Ma Qinghua

  Sport: Motor racing

Ma Qinghua edges closer to a dream Formula One drive after the Spanish team HRT confirmed him as an official driver for the 2013 season on Nov. 6. The 24-year-old Shanghai native had already made history when he became the first Chinese to get behind the wheels of an F1 car during a practice session with HRT.

However, Ma's future still remains shrouded in clouds as HRT is not included on the official entry document for 2013. The struggling Spain-based team was announced to be for sale in November and is still searching for a buyer.

Ma's agent Jin Yong, however, pledged the driver would be in action at next year's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, indicating that Ma may have to look for a spot on another team.

"No matter who the boss is, Ma will definitely compete in next year's F1 race in Shanghai," Jin was quoted as saying.