Ma Qing Hua to take part in Young Drivers Test with HRT

Chinese driver Ma Qing Hua will complete his first outing in a Formula 1 car with HRT at the Young Drivers’ Test at Silverstone in July, as the Spanish outfit opt to take part at the Silverstone test in July instead of the traditional Abu Dhabi test later in the year. The test will take place the week after the British Grand Prix, between the 10th-12th of July.

The 24-year-old Chinese driver is part of HRT’s young driver programme, and has already completed valuable steps towards his career ambition of one day becoming a Formula 1 driver. Ma Qing Hua has tested in World Series by Renault and Formula 3 cars as well as carrying out tests in the teams simulator.

"I’m very happy and fortunate to have the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car at the Young Driver Test and do it with HRT Formula 1 Team.” Said Ma Qing Hua, “I’ve dreamed of this all my life and am aware of the great responsibility that comes with it as I’ll be the first Chinese driver ever to take part in the Young Driver Test. I hope that with the backing of all my compatriots, both in China and elsewhere, the commitment and link between my nation and the pinnacle of motorsport grows stronger every day.”

The young drivers test has traditionally taken part towards the end of the season, at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. However, in 2012 the young drivers test will take place both at Silverstone in July and Abu Dhabi later in the year, with teams split over which venue to test at. This event has seen many up-and-coming drivers test Formula 1 machinery, including GP2 and World Series by Renault drivers.

There has never been a Chinese driver in Formula 1 before, and Ma Qing Hua could well be on the road to becoming the first. His three days in the F112 in July could well be the beginning of a new era in Chinese sport.

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