wanting to spoil the fun, Chen Xiangbei could only join in the revelry.

By the time he dragged his weary body to bed to rest, the time displayed on the phone had already reached four in the morning.

There was no other choice but to postpone for another day the visit to the Brown GP headquarters.

You can only say that the thinking of foreigners is somewhat different from that in China; they really love to party.

The next morning at ten, Chen Xiangbei and Odetto went ahead to the Brown GP Team headquarters to discuss the issue of resource allocation.

Chen Xiangbei wasn't simply a contracted test driver completely provided with technical support by the Brown GP Team. On the contrary, he had his own Super Dream team, and the entire team worked harmoniously, having already built cohesion along the way.

That's why, when Odetto discussed with Staler, it was necessary to bring in the Honda Group. It's the only one that can integrate the resources of both teams and allow Chen Xiangbei to use his own team members.

Once again arriving at the Brown GP Research and Development Headquarters, Staler was already waiting at the gate. But this time, standing beside him wasn't Ross Brown, but a middle-aged man with a full beard.

When Chen Xiangbei got off the car and walked over, Staler proactively introduced: "Odetto, Xiangbei, this is Mr. Salman, the new Chief Financial Officer of the Brown GP Team, from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority."

The Brown GP Team's move to increase capital and shares was fast, and it could even be said that preparations had been made long beforehand.

The Daimler Group (Mercedes) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority were the main subscribers for the new stocks issued, among which the latter controlled about 24.9% of the shares in the Brown GP Team, becoming the largest single shareholder at present.

Consequently, the important position of Chief Financial Officer among the team's management had been taken by Salman.

The two sides briefly shook hands and got acquainted and then went inside the research and development base together.

Since Chen Xiangbei had been here once before, there was no need for a tour and introduction, and they went directly to the office to discuss the arrangements for the next steps.

"Xiangbei, according to the agreement sent from Tokyo, the Brown GP Team will provide you with equipment and technical support, but the personnel aspect will be provided by the Super Dream Team. Is that okay?"

Salman asked straightforwardly.

"No problem."

Chen Xiangbei nodded.

"The research and development base here will provide accommodation for the members of the Super Dream Team, and various personnel expenses will be self-funded by you. Meanwhile, based on the FIA regulation regarding test limitations, only the Catalonia Circuit and Bahrain Circuit have testing qualifications."

"All test-related costs incurred then will still be borne by you alone."

Before FIA banned private testing, major teams usually had proprietary private tracks, for example, Suzuka was Honda's testing track, and Fuji Speedway was Toyota's testing track.

As for Ferrari, a classic top-tier team, private test tracks were spread all over the world, catering to the need for testing on different terrains, materials, and temperatures.

After the "test limitation regulation" was enacted, FIA allowed car tests only at the Catalonia Circuit in Spain and the Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain.

Over the past ten years, only Bahrain Circuit remained as a winter test site.

Initiating a racing test outside the non-winter dormant period is a massive project, requiring substantial investment of funds and human resources.

Currently, all members of the Brown GP Team have their entire focus on the ongoing F1 Grand Prix, and those stationed at the research and development base are a group of technical personnel. There are no resources or manpower to help Chen Xiangbei conduct the test on old car models.

Salman's words were clear in intent, meaning that the Brown GP Team merely acted as the coordinator, leaving all costs up to Chen Xiangbei!

"Can do."

It was still a succinct answer; all this was expected by Chen Xiangbei.

Simply put, even if the Super Dream Team has shaky foundations, a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse.

Besides a few Chinese engineers like Liang Chi, other members have experience in repairing and adjusting F1 racing cars, and there's no learning curve involved.

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