体坛英语新闻：HRT Team hails "historic day" for Formula 1 after Chinese Ma's debut

LONDON, July 12 (Xinhua) -- HRT Team confirmed on Thursday that Ma Qinghua had completed his debut at the wheel of the F112 at the Silverstone Circuit and became the first Chinese driver to drive a Formula 1 car at an official event.

"It was an historic day for Formula 1 and HRT Formula 1 Team today," said the Team on its official website.

The morning's program included short test stints for the Shanghai-born driver, who tried to be adapt to the car and build up confidence at the wheel, completing 54 laps (318 km). In the afternoon, Ma covered a further 28 laps (165 km), recording a best time of 1:37.829.

"It was a fantastic feeling to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time," said the 24-year-old promising driver.

"It's not easy to put into words what I felt. Yesterday I found it hard to sleep and I tried to calm down by thinking that it was just another test. I'm very proud to represent China and be a pioneer for my nation in this sport," he added.

Luis Perez-Sala, Team Principal, was satisfied with Ma's performance and hoped the young driver could improve step by step.

"It's not easy to drive a Formula 1 car and he made no mistakes. We want to take things one step at a time with him and this test was for Ma to have his first real contact with a Formula 1 car at every level. He did a great job and now we have to continue working so that he can continue to progress in his journey towards Formula 1."