F1: Ma Qing Hua to test HRT at Silverstone

HRT has confirmed that it will run Chinese driver Ma Qing Hua during the young driver test a Silverstone in July. The 24-year-old signed up the team's driver development programme earlier this year and will now get the chance to sample F1 machinery for the first time in the test, which will take place just after the British Grand Prix. A full programme for Qing Hua and the exact days he will drive on will be confirmed closer to the test. "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,” he said. “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'm very grateful towards HRT Formula 1 Team for this opportunity and the faith they have shown in me and I won't let them down. “I'm going to be the first Chinese driver at the Young Driver Test but I hope not to be the last one and for many to follow in my footsteps, thanks to the team's driver development programme which is being very rewarding for me. 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”. Team principal Luis Perez-Sala was pleased to be able to confirm that the Chinese driver will get his chance to drive in the test. "Over the last few weeks we've been working with Ma, as a part of our scheduled development programme, at the Valencia and Jerez circuits with different cars and we consider that he is ready to take part in the Young Driver Test that will take place in Silverstone,” he said. “We're pleased to be giving him this opportunity in Formula 1 and for the first member of our driver development programme to start accomplishing his targets. “Ma is a young driver who has experience in different categories but who hasn't perhaps had the continuity which he deserves. He's very professional, with a positive attitude, he has a feel for the car and, what's most important, he's quick. We've got faith in his quality and are confident that he will do a good job in Silverstone.”