Getting to know Ma Qing Hua

Getting to know Ma Qing Hua

We sat down with the latest addition to the Formula E paddock

Chinese racing driver Ma Qing Hua is the latest racing driver to join Formula E, making his series debut at the Visa Paris ePrix for Team Aguri.

Having competed in a number of series, from the A1 GP series to GP2, Ma became the first Chinese racing driver to win a FIA World Championship race when he triumphed in the 2014 FIA World Touring Car Championship race in Russia.

Having made his debut at the inaugural Paris ePrix, Ma is hoping to make his mark at the Berlin ePrix.

First of all, what is your opinion on the FIA Formula E championship?

I think it’s the future of motorsport. Motorsport is a big part of the car industry as the technology is passed on to the next generation of cars, in this case electric. In Shanghai, where I live, we’ve seen more and more electric cars in the streets as we can see how important it is for the future. In the near future, we will see more and more people buy electric cars, so I think Formula E’s future is very positive.

How did you get into motor racing?

I started karting when I was seven years old. To be honest I was actually quite scared at first but after the first lap I knew I loved it and that it would be my future career. I love it and want to do my best to see what I can achieve. I want to show the world and the people of China that Chinese racing drivers can succeed at the highest level.

You’ve been competing since 2005 but you since then you haven’t actually done too much racing since then? Why is that?

Well I started in karting and continued to race in single seaters, eventually racing in Formula 1. In 2012 I signed with HRT to be a testing driver Formula 1 and the year after that changed to Caterham. That was the first part of my career but after that I moved WTCC which proved to be a great experience. I learned a lot and in all the races that I’ve done over the years from touring cars to single seats, to A1GP and Super League and I will try to use that experience in Formula E. Let’s see what happens.

You took a big win in the Russian round of the 2014 WTCC season, becoming the first Chinese driver to win a FIA World Championship race. Can you tell us about that day?

It was one of the biggest moments of my life. Every driver dreams of standing at the top of the podium but only few achieve it. Standing at the top of the podium, hearing the Chinese anthem playing and seeing the Chinese flag… It was a very special moment for me. This is the thing that I’ll be telling my son or daughter one day.