Speed ​​God

Chapter 48 Treating the Symptoms
In racing, there is a wake effect, but also interference from polluted air.

The so-called wake effect is when one car follows another closely behind. It enters the low-pressure wake created by the rear wing of the car in front, thereby reducing air resistance. It is similar to the principle of gliding with the current when swimming in the sea. Because the resistance is small, the car behind does not need additional power to accelerate, thus quickly closing the gap.

This is also a kind of aerodynamics, which is more obvious in higher-level Formula racing, especially on long straights. Drivers can seize opportunities and overtake at high speeds. Precision and timing are key, because the following car must leave the skid line at the perfect moment to maximize speed and complete the overtake.

Meanwhile, the so-called dirty air interference specifically refers to the turbulent airflow stirred up by the vehicle in front at high speed, which disrupts the aerodynamic structure of the vehicle behind, especially affecting the downforce generated by the front wing and the bottom. As a result, the vehicle body becomes unstable, the tires are more likely to slip, overheat, and even wear out faster.

In curves, dirty air can severely disrupt the cornering rhythm of the car behind, and following too closely can be disadvantageous.

Therefore, the wake effect should be fully utilized on long straight sections, but in other areas, if two cars follow too closely, the car behind will be inhaling polluted air.

Originally, Lu Zhizhou was experiencing slipstream on the long straight leading to Turn Six; then, seeing Alessi's brutal and heavy braking, he immediately changed his strategy. To avoid inhaling polluted air, Lu Zhizhou subtly altered his driving rhythm and style.

It's not about speed, it's about precision.

Prepare to turn earlier before entering the curve; smoothly follow the line in the curve, and achieve the most cornering effect with the least amount of steering wheel angle.

The car body no longer shook excessively; like a sharp blade speeding along a track, it glided close to the ground, quietly approaching.

He slightly increased the distance between himself and Alessi, avoiding the dirty air, but Alessi could never shake off the tail behind him, keeping himself always within the attack range.

At that moment, he was like a hunter.

Furthermore, the hunter did not conceal his presence; he needed Alessi to feel his presence, and he needed Alessi to be aware of his approach at all times. No matter how fast Alessi accelerated or sped, he could always see his figure in the rearview mirror immediately. That pressure and threat hung over Alessi's head, neither too close nor too far, making Alessi's nerves tighten little by little.

Precise. Patient. Intelligent.

Although it conceals all its sharpness, it is not a wolf in sheep's clothing, but a lion hiding its claws, following its prey at a leisurely pace.

Vasser gently raised his chin; if the opening had been captivating, now things were truly getting interesting.

However, Lu Zhizhou wasn't the only one scheming and plotting on the track.

Just as Lu Zhizhou was slowly closing in, a blurry figure appeared in the rearview mirror—

Zhou Guanyu!
Clearly, Zhou Guanyu was not going to sit idly by. Even good friends are rivals on the track, and they are both pursuing the ultimate speed.

At this point, it's clear that Zhou Guanyu is also an aggressive driver. He precisely cuts through the continuous corners, passing through with almost no slowdown, leaving Armstrong far behind. Furthermore, he consistently brings out a faster pace than Lu Zhizhou in the apex of the corners, narrowing the gap between them.

In driving Formula One cars, drivers face a core challenge: dealing with the two extremes of the vehicle's dynamic response.

Oversteering; understeering.

The ideal situation is called neutral steering, where the steering wheel moves precisely where you point it; if you turn the steering wheel thirty degrees, the car will turn precisely thirty degrees.

However, this is often difficult to achieve in reality, especially in Formula One racing where cars are racing at high speeds, under immense downforce, and where every second is a battle. It is almost impossible for a car to achieve this, as each car has its own temperament in different corners.

Oversteering occurs when the steering wheel is turned 30 degrees and the front of the car responds too much, turning 45 degrees. At this point, the rear of the car begins to slide due to inertia. When the car enters a curve, it may appear to be following the curve, but if not handled properly, it may completely swing out, like a storm.

Understeer occurs when the steering wheel is turned 30 degrees, but the front of the car does not respond quickly enough, turning only 15 degrees slowly. The car then veers off course and cannot get close to the apex of the curve, like a sailboat lost in turbulent waters. Although it will not skid violently, it is easy to miss the ideal driving line. It may seem easy to control on the surface, but in reality, it is a nerve-wracking experience.

On a racetrack, due to factors such as different corner angles, track inclination, tire wear, and downforce distribution, the same race car may exhibit different characteristics in different locations: understeer in a high-speed corner, and then oversteer in a low-speed hairpin bend, like an unruly wild horse.

The drivers' task is not just to "speed," but to constantly understand the changes in the race car, make timely adjustments in the face of numerous difficulties, and steer this wild horse.

However, in the world of Formula racing, there is no superiority or inferiority between oversteer and understeer. Each driver tunes their car according to their own driving style and adjusts it according to the style of each track. Ultimately, the one who can unleash their full potential and squeeze out all the car's strength is the winner.

Overall, Zhou Guanyu is a driver who likes to oversteer.

Delay the braking point, fully engage the apex of the corner, rely on oversteer to complete the sharp turn, swing the rear of the car, and strive for a higher exit speed by correcting the direction and controlling the throttle.

Adventure, toughness.

Don't be fooled by Zhou Guanyu's slightly flustered state during the first lap of defense. He lacked anticipation and positioning, and his route selection was rather simplistic, allowing him to be easily overtaken by Lu Zhizhou. However, now that he's on the offensive, Zhou Guanyu displays a completely different style, aggressive and dazzling.

Ahead, Lu Zhizhou was controlling the pace and making overall plans.

Behind them, Zhou Guanyu was rapidly closing in, preparing to counterattack.

The roar of the engine and the friction of the tires surged in the air, swirling into the golden sunlight and transforming into a violent storm that forcefully chased after Lu Zhizhou.

The space in the rearview mirror was instantly filled.

Lu Zhizhou's fighting spirit also began to burn fiercely. If he continued to hold back, he would be squeezed in the middle and become a pawn attacked from both sides.

Here, we can divide it into two situations—

Lu Zhizhou can showcase his defensive abilities by precisely positioning himself to block Zhou Guanyu, allowing Alesi to pull ahead and create a significant gap.

But why would Lu Zhizhou do this? They weren't teammates, they were competitors.

Therefore, Lu Zhizhou chose the second option, firmly grasped the initiative, switched from defense to offense, ignored Zhou Guanyu behind him, and attacked Alesi in front.

On the fourth lap, the tire temperature continued to rise and was slowly entering the operating temperature range.

Zhou Guanyu was the first to notice the change.

It was obvious that Lu Zhizhou had switched modes. The murderous aura that he inadvertently revealed swept over the area along with the airflow from the tail fin. It was clear that he had closed the gap rapidly and was ready to launch an attack at any moment. It was tempting to make a move. But before it could react, the feeling slipped away from its fingertips. It was as if Lu Zhizhou's rhythm had increased and the gap had widened.

Opportunities are fleeting.

And soon, Alessi sensed it—

Lu Zhizhou is approaching.

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(End of this chapter)