Ma Qing Hua to get third running with HRT at Abu Dhabi

HRT’s development driver, Ma Qing Hua, will receive further track action during the opening practice session for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as the Chinese driver replaces Narain Karthikeyan for the opening practice session on Friday. This will be his third outing for HRT, after competing at the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix.

Throughout the course of the 2012 season, HRT have opted to allow both reserve driver Dani Clos and development driver Ma Qing Hua valuable track time behind the wheel of the F112 at the beginning of various race weekends. Each time, both Clos and Ma have replaced Narain Karthikeyan and partnered Pedro de la Rosa for the opening 90 minute session. This weekend will be the same as the rest, with Karthikeyan scheduled to return to his driving duties Friday afternoon for practice two.

"I’m delighted to have another chance to drive again during a Grand Prix weekend with HRT F1 Team” Enthused Ma Qing Hua, “After my two Friday outings in Monza and Singapore, I’ve continued to work hard both physically and mentally to be well prepared for opportunities like this one.

“To be able to continue gaining experience in a Formula 1 car and adding more miles to my tally is essential for me right now and I want to thank the team for making it happen. I’m getting to know the car and the engineers more each time and this makes me more confident every time I step in the car. My target now is to keep on progressing and learning from the team.”

As the HRT F1 Team prepares for this weekend’s race, only one of their drivers has any true knowledge of the Yas Marina circuit. Pedro de la Rosa carried out extensive testing work for Pirelli several years ago, however neither of their current drivers have partaken in a Grand Prix around the tricky circuit. Only Dani Clos has any true racing knowledge, however HRT have decided to give Ma Qing Hua the running on Friday instead of the Spaniard.

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