Chinese driver to go again in Singapore

Reserve driver Ma Qing Hua will enjoy another practice session with HRT in Singapore next Friday. The 24-year-old from Shanghai made history at Monza last week by becoming the first ever Chinese driver to compete in an official F1 weekend session.

“I'm very happy to drive the F112 for a second time in a row and I really appreciate the opportunity HRT is giving me," he says on Thursday. “It will be very exciting to drive an F1 car around the streets of Singapore.

“I am looking forward to it and the laps that I added to my tally at the last Grand Prix in Monza have given me plenty of confidence. I have prepared myself in the simulator as well as doing some specific exercises to be used to driving at night. This is yet again another step in my career and I look forward to getting more experience at the wheel of a Formula 1 car."

So far this year, Ma’s driving abilities have been assessed by HRT in numerous types of cars. Once again, he will be replacing Narain Karthikeyan for Singapore’s opening practice.