After Space, China Conquers Formula One

Hard on the heels of China's first manned space flight by Yang Liwei in
October this year, another technological landmark was broken today when
Ho-Pin Tung, together with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team, became the first
ever Chinese driver to test a Formula One car. The 21 year old from
Wenzhou, 500km south of Shanghai, earned the coveted opportunity to
test for the team after winning this season's Formula BMW Asia series
in dominant style. Today as his reward, he took to the wheel of a
WilliamsF1 BMW FW24 for 42 laps of the 4.428km Jerez de la Frontera
circuit, south west of Seville in Spain. "After driving a 140bhp
Formula BMW car last season, stepping into a 900bhp Formula One car was
terrifying as well as the fulfilment of a lifetime's ambition in equal
measure. It is of course a matter of some pride to also be the first
Chinese driver to get behind the wheel of such a prestigious Formula
One Car," said Tung at the end of the test session. Recounting
his experience the young driver reported that,"The atmosphere was
very calm and the team helped ensure I didn't get too nervous. Juan
Pablo Montoya and Marc Gené were great and helped answer all the
questions I had before getting in the car. I was stunned by the
performance of the car, it was like a drug, and I was also quite
surprised that I had no physical problems by the end of the session.
Afterwards I sat with the engineers to analyse the data which showed me
the difference between my performance and that of Juan and Marc.
Fortunately though, I discovered that we also have a few things in
common, which made me happy. Prior to today, Formula One was a dream,
now it has become a goal, and I sincerely hope that today's test
increases the interest in Formula One in China," he concluded.
Tung's performance was assessed by BMM Motorsport Director, Mario
Theissen. "We have been keeping our eyes on Ho-Pin for some time
now, and his twelve pole positions and ten wins from 14 starts this
year promises much. I am glad to say he handled his first Formula One
test in a very mature fashion. His approach and his improvements over
the course of the day did prove he has serious potential as a racing
driver". Tung was also praised by WilliamsF1's Chief Operations
Engineer, Sam Michael. "Ho-Pin assisted with our general test
programme today, driving the FW24. He worked well with the engineering
team and demonstrated a good degree of competence and ability over the
course of the day. His lap time was very respectable for someone who
hadn't driven anything like a Formula One car before today".
Ho-Pin's test with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team has taken on additional
significance ahead of the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on
September 26, 2004. Reflecting on the significance of Ho-Pin's maiden
Formula One test, BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank Williams said,
"The prospect of Formula One awakening the interests of a
substantial element of the Chinese TV population is something that I
personally find very stimulating. It is fortunate indeed that, just
prior to the inaugural Shanghai Grand Prix in 2004, Ho-Pin Tung has
made history as the first Chinese race driver ever to test a Formula One
car. I believe his engagement with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in Jerez
will only serve to stimulate valuable interest in Formula One in one of
the few remaining virgin territories for the sport". Driving last
year's WilliamsF1 BMW FW24, Ho-Pin Tung achieved his best lap time on
lap 33 of 42 (1min22.082sec).