HRT: Debut in Monza for the young Chinese driver Qing Hua

But Qing Hua will make his official Formula 1 debut in Monza, when he takes over from the starting driver, Narain Karthikeyan, in free practice on Friday.

The 24-year-old Chinese driver who joined the HRT team's young driver program at the start of the season was also involved in the recent tests at Silverstone.

His debut in Monza will represent the first time a Chinese driver has taken part in a Grand Prix.

Qing Hua said the chance to race at Monza will allow him to take another step towards his dream of being a full-time F1 driver.

“This is a very important step towards my dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver. It will be my second time in the car, after the young drivers test at Silverstone, and I am very excited to drive on a circuit like Monza,” he said. said.

“The aim of this session is to continue progressing with my programme, accumulate more kilometers and experience behind the wheel of an F1 car and help the team with everything they need.”

“I'm excited but also calm, because I've trained hard over the last few months to be ready when the opportunity arises.”

“I also worked on the simulator to get to know the circuits a little better and how a Formula 1 car reacts.”

“In the last few months I have been with the team at the Grands Prix and I have also learned a lot from my engineers and teammates, who have shared information and their experience, which will be very useful to me.”

“It will be the first time a Chinese driver will take part in a Grand Prix and that, for Chinese motorsport, is another huge step and a fantastic opportunity.”

“I want to thank all the people who supported me and helped me get here. I will not disappoint them."

HRT team principal Luis Perez-Sala expressed his confidence in Qing Hua's abilities, adding:. “Personally, it fills me with satisfaction to be able to give him the chance to make his debut in a Grand Prix. But when we started working with him in March everything was very fast, but he also responded and went through all the stages accordingly.”

“He met our expectations, without making any mistakes and proved to be a fast and safe driver, with a great ability to adapt.”

Qing Hua will be the second new face in the first test session at Monza, following confirmation that Jerome d'Ambrosio will replace the suspended Romain Grosjean at Lotus.

Karthikeyan will take the wheel of his HRT again in the second free practice.