Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 90: Action to Tokyo (5K)

Any other ideas?

When Nakajima Satoru heard Chen Xiangbei say this, he looked a little surprised.

You have to know that to a certain extent, the relationship between the team and the driver is not equal, and the team often has absolute control over the decision-making power.

Especially for a top car manufacturer like Honda, being able to give you a driver contract is considered quite a privilege, and there is no room for negotiation between the two parties.

"Xiangbei, I think you may not understand the value of being a Honda official driver. Sometimes you can't think too much."

In response to Nakajima Satoru's reminder, Chen Xiangbei nodded and said, "Principal Nakajima, I am well aware of the value of being a Honda official driver and the technical support that the Honda Group can provide me."

"But I would rather take another approach to bilateral cooperation."

Cooperation?

Hearing this word, Nakajima Satoru couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a smile.

It is really interesting that young people want to cooperate with Honda Group. Chen Xiangbei may be the first one in recent years.

With a hint of curiosity, Nakajima Satoru spread his hands and said, "Tell me, how do you plan to cooperate?"

"I want to be a driver for Nakajima Planning!"

After saying this, Chen Xiangbei also showed a playful smile on his face.

Of course he knew that he was not qualified to negotiate with Honda. What Chen Xiangbei wanted to talk about was a private racing team!
Hearing Chen Xiangbei's response, Nakajima Satoru's curiosity intensified. What were the young Chinese people up to? Why wouldn't they sign with Honda Group, but were they thinking of signing with their own private company?
"Xiangbei, give me reasons to convince me."

Nakajima Satoru did not agree, nor did he directly refuse. He wanted to hear what Chen Xiangbei had to say.

"The reason is simple. Precisely because the Honda Group is so large, the contract template leaves very little room for negotiation for the drivers. I hope to gain a certain degree of autonomy within the team."

"impossible."

Faced with Chen Xiangbei's idea, Nakajima Satoru directly denied it, saying it was simply a joke.

Unless you are a driver who has reached the level of the F1 world champion, or you have the capital to set up a team, you will not let the team compromise too much autonomy.

Otherwise, under normal circumstances, the team would not allow the drivers to take control of the autonomy.

To give the simplest example, if drivers have autonomy, will they still listen to the team's instructions?
"I don't want to lead the team, I just hope to select more suitable team members through cooperation."

Chen Xiangbei explained. He was of course aware that the team was the powerful party, and a small and unknown character like himself did not have much bargaining power at all.

He just wants to have some of his own people in the team at this stage, and then negotiate after he has more bargaining chips in the future.

"What position?"

"Maintenance technician."

Hearing that it was a maintenance technician, Nakajima Satoru's demeanor became a little more normal.

The ordinary technicians at the lowest level of the team are not considered core members of the team and do not need any special technical background. They only need to have racing knowledge and general vehicle maintenance skills.

Under normal circumstances, the mobility of fleet maintenance technicians is already very high, and there is also a chance that there are some part-time staff. Chen Xiangbei's request is not excessive.

"Then why did you choose Nakajima Planning?"

If it was simply for the familiar maintenance technicians, Chen Xiangbei would have no need to give up Honda, the big tree, and choose the private team Nakajima Planning. There must be other reasons.

"It's still the same reason as before. I need a certain degree of autonomy, even if it means covering the costs of the event."

"In the professional event company, I don't know anyone else except Principal Nakajima."

Chen Xiangbei spoke frankly. He had few options, and the only company with a strong foundation was Nakajima Planning.

Of course, Chen Xiangbei didn't say one thing in his heart. Nakajima Planning is a member of the Honda camp and can still get technical support from Honda at critical moments. It's just the same old thing in a different bottle.

"I will cover the event expenses myself. Is this your bargaining chip?"

"Well, plus the profit-sharing terms remain unchanged!"

In this world, there are people who do business that will get them killed, but no one does business that will lose money.

If Chen Xiangbei wants to recruit technical personnel from the original Huasai team to lay the foundation for China's own racing team in the future, he must pay money and sincerity.

Otherwise, why would others help you cultivate basic talents for your racing team?

Chen Xiangbei shows his sincerity by paying his own expenses plus sharing the sponsorship profits.

As for current Chinese racing, there are ways to get money, but there are no channels or ways to find professional talent.

The reason why Huasai Sports failed is that its operating model is close to a joint venture. In fact, the Japanese and Chinese sides still belong to two completely different systems within the company.

Chen Xiangbei will definitely not fall into the same trap. If he can get assistance from Honda (Nakajima Planning) and take the most difficult first step towards independence, the rest will be much smoother!
Faced with the conditions offered by Chen Xiangbei, Nakajima Satoru's face was filled with contemplation.

To be honest, as early as when Chen Xiangbei showed his lap times in the rain and on the racing simulator, he had thought about signing this Chinese driver to become a member of his Nakajima Racing Team.

However, as Chen Xiangbei's performance became more and more outstanding, he gave up this idea.

The reason is that the events that the Nakajima team participates in are all limited to Japan, and there are no plans for overseas expansion.

As a Chinese national, Chen Xiangbei clearly has no intention of staying in Japan and participating in domestic racing for an extended period. Furthermore, having secured a ticket to Europe, if all goes well, he will follow Sato Takuma's example and strive for the highest level of Formula One.

In this way, Nakajima Satoru has no basis for signing a contract with Chen Xiangbei, as the goals of both parties are different.

"Xiangbei, Nakajima Planning cannot sign you."

Nakajima Satoru gave the final answer. Although he liked Chen Xiangbei very much, it was impossible for him to develop an overseas plan for him alone.

After hearing this reply, even though Chen Xiangbei was mentally prepared, he still couldn't help showing a look of disappointment on his face.

Sure enough, in this era, it is still too difficult to form China's own racing team, which is almost a fantasy.

Just when Chen Xiangbei thought it was hopeless, Nakajima Satoru suddenly said, "I can recommend someone to you. If you can convince him, there might be hope."

"Principal Nakajima, please explain clearly."

"Suzuki Aguri!"

When Chen Xiangbei heard the name, he understood instantly.

The reason why Nakajima Satoru became a national hero in Japan is that he was the first Japanese driver to score points in F1, breaking the racist saying that Asians are not suitable for F1 racing.

Aguri Suzuki is the first Japanese driver to stand on the F1 podium and is also known as one of the legends of the Japanese racing world!

Compared to Nakajima Satoru who focuses on domestic competitions, Suzuki Aguri prefers overseas formula competitions. The ARTA team he founded has helped many Japanese drivers develop into higher-level competitions.

For example, the famous F1 driver whose super license was revoked, Arishi Ide, was sent to Germany to participate in the F3 Championship with the sponsorship of ARTA, and eventually became a member of the Super Aguri team.

Apart from the factory teams in Japan, only Suzuki Aguri has the resources and technology to support the development of drivers in the overseas formula field.

"Mr. Suzuki is currently in Tokyo. I will act as an introducer and help you connect."

"But Mr. Suzuki still has a Japanese dream, so it's difficult to convince him."

Since the clue has been given, Nakajima Satoru doesn't mind helping others to the end. He will introduce Chen Xiangbei to Suzuki Aguri.

As for whether it can be accomplished, it depends on Chen Xiangbei's own ability.

"I'm willing to try."

Without any hesitation, Chen Xiangbei agreed.

It is an extremely difficult task, but it is better to have hope than no hope.

Even if you fail in the end, at least you have tried to achieve this goal.

"I'll contact you then."

"Okay, thank you, Principal Nakajima."

Chen Xiangbei stood up, bowed to express his gratitude, and then left the principal's office.

After going downstairs, Chen Xiangbei took out his cell phone and looked at the time. It was almost seven o'clock in the evening. Naturally, there was no need to carry out other training programs. It was better to return to Suzuka Apartment early to rest.

Just as Chen Xiangbei walked to the training hall, he happened to see Hoshino Yoshi coming out of the driver's lounge, dragging a suitcase behind him.

In the past half month, Chen Xiangbei hasn't seen Hoshino Yoshi many times. This kid is not just late or leaving early, it seems like he has no intention of undergoing professional training.

To be honest, Chen Xiangbei felt a little sorry about this, as Hoshino Yoshi's racing talent was really good.

I can't guarantee you'll be able to enter F1 with good training, but at least running Japanese Super Formula or Super GT shouldn't be a problem.

Talent needs to be based on hard work. If Yoshi Hoshino continues to waste his time like this, he will not achieve any results in the future.

With this mentality, Chen Xiangbei called out: "Hoshino Yoshi!"

Seeing that it was Chen Xiangbei coming over, Xingye Yi smiled and replied, "Xiangbei, I just heard that you won the game. I'm sorry that I couldn't cheer you on and congratulate you in person."

"It's okay, what are you going to do?"

Chen Xiangbei pointed to the suitcase.

"I'm planning on quitting the Honda Racing Academy."

what?
Chen Xiangbei was surprised to hear Hoshino Yoshi's answer. This kid was only seventeen years old and already held the Japanese F4 championship title. Even if he hadn't competed for his Renault Tour qualification, he should have been able to advance to the F3 event.

Anyway, Japan's racing system is very complete, so there is no need to worry about not having cars to run.

"Why did you quit?"

Facing Chen Xiangbei's question, Hoshino Yoshi still smiled and chose to avoid the question as before.

"You're leaving the Honda Racing Academy, and I'm heading to Europe to compete in the Renault event. Maybe this will be the last time we meet."

"Just tell me if you have anything to do."

Chen Xiangbei persuaded him that if there were no major accidents, the two of them would just become passers-by in each other's lives, so what was the need to hide it?

"My mother's condition worsened and she needed to go to Tokyo for treatment. I couldn't continue with my professional training at the racing academy."

Hoshino Yoshi replied with a gloomy expression. He also wanted to stay here and become a professional driver, but he had no choice in life.

"So you missed training before because you wanted to take care of your mom?"

Chen Xiangbei asked back.

"Ah."

After getting confirmation from Hoshino Yoshi, Chen Xiangbei suddenly realized.

He always felt that Yoshito Hoshino was very down-to-earth and worked very hard during his limited professional training. He didn't seem like the kind of person who would slack off and squander his talent.

Now I know the reason.

It’s better not to ask about many things. After finding out, you don’t know what to say.

After a moment of silence, Chen Xiangbei said, "Is there anything I can help with?"

To be honest, as a foreigner, Chen Xiangbei could not help at all.

Hoshino Yoshiya knew that this was Chen Xiangbei's intention. He smiled and replied, "No need. My master is a senior in the Japanese racing world. He has already arranged it for me."

After saying this, Hoshino Yoshi glanced at his watch and said, "I've already booked my ticket, so I can't talk to you any more."

"Xiang Bei-jun, I hope you can win the championship in the Renault race in Europe in the future. Come on!"

"Thank you, and I wish Auntie a speedy recovery."

Chen Xiangbei replied with mixed feelings.

"Goodbye."

Hoshino Yoshi waved his hand and walked out dragging his suitcase.

But at this moment, Chen Xiangbei saw a sticker on Hoshino Yoshi's suitcase, which was the name and logo of the ARTA team.

He immediately shouted, "Hoshino Yoshi, have you ever joined the ARTA team?"

Hearing Chen Xiangbei's call, Xingye Yi stopped and turned back and said, "No, my master is the founder of the ARTA team."

"Suzuki Aguri?"

"Well, do you know Xiangbei-kun?"

Upon hearing this answer, Chen Xiangbei was stunned. Sure enough, there are such coincidences in the world!
"Hoshino, let's talk while we walk."

Chen Xiangbei took two steps to catch up and recounted the key points of his conversation with Nakajima Satoru to Hoshino Yoshi in the most concise words.

"Xiangbei-kun, I understand. If you need anything, you can come to Tokyo and contact me."

It would be difficult for Chen Xiangbei and Suzuki Aguri, two strangers, to quickly reach a cooperation intention based solely on Nakajima Satoru's introduction.

If Yoshi Hoshino could help to connect the two, perhaps it would be more effective.

"Okay, I'll contact you when I get to Tokyo."

The car to pick up Hoshino Yoshi had already arrived, so Chen Xiangbei didn't waste too much time. After confirming it, he waved goodbye.

Watching Hoshino Yoshi's car lights disappear into the distance, Chen Xiangbei also boarded the shuttle bus back to downtown Suzuka. When he opened the door of his apartment, he saw the living room table already filled with sumptuous meals.

Liang Chi cooked personally today to celebrate Chen Xiangbei winning his first championship in his life!
Seeing this scene, Chen Xiangbei swallowed back what he was about to say, not wanting to ruin this relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

After all, as Nakajima Satoru said, it is very difficult to convince Suzuki Aguri to cooperate, so it is better not to let Uncle Liang and others worry about things that are not certain.

Everyone ate, drank and made noise until very late. When Chen Xiangbei was lying on the bed and preparing to go to sleep, he suddenly remembered something.

After midnight it was New Year's Day, which was also Dong Yuanxi's birthday. Many things could not keep up with the changes in plans, and he had no way to return to Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

As midnight approached, Chen Xiangbei sent a text message to Dong Yuanxi, which contained only four short words.

【Happy birthday】

After pressing the send button, Chen Xiangbei put the phone aside, thinking that Dong Yuanxi should be asleep at this time.

In Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Dong Yuanxi was sitting at the head of the bed, her cell phone ringing non-stop. Many people chose this moment, midnight, to send her birthday wishes.

But most of these people were so-called "suitors" who wrote a long list of corny words copied from somewhere, which made Dong Yuanxi not even interested in reading them seriously.

At this moment, a text message from Chen Xiangbei popped up. The content was very brief, but Dong Yuanxi's mouth curled up slightly after seeing it.

This boy who doesn't care about anything else except racing actually knows to send himself a birthday text message at midnight.

【Thank you, are you back? 】

Dong Yuanxi asked back. She remembered Chen Xiangbei said he would try his best to come back.

Chen Xiangbei, who was on the other side of Suzuka, saw his phone screen light up. He picked it up and saw that it was a reply from Dong Yuanxi, so he typed a reply.

[No, it will take some time.]

When Dong Yuanxi saw this text message, a look of loss instantly appeared on his face.

This was the first time she sent a birthday invitation to a boy, but she ended up meeting a "straight man" like Chen Xiangbei. Dong Yuanxi really didn't know what to say.

[It’s okay, keep training! ]

In the end, Dong Yuanxi could only respond with a polite word of encouragement.

Seeing this, Chen Xiangbei thought for a moment and typed on the phone keyboard.

【Thank you, I will bring you a birthday present. 】

【Okay, go to bed early.】

【Good night. 】

Putting down the phone, a smile appeared on Dong Yuanxi's face. It seems that this blockhead can still move a few times!
The next morning, after washing up, while having breakfast, Chen Xiangbei relayed his conversation with Nakajima Satoru yesterday to Liang Chi and Qin Lianjie.

Liang Chi once again expressed his opposition to his decision and ideas.

"Xiangbei, Honda Group is willing to offer a formal driver contract, which shows great sincerity. I don't think you should refuse."

"What if Aguri Suzuki doesn't succeed and Honda doesn't sign him anymore? What will you do then?"

Compared with Chen Xiangbei's fantasy, Liang Chi and Zhang Zhicong have actually taken action for the Chinese Formula One team and the event.

Of course, the end result was a disastrous defeat.

It is precisely because of this that he knows better than others that this path has basically no chance of success!

Chen Xiangbei is just an eighteen-year-old boy. It's good enough that he has this intention. There is no need for him to take risks to put it into action.

China's automobile industry is too backward. It would be a miracle if Chen Xiangbei could get into F1 in the future.

Don’t even think about creating a bigger miracle and building an F1 team!

Facing Liang Chi's question, Chen Xiangbei just replied with a smile.

"Uncle Liang, if someone had advised you not to try to build the CFR2000, would you have just given up?"

This rhetorical question left Liang Chi speechless, as he knew the answer in his heart.

Even if he knows it is extremely difficult, he will definitely try.

This is what Chen Xiangbei is like now!
Without further discussion on the matter, Chen Xiangbei left the apartment and went to the racing academy for training.

He will not relax his requirements and training just because he got a ticket to race in Europe. On the contrary, he can only be competitive if he becomes stronger.

The next few days passed uneventfully, as Chen Xiangbei waited for Nakajima Satoru to communicate with Suzuki Aguri. Just when his patience was about to run out, Nakajima Satoru finally sent a message, asking Chen Xiangbei to go to Tokyo to meet with Suzuki Aguri.

At the same time, Chen Xiangbei called Xingye Yi and asked about his current location.

There was a lot of noise on the other end of Hoshino Yoshi's phone, and he could vaguely hear a place name.

"Capital High."

(End of this chapter)