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Chinese Ma Qing Hua will run with the HRT team during the young driver test at Silverstone, the Spanish squad has announced.

Qing Hua, 24, joined HRT's new driver development programme last month.

The team said the testing programme for the Shanghai-born racer, including the days he drives on, will be specified and confirmed further ahead.

The Silverstone outing will be the Chinese driver's maiden run in Formula 1 machinery.

"I'm very happy and fortunate to have the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car at the young driver test and do it with HRT," Ma said.

"I've dreamed of this all my life and am aware of the great responsibility that comes with it as I'll be the first Chinese driver ever to take part in the young driver test.

"I'm very grateful towards HRT for this opportunity and the faith they have shown in me and I won't let them down."

Team boss Luiz Perez-Sala added: "Over the last few weeks we've been working with Ma, as a part of our scheduled development programme, at the Valencia and Jerez circuits with different cars and we consider that he is ready to take part in the young driver test that will take place in Silverstone.

"We're pleased to be giving him this opportunity in Formula 1 and for the first member of our driver development programme to start accomplishing his targets."