Ho-Pin Tung is thrilled to have been confirmed as Renault's lead test and reserve driver as the new-look team launched its brand-new R30 in Valencia on Sunday. The Dutch-Chinese driver is also pleased to see China linked closer to Formula 1 as he becomes part of the test team alongside Belgium's Jérôme D'Ambrosio.
With China having first hosted a Grand Prix in 2004, the country is yet to see its first full-time F1 race driver although Tung's confirmation at Renault verifies that another step closer has been made.
"On the occasion of my recent test drive with Renault at Jerez, I said that I was at the threshold of Formula 1," commented the 27-year-old, who was brought up in the Netherlands and will this year compete with the DAMS team in GP2. "Today I am delighted to say I am in."
"My new position with Renault is excellent news for China, for Chinese sport and the fast growing number of Formula 1 fans there. My objective is unchanged: I want to race and I want to win - for China, for my fans, for the team, for my partners and for myself. Formula 1 is what I really want."
"This is a great opportunity for Ho-Pin and we are pleased to welcome him into the team," added Team Principal Eric Boullier of Tung, who is part of the Gravity driver management company run by Renault F1 owner Gerard Lopez. "When he tested for the team in December, he immediately impressed with his speed and feedback, which convinced us that he was ready to become part of the team."
Personalities
Ho-Pin Tung
Eric Boullier
Teams
Lotus Renault
Other
DTM Tickets (best price guarantee!) at Sportstadium.com
| Eric Boullier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More Eric Boullier photos | |||
| Ho-Pin Tung | |||
 |  |  |  |
| More Ho-Pin Tung photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
