Ma's session with F1's HRT is big step forward for Chinese drivers

China's Ma Qinghua has set a good example for motor racing enthusiasts in the country after getting the chance for a free practice session with team HRT at the Formula One Italian Grand Prix on Friday, a local official said on Thursday. The official also believes the F1 debut of a Chinese driver will further boost the development of motor sports in China.

"Ma has gone the farthest among all the Chinese racers so far in becoming a real F1 driver. It would surely boost the development of motor sports in China," Xian Tongchun, director of the circuit racing department of the Federation of Automobile Sports of China, told China Daily on Thursday.