Q&A with Ma Qing Hua

Q&A with Ma Qing Hua


Ma Ma Qing Hua joined HRT Formula 1 Team’s young driver programme just three months ago and in this time he has been preparing with the team for the challenge of Formula 1. He finally had the opportunity to drive the F112 yesterday at the Young Driver Test which took place in Silverstone. He passed the test with flying colours and it wasn’t only a great day for the team but also for Formula 1 in general as he became the first driver born in China to drive a Formula 1 car at an official event.

Yesterday you stepped into a Formula 1 car for the first time, what was that first contact like?

It was a fantastic experience and it’s really hard to put into words everything I felt when I got into the Formula 1 car. It was very special but also productive; a great day. Everything went perfect; the weather was on our side, it didn’t rain and we were able to carry out the established programme without any trouble. It was intense because we practically didn’t stop but that enabled us to cover a lot of miles and finish with a good time. My family and some friends were present and it was very special. The team also supported me a lot and I want to thank them for their work.

What was the work programme?

The days before the test were non-stop and the team focused completely on me to prepare the test programme, the steering wheel, the seat, the pedal measurements… All the details that have to be perfectly under control ahead of the test. I must confess that the night before I struggled to sleep a bit because it was an important test and I didn’t want to make any mistakes. But everything went well and we basically did everything. Short stints and qualifying simulations with both tyre compounds, long stints, start simulations, pit stop practices… It was a very intense but productive experience.

And all of this in only one day…

Yes, everything went smoothly and we almost did 500 km! It didn’t rain, there were no interruptions on the track or anything that forced us to stop, so we were able to cover everything we had planned in just one day.

What was the objective of this test in particular?

Mainly for me to adapt to the car and to gain confidence in different situations. It wasn’t a matter of proving anything but for us to work together and improve with every lap without making mistakes.

Was it just how you expected?

In truth it was quite different to what I expected. The F112 is much more comfortable than I thought on the track. You can push it to the limit and it feels good, very stable. I felt comfortable with the balance of the car and with the team’s work, because I think we jell together very well and the result was optimal. It was much better than I expected.

What surprised you most? And least?

I would have to say that what surprised me most were the high speed corners and how stable the car is. It can reach as much speed as you want. What surprised me least were the slow corners because the sensation is very similar to what you have in another car.

That’s in terms of the car’s behaviour, but how did you adapt to the car?

For me the hardest thing was to remember how the systems and steering wheel worked whilst I was driving. And also the things that require most practice: the start, pit stops, the pull away… All of this is hard to take in in just one day, because you have to learn the circuit well, get to know the car, the team…There are many things at the same time, but it wasn’t a bad way to start.

You joined the team three months ago, what has this time been like and what have you been working on?

The programme started months ago with the objective of preparing these tests well and then continuing to advance. We carried out tests with cars from junior categories such as World Series and GP2, but also training away from the track such as physical preparation and work on the simulator. I’ve accompanied the team at every race to take in the daily work routine and soak up advice from the technical staff and my teammates Pedro de la Rosa, Narain Karthikeyan and Dani Clos. I’ve also been at the Caja Mágica headquarters on various occasions to work with the engineers and all of that helped me to head into the test from a better position and already knowing the team, the car and dynamics.

From the very start the team has given me all of its support and I’ve felt completely backed which makes me feel really comfortable with everyone. I’m lucky because, besides learning from them every day, I’ve integrated really well.

And now, what is the next step?

For now we’ve taken this step which was very important. But I’m also aware that it’s only the first one. I know where I want to get to and that I still have a lot to do so the next step is to continue working and progressing to be prepared for the opportunities that may present themselves.

For more information on HRT F1 and Ma Qing Hua's progress, please visit hrtf1team.com

Q&A with F1 star Mark Webber

Q&A with Mark Webber 

Was signing with Red Bull Racing for 2013 an easy decision?

MW: In the end, yes it was. It’s been an interesting few months, but overall the continuity and desire for me to continue at Red Bull Racing was very strong. My main focus is on this year’s Championship, which is very important. In addition it’s an amazing bunch of guys and girls at Red Bull Racing and I really, really like working with them. That has a huge effect on me and how I perform in the car and it helped me in my decision.

You mention the people, what else is it that you like about the Team and Red Bull?

MW: Well, we have gone through plenty together here. We went from the days when Red Bull had not long owned the team to what it is now. The team really changed when we started to get successful, in terms of getting the balance right between being extremely professional on all fronts to still keeping that laid back and approachable attitude that the team still has within reason. It is just one nice big family now in many ways and we have grown so much. We’ve come a long way and I think it’s clear that I fit well here and that’s what I really like about it.

Were you tempted to think about moving elsewhere?

MW: There were discussions with Ferrari, but my decision was to stay here.

What’s the benefit of staying with Red Bull Racing?

MW: I virtually know everyone’s shoe size! I know everyone’s names, I know how everyone ticks and I know all the departments which is very, very important for a driver. There’s a whole raft of factors.

And how is working with the Team and with Sebastian (Vettel)?

MW: Very good. Obviously with Seb, we’ve worked very, very close together for a long period of time now. I think no-one would really have envisaged how long we have worked together, so that’s probably been a bit of a surprise. There are not many team-mates staying together for that long in Formula One, but it’s proved to be a successful partnership with both of us working very hard with the key technical members of the team. It’s been a potent operation. We’re still competitive when we hit the track, no question about it, especially in 2010 and this year. Last year there wasn’t much racing between Sebastian and I, but in 2009, 2010 and this year, there have been some great battles. That’s been enjoyable for the team, sometimes stressful too as it’s not easy for both of us to be at the front and I can understand that, as both of us are thinking about ourselves sometimes, but ultimately we know that we need to get the cars home and get the best results for us and the team.

Does it help to have contracts sorted earlier in the season?

MW: Yes it does and that’s another reason to just get it to bed. I’ve been hearing different rumours and reasons for a long time now. At the end of the day I know everything that has been going on. You want to make sure your focus is clearly on driving the car and the guys that you’re working with. It’s important the team knows you’re 100% with them, which, of course, I am. 

Will 2013 be your last season in F1?

MW: I’ve been asked this question for the past four years and my answer remains the same. It’s a results-based sport at the front of the grid so the future lies in my own hands. It’s down to me to deliver the on-track results.

For more information on Mark, please visit his website at http://www.markwebber.com/