Ho-Pin Tung eyes F1 role
Tung, the 24-year-old reigning German F3 champion who presently drives in the A1GP series, had negotiated with Spyker about a test job this year but presumably did not find the necessary backing.
"We also didn't want Ho-Pin to become a fifth wheel," Winkler insisted, referring to Spyker's already top-heavy test lineup featuring some four drivers.
Tung tested for Williams in 2003.
12/26/06 A reader writes, Will Champ Car have any Chinese drivers on the grid when they race in Zhuhai in May? Kevin Black, Denver, Co.
Dear Kevin, It does not look that way at this stage, unless someone with sponsorship comes along or the Chinese race promoter makes it happen. Unfortunately if something does happen it may be just for the China race, which means the driver will fail miserably and the Chinese fans will go home disappointed, perhaps never to return. Champ Car isn't F1, which is a brand known around the world. China is too important a market for Champ Car to fail in. Hopefully they will figure it out, i.e. the locals need someone to take an interest in. Mark C.
12/26/06 (GMM) Chinese hopeful Ho-pin Tung is reportedly targeting a full time test seat for the Spyker team in 2007. The Dutch born F3 racer, who tested a Williams in 2003, has been in contact with Silverstone based Spyker through bosses Michiel Mol and Victor Muller, the magazine Formule 1 Race Report said. With 9 wins and 4 poles, Ho-pin Tung, 24, won the German F3 drivers' title this year.
12/22/06 According to this Dutch website, Dutch/Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung is talking to the Spyker team about being a test driver. The team has a strong Dutch flavor already so Tung would fit in well. In addition he is Chinese and F1 recognizes the importance of getting a Chinese driver into the series because they do race in Shanghai, China.