Ma Qing Hua: It was a fantastic experience

Chinese driver Ma Qing Hua got his first taste of Formula 1 machinery on Thursday, as the 24-year-old partook in day one of the Silverstone Young Driver Test. The HRT driver completed 82 laps throughout the day, nearly surpassing 500 km with a personal best time of a 01:37.829.

Ma Qing Hua became only the second driver from China to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, with fellow countryman Ho-Pin Tung testing for Williams in 2003 and Renault in 2010. However, a Chinaman has yet to start an official Grand Prix and Ma Qing Hua is certainly on the right track to one day changing that stat.

With HRT only fielding one driver throughout the Young Driver Test at Silverstone, Ma Qing Hua enjoyed a whole day testing for the Spanish outfit. The Chinese driver was thrilled with the experience, as he completed various challenges throughout the day including short stints, qualifying simulations, long stints and pit stop practices.

“It was a fantastic experience and it’s really hard to put into words everything I felt when I got into the Formula 1 car.” Explained Ma Qing Hua, “It was very special but also productive; a great day. Everything went perfect; the weather was on our side, it didn’t rain and we were able to carry out the established programme without any trouble. It was intense because we practically didn’t stop but that enabled us to cover a lot of miles and finish with a good time.”

Ma Qing Hua was terribly excited with the prospect of driving a Formula 1 car, and explained how he struggled to sleep the night before the test. After his first run in the morning session at Silverstone, Ma Qing Hua had to wipe away his tears of joy at becoming the first Chinese-born driver to drive a Formula 1 car.

“I must confess that the night before I struggled to sleep a bit because it was an important test and I didn’t want to make any mistakes.” Said Ma Qing Hua. “But everything went well and we basically did everything. Short stints and qualifying simulations with both tyre compounds, long stints, start simulations, pit stop practices…it was a very intense but productive experience.”

Ma Qing Hua joined HRT three months ago, and has greatly impressed the Spanish outfit in the short space of time in which he has been with them. Ma Qing Hua’s aim now is to continue working and progressing and to be prepared for his next outing with the Spanish outfit.

Follow me on Twitter - @AndyYoungF1