Live from Silverstone with Ma Qing Hua
MotorsInside was able to meet Ma Qing Hua, a member of the young driver program of the HRT team. The Chinese driver spoke to us about his work within the HRT team, the tests he conducts to learn and gain experience, and the impact of his appointment on Chinese motorsport.
You are a member of the HRT team’s young driver program, what does it involve?
This is a program we put in place at the beginning of the year. It relates to physical training, my presence in the team, doing some trials with GP2 and World Series single-seaters.
Do you also have access to the simulator?
Yes, I’ve driven several times in the simulator to try out the different tracks, usually before testing to learn more about the circuit.
What do you do within the team during a race weekend?
We work as a team, during briefings with the engineers, we work on telemetry data with the drivers, Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan. During the sessions, I am in the paddock to see what the drivers are doing and what the mechanics are doing to learn.
Are you going to drive during the young drivers’ tests next week?
Yes, I will be driving during these tests at Silverstone.
Will you drive for both days or share with Dani Clos?
The program is not done yet, we will do some tests. I am preparing for any eventuality. Hopefully, we will have good days for these tests, I don’t know the weather forecasts at the moment, it’s hard to say.
Will this be your first time in a Formula 1 single-seater?
Yes, it will be my first time in a Formula 1 single-seater. It will also be the first time I drive on the new Silverstone.
Do you feel ready to drive this single-seater?
Yes, I am ready for that. I am looking forward to this moment.
Do you think you are already ready to be a full-time driver, or do you still have things to learn?
I still have a lot to learn in the future, I need to be more competitive in the car. I need to learn more about how to work with the team, so to achieve that, we are doing as much testing as possible, both with GP2 cars and World Series, so I can gain experience. All of this should help me for my future.
Do you think that your appointment to the HRT team will help develop motorsport in China?
Yes, because motorsport is just starting in China at the moment. We don’t have many car championships in China right now, nor many good drivers. But after my appointment, my races and tests with HRT, and my position with the team, this will help to develop Chinese motorsport more quickly.
When do you estimate that you could be driving as a full-time Formula 1 driver?
In the future, but when it’s hard to say. However, with this program (for young drivers), I will work hard with the team, train, and we will see in the future.
Will you be driving the HRT during the Friday practice sessions?
No, not at the moment. But we will see after the tests for the young drivers.
From our special correspondent in Silverstone
