Giedo van der Garde To Make Way For Reserve Drivers During Practice
It has been confirmed that Dutch Formula 1 rookie Giedo van der Garde will make way for Caterham’s two reserve drivers in four upcoming practice sessions this season, as Ma Qing Hua and Alexander Rossi aim to gather further valuable mileage in Formula 1 machinery. The first scheduled absence of the Dutchman is for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Last season Giedo van der Garde took part in numerous Friday practice sessions for the Leafield outfit, each time replacing either Heikki Kovalainen or Vitaly Petrov. This season the 27-year-old Dutchman is set to miss four Friday practice sessions to allow the team’s reserve drivers, Ma Qing Hua and Alexander Rossi, to continue gaining knowledge of Formula 1 machinery. Next time out at the Chinese Grand Prix, Charles Pic is scheduled to miss the opening practice session of the weekend to allow local driver Ma Qing Hua 90 minutes of track action.
The following weekend Giedo van der Garde is expected to miss the opening practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix, as American sensation Alexander Rossi makes his first official Formula 1 appearance since the Spanish Grand Prix last season. Although Giedo van der Garde would naturally prefer to be on the track during these vital opening 90 minutes of track action during a Grand Prix weekend, it is written within his contract that he must cede his seat to the team’s reserve drivers.
“As it stands I will lose four Friday sessions,” explained Giedo van der Garde to GPUpdate.net. “The first one I won’t be driving is Bahrain. I would have rather be driving these sessions myself and get as much track time as possible, but this is in the contract and I’m sure it will be good experience for these guys. I had that same role with the team last year and because of the work I did then, I earned this race seat.”
Caterham have been out-performed by arch-rivals Marussia during both of the opening two race weekend’s of the new season, with Jules Bianchi in particular thwarting the Leafield-based during his first two races of his career. The outfit understand that scoring points this season is unlikely, and will therefore be striving to beat Marussia to 10th in the Constructors’ Championship for the second year running.
Picture Copyright © Caterham F1 Team
HRT Confirm Ma Qing Hua For United States Grand Prix Practice One
HRT have confirmed that development driver Ma Qing Hua will get his fifth outing for the team during the opening practice session ahead of the United States Grand Prix, once again replacing Narain Karthikeyan. This comes amid strong speculation linking the Chinese driver to a full-time drive with the team for 2013, should they find a buyer.
Ma Qing Hua became the first Chinese-born driver to compete in an official Formula 1 event during practice one for the Italian Grand Prix back in September, partnering Pedro de la Rosa within the team. Earlier in the season, the team’s reserve driver Dani Clos also replaced Narain Karthikeyan during opening practice sessions at numerous race weekends. Other teams have also used this ability to run other drivers during practice one, including Williams, Force India and Caterham.
“It’s fantastic to be able to step back into the car for a free practice session and to do so at a new circuit for every team and driver makes it even more special and fun.” Enthused Ma Qing Hua, “Being the first out on track to help the team is a great responsibility and I want to thank them again for the opportunity they’re giving me. Little by little I’m racking up more miles and gaining the necessary experience to grow as a driver, and the continuity I’m getting is also important to help my confidence.”
As has been the case for the majority of the season, Narain Karthikeyan will return to his driving duties within the team for the second practice session later in the day. This could well put the Indian driver at a slight disadvantage for the remainder of the race weekend, as he’ll still be learning the new circuit during practice two whereas the majority of his competitors will already have 90 minutes of track knowledge under their belts.
Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team
Karthikeyan “Not Entirely Comfortable” Around The Yas Marina Circuit
Narain Karthikeyan has expressed dissatisfaction with his qualifying performance for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after once again qualifying 24th and last alongside team-mate Pedro de la Rosa. The Indian driver has never before raced around the Yas Marina circuit, and is still not entirely comfortable around the track.
After being replaced during the opening practice session yesterday by the team’s development driver, Ma Qing Hua, Narain Karthikeyan was unable to begin learning the circuit until the afternoon practice session on Friday. Due to the technical nature of the Yas Marina circuit, Karthikeyan is still struggling greatly with the handling of his F112 in comparison to team-mate Pedro de la Rosa.
“It was a tough qualifying session for me.” Admitted Narain Karthikeyan, after qualifying 24th. “It’s my first time racing in Abu Dhabi and, being such a technical circuit, I’m finding it tougher than expected. I didn’t manage to string together a good lap; I was running well on the first set of tyres but with the second set I found traffic and the rear tyres wore out before I could improve my time. Although I’m not entirely comfortable at this circuit, tomorrow I will give everything like always to try and put in a good performance and finish the race.”
After suffering greatly from brake issues throughout the last two events at Korea and India, HRT are confident they have thwarted their brake issues this weekend at Abu Dhabi. Just like the previous two venues, the Yas Marina circuit is very hard on brakes, and neither drivers have yet to suffer from any brake-related issues all weekend.
“We completed a good practice and qualifying session.” Explained Pedro de la Rosa, “The car was running well and we had no problems with the temperature of the brakes or the engine at a circuit like this one which is so hot, so I’m happy. I think we’ve got good pace for tomorrow’s race and the first objective is to get off to a good start and keep close to the Marussias. We should try to go for one stop, hope for the rear tyres to hold out and try and put some pressure on our rivals.”
Despite Narain Karthikeyan’s tough qualifying hour, the team are confident of another productive race tomorrow. After two races plagued by brake issues, the Spanish outfit are hopeful they can retain their reliability this weekend, as they strive to see both drivers eventually cross the finish line after tomorrow’s 55-lap Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team
Ma Qing Hua To Get Third Running With HRT At Abu Dhabi
HRT’s development driver, Ma Qing Hua, will receive further track action during the opening practice session for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as the Chinese driver replaces Narain Karthikeyan for the opening practice session on Friday. This will be his third outing for HRT, after competing at the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix.
Throughout the course of the 2012 season, HRT have opted to allow both reserve driver Dani Clos and development driver Ma Qing Hua valuable track time behind the wheel of the F112 at the beginning of various race weekends. Each time, both Clos and Ma have replaced Narain Karthikeyan and partnered Pedro de la Rosa for the opening 90 minute session. This weekend will be the same as the rest, with Karthikeyan scheduled to return to his driving duties Friday afternoon for practice two.
“I’m delighted to have another chance to drive again during a Grand Prix weekend with HRT F1 Team” Enthused Ma Qing Hua, “After my two Friday outings in Monza and Singapore, I’ve continued to work hard both physically and mentally to be well prepared for opportunities like this one.
“To be able to continue gaining experience in a Formula 1 car and adding more miles to my tally is essential for me right now and I want to thank the team for making it happen. I’m getting to know the car and the engineers more each time and this makes me more confident every time I step in the car. My target now is to keep on progressing and learning from the team.”
As the HRT F1 Team prepares for this weekend’s race, only one of their drivers has any true knowledge of the Yas Marina circuit. Pedro de la Rosa carried out extensive testing work for Pirelli several years ago, however neither of their current drivers have partaken in a Grand Prix around the tricky circuit. Only Dani Clos has any true racing knowledge, however HRT have decided to give Ma Qing Hua the running on Friday instead of the Spaniard.
Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team
Dani Clos To Return Behind The Wheel At Korea During Practice
HRT’s reserve driver, Dani Clos, will once again return behind the wheel of the F112 this weekend during the opening practice session for the Korean Grand Prix. This will be the Spaniard’s sixth outing for the team this season, and his first since the Belgian Grand Prix prior to Ma Qing Hua’s introduction to race weekends at Italy and Singapore.
Dani Clos made his first official appearance for the Spanish outfit back in May during opening practice for the Spanish Grand Prix, creating F1 history by becoming the first all-Spanish line-up alongside Pedro de la Rosa in a Spanish team. Since then, Clos has partaken in practice at the British, German, Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix, stepping aside from his role to allow the team’s development driver, Ma Qing Hua, two race weekends within the team.
“Driving the F112 is always a great satisfaction and I feel very lucky and thankful to the team for this new opportunity they have given to me to drive in the first free practice session in Korea.” Explained Dani Clos, “Like always, I’m going to give my 100% and my main objective is to work for the team to complete the established programme in the best way possible. To be able to contribute, even in a modest way, makes me very proud and, personally, it’s an experience that is helping me to grow as a driver. And even more so having someone like Pedro next to me.”
Once again Dani Clos will be replacing Narain Karthikeyan during the opening practice session this weekend, and will join fellow countryman Pedro de la Rosa. Both drivers will get their first taste of the Korea International Circuit this weekend, before Narain Karthikeyan returns behind the wheel of the F112 later Friday afternoon for the second practice session and the remainder of the weekend.
Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team
Ma Qing Hua To Drive Once Again In Practice At Singapore
HRT’s development driver Ma Qing Hua will once again get behind the wheel of the F112 at an official F1 event next time out at Singapore, as the Chinese driver continues his valuable learning experiences with the Spanish-outfit. The 24-year-old made F1 history last time out in Monza, becoming the first Chinese-born driver to race in the sport.
After initially partaking in HRT’s Young Driver Test at Silverstone back in July, Ma Qing Hua is now preparing to participate in his second official practice session in F1. Many teams up and down the paddock have utilized the opening practice session of the weekend to run their reserve drivers, such as Valtteri Bottas [Williams] and Jules Bianchi [Force India] making regular appearances for their respective teams. With HRT set to introduce several new upgrades at the Singapore Grand Prix, Ma Qing Hua will be instrumental in testing the new updates.
“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.” Explained Ma Qing Hua, “It will be very exciting to drive an F1 [car] around the streets of Singapore. It’s a very demanding track for all of us, but it will be even more of a challenge for me as this is only the second time I will be driving the car at a race weekend. 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 as well as doing my best to help the team to prepare for the race.”
Ma Qing Hua will once again replace Narain Karthikeyan for the opening session of the weekend, before the Indian driver makes a return behind the cockpit of the F112 for the second practice session later in the afternoon. Narain Karthikeyan has also never raced around the Marina Bay street circuit, and will be eager to utilize the 90-minute second practice session to learn the track.
Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team
Pedro de la Rosa: “I’ve Never Raced At Singapore”
Pedro de la Rosa has never raced around the Marina Bay street circuit in Singapore, even though the Spaniard has competed in 100 Grands Prix throughout his career in Formula 1. Regardless of this stat, de la Rosa is confident ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, a race where HRT are set to introduce several new upgrades.
After a relatively successful Italian Grand Prix, Pedro de la Rosa believes another competitive result can be achieved by the Madrid-based outfit once track action begins under the floodlights around the daunting Marina Bay street circuit. Although Pedro de la Rosa has never raced around the 5.073km circuit, the Spaniard has carried out numerous hours of simulator work on the circuit during his time as a test driver for McLaren.
“I’ve never raced at Singapore but I know the circuit because of my simulator work as a test driver for McLaren.” Explained Pedro de la Rosa, “It’s a spectacular track and probably the toughest circuit on the brakes in the entire Championship besides being a very physically demanding race because of the heat and humidity. We should have a good performance as there are many slow corners and it is quite similar to Monaco. Besides, we’ve got an aero upgrade which should help us to cut down the gap to our rivals. I have to make the most of the practice session to adapt to the circuit but I’m up for the challenge.”
Although HRT have spent the majority of the 2012 season at the back of the pack, it’s undeniable that the Spanish-outfit have a tremendous reliability record. Only once have both cars failed to finish a race this season, at the Canadian Grand Prix when both drivers suffered brake issues on their cars. The teams’ aim is naturally to continue with this decent form of reliability, around one of the toughest circuits on the calendar.
Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team
Pedro de la Rosa: “I’m More Than Satisfied With The Result”
Pedro de la Rosa enjoyed a relatively successful 100th Grand Prix earlier today, even though he and his team-mate Narain Karthikeyan once again brought up the rear of the order. After starting the race from 23rd on the grid alongside the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg, de la Rosa was able to complete a one stop strategy to finish 18th.
Although the HRT duo ended the race one lap off the leader, the Spanish-outfit remain confident as they continue to improve as the season enters its closing stages. With HRT set to introduce several new upgrades to their F112 car at the next race in Singapore, they are confident a further step forward can be achieved. Narain Karthikeyan, who had not raced around the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza since his debut season back in 2005, finished the race in 19th position. The Indian driver out-qualified team-mate de la Rosa for the first time this season, however he was unable to translate such a result through to the race.
“I’m more than satisfied with the result, especially keeping in mind how we started the race.” Explained Pedro de la Rosa, “The start wasn’t easy but I did what I could because the medium tyres didn’t work well. In the second half of the race, on hard tyres, I started to run well and I’m happy with our pitstop because it was very good. I’m happy with this 100th Grand Prix although I would have liked to have done it better. We have to continue improving and in Singapore we hope for the planned upgrades to help us take that step forward.”
Ma Qing Hua made his official F1 debut during first practice on Friday.
Luis Perez-Sala was content with his teams performance after the race, after a successful weekend which began by creating F1 history as the team allowed development driver Ma Qing Hua to drive during opening practice. The 24-year-old became the first Chinese-born driver to compete in an official F1 event, and coupled with de la Rosa’s 100th Grand Prix the team are confident the upgrades at Singapore next time out will be yet another boost for the Madrid-based outfit.
“I’m happy with how the race went; we experienced no problems and the car proved its good reliability.” Said HRT’s team principal, Luis Perez-Sala. “We’ve closed the gap to the head of the field at a circuit that we knew would benefit us. Overall it’s been a positive weekend with Ma’s debut and Pedro’s 100th Grand Prix, and now we’re looking forward to Singapore, where I hope we will be able to continue progressing.”
Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team
Michael Schumacher Fastest In Opening Practice At Monza
Michael Schumacher has ended the opening practice session fastest ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix around the historic Monza circuit, ahead of the McLaren of Jenson Button. The second Mercedes of Nico Rosberg came home third, roughly three tenths off the pace.
Jean-Eric Vergne was the first driver to take to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, as the session got underway in superlative weather conditions. Several reserve drivers once again got behind the wheel of their respective cars, with Ma Qing Hua [HRT], Jules Bianchi [Force India] and Valtteri Bottas [Williams] all replacing their respective team-mates for the opening session. In traditional practice fashion, the majority of the drivers completed installation laps to begin with, however Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa set early times with the latter going quickest with a 01:28.370.
Kimi Raikkonen and Ma Qing Hua made minor mistakes upon entering turn 1 as they began their respective flying laps, both bumping over the precarious “sausage” kerbs and subsequently ruining their opening laps. The Finn then stormed to the top of the timing sheets, with a 01:28.175, a time which he was able to better a lap later with a 01:27.369. Lewis Hamilton then returned to the top, with the Briton submerged in speculation over his future in Formula 1. The 2008 World Champion set three consecutive fastest laps, with a time of a 01:26.326 keeping the Briton atop the timing sheets.
Local favorite Fernando Alonso then breezed to the top of the timing sheets, with a 01:26.072 undoubtedly pleasing the many Tifosi devotees already lining the circuit. Jules Bianchi, standing in for Paul di Resta during the opening session, ran straight on at turns 4 and 5, making a slight mistake up the entry to the chicane. With many drivers up and down the grid making similar errors, such as Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg at turn 1, Michael Schumacher rose to the top with a 01:25.422 in his Mercedes. The German driver won all of his Italian Grands Prix with Ferrari, and is still warmly welcomed by the fanatical Tifosi masses.
Jenson Button, who majestically won last time out in Belgium, was 2nd behind the German, as his mechanics carried out a front-right camber change on the Briton’s McLaren. Whether or not this alteration had improved the handling of the car remained questionable, as Jenson Button locked up heading into turns 4 and 5 and ran wide through the tarmac run-off area.
Michael Schumacher remained top as the session entered it’s closing stages, with many drivers still pushing to the limits, especially through turns 1, 2, 4 and 5. Fernando Alonso then raised many eyebrows throughout the paddock as the Championship leader came to an abrupt halt at turn 1. The Spaniard then removed himself from the car, with the tail-tail signs of a mechanical issue on the car. Pastor Maldonado then became the next victim of the mechanical gremlins, as he too came to a halt on the exit of turn 5. Early reports indicate that Alonso could have suffered an engine related issue, whereas Maldonado seems to have suffered a hydraulic issue.
With yellow flags fluttering due to the stopped Ferrari and Williams cars’, no-one was able to dethrone the 7-time World Champion of Michael Schumacher, who’s earlier time kept him atop the timing sheets. F1 returnee Jerome D’Ambrosio ended his first session in the Lotus E20 15th overall, +1.758 seconds off the pace. The HRT of Chinese driver Ma Qing Hua brought up the rear, ending his first ever session in F1 24th, +5.817 seconds off Schumacher’s pace.
The F1 drivers will return to the Monza circuit later this afternoon, as the grid prepare for Sunday’s 53-lap Italian Grand Prix. Bruno Senna, Paul di Resta and Narain Karthikeyan will make a return, after sitting out the opening session to allow their respective reserve drivers an opportunity to test their cars’.
Pos Driver Car Time Gap Laps 1. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1m25.422s 26 2. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m25.723s + 0.301s 29 3. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m25.762s + 0.340s 26 4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m25.800s + 0.378s 22 5. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m25.861s + 0.439s 27 6. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m25.944s + 0.522s 30 7. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m26.046s + 0.624s 25 8. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari 1m26.323s + 0.901s 26 9. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m26.390s + 0.968s 24 10. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m26.504s + 1.082s 19 11. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m26.508s + 1.086s 18 12. Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes 1m26.518s + 1.096s 21 13. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m26.641s + 1.219s 26 14. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1m26.746s + 1.324s 23 15. Jerome d'Ambrosio Lotus-Renault 1m27.180s + 1.758s 29 16. Jules Bianchi Force India-Mercedes 1m27.192s + 1.770s 22 17. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m27.373s + 1.951s 25 18. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m27.789s + 2.367s 24 19. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham-Renault 1m27.855s + 2.433s 27 20. Vitaly Petrov Caterham-Renault 1m28.578s + 3.156s 20 21. Charles Pic Marussia-Cosworth 1m28.751s + 3.329s 26 22. Timo Glock Marussia-Cosworth 1m29.207s + 3.785s 21 23. Pedro de la Rosa HRT-Cosworth 1m29.331s + 3.909s 21 24. Ma Qing Hua HRT-Cosworth 1m31.239s + 5.817s 26
Picture Copyright © Mercedes AMG Petronas
Ma Qing Hua To Make F1 Debut At Monza Practice
HRT’s development driver, Ma Qing Hua, will make his first track appearance at an official Formula 1 race at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix when he becomes the first Chinese-born driver to race in the sport. He will replace Narain Karthikeyan for the opening session on the Friday, and will team-mate Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa.
Throughout the majority of the season, HRT have elected their reserve driver Dani Clos to take part in numerous Friday practice sessions, however this weekend will see a slight change as 24-year-old Ma Qing Hua gets behind the wheel of the F112 for the first time since the Young Driver Test at Silverstone back in July. The Shanghai-born driver completed 483.062km during the Silverstone test, and greatly impressed the team as well as securing himself a Formula 1 Super License which enables him to partake during official race weekends.
“This is a very important step towards my dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver.” Explained Ma Qing Hua, “It will be my second time in the car, after the Young Driver Test in Silverstone, and I’m very excited about driving at a circuit like Monza. The objective of this session is to continue advancing with my programme, rack up more miles and experience at the wheel of an F1 car and help the team with whatever they need. I’m excited but also calm about it because I’ve been training hard in the past months to be prepared when the opportunity presented itself. I’ve also worked on the simulator to get to know the circuits a bit better and how a Formula 1 car reacts.”
This weekend will see Ma Qing Hua make F1 history as he becomes the first Chinese-born driver to race in the sport, after Dutch-born Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung tested for Williams and Renault as well driving in the GP2 Series. This will be the second time HRT have made F1 history this season, the first coming at the Spanish Grand Prix when it was announced that Dani Clos would be driving for them alongside Pedro de la Rosa in first practice. This therefore created the first ever all-Spanish line-up in a Spanish F1 team at all places, Spain.
“Personally, it fills me with satisfaction to be able to give Ma the opportunity to make his debut at a Grand Prix, and to do it in FP1 at a classic circuit like Monza makes it even more special.” Said HRT’s team principal, Luis Perez-Sala. “Since we started working with him in March everything has been very quick but he’s responded and overcome every phase accordingly. From tests with World Series or GP2 cars, passing through sessions on the simulator, to the Formula 1 tests in Silverstone where he completed 500 km with no problems. He’s shown to us that he’s on a good level and has transmitted the necessary confidence to take the next step, which is to make his debut at a free practice session of a Grand Prix.”
Narain Karthikeyan, who will sit out the opening practice session for Ma Qing Hua, will naturally make a return behind the cockpit of the F112 during the second practice session in the afternoon. Just like at Spa-Francorchamps last time out, this will be the Indian drivers first appearance at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza since his debut season in 2005 with Jordan.
Picture Copyright © HRT F1 Team
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