Ma Qing Hua to get HRT outing in Young Drivers Test | 2012 F1 season

Ma Qing Hua will appear for HRT in the Young Drivers Test at Silverstone in July.

The Chinese driver will have his first outing behind the wheel of the F112 during the three-day test.

Qing Hua joined the team's driver development programme last month having won the 1600cc category of the China Touring Car Championship last year. He has previously competed in Superleague Formula, Spanish and British Formula Three, and A1 Grand Prix.

He has tested in the team's simulator and tested Formula Three and Formula Renault 3.5 cars since joining the team.

Qing Hua said: '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.

'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 said: '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.'

2012 F1 season

• Alonso reveals special helmet design for Monaco GP
• Ma Qing Hua to get HRT outing in Young Drivers Test
• Can rejuvenated Ferrari end 11-year wait for Monaco win?
• Weekend rain to keep teams guessing in Monaco
• 2012 Monaco Grand Prix TV Times

Browse all 2012 F1 season articles

Image © HRT F1 Team