Drivers like Cheng Congfu and Ma Qingye, in their teens, were still racing in lower categories like BMW and Renault in Asia. Even Chen Xiangbei had to wait until he was eighteen to have the opportunity to go to the Suzuka Racing School in Japan.
It's normal to praise one's own people, yet this Hong Kong commentator seems to have a different mindset, even subtly criticizing Chen Xiangbei.
"The driver from Mainland China, Chen Xiangbei, although he has the title of a test driver for the Brown GP Team, his lap time is only ranked 17th, trailing behind Kokumoto Keiyo by almost three seconds."
"You should know that the Grand Prix has a tradition of knockout qualification rounds, only the top 15 drivers will qualify for the main race. The speed and skill Chen Xiangbei is currently displaying seem disproportionate to the title and fame he's been given."
The East Bay Circuit is one of the narrower street tracks, making it impossible to accommodate 26 cars racing simultaneously.
