Ma Qing Hua gets HRT Friday practice role in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Ma previously drove in practice in Italy and Singapore, as well as taking part in the young driver Formula 1 test at Silverstone in July.

The 24-year-old will take the place of Narain Karthikeyan for Friday morning's session at Yas Marina.

"After my two Friday outings in Monza and Singapore, I've continued to work hard both physically and mentally to be well prepared for opportunities like this one," he said.

"Apart from the gym and the simulator, I've spent a lot of time going karting as its one of the best ways to train, keep fit and stay focused.

"To be able to continue gaining experience in a Formula 1 car and adding more miles to my tally is essential for me right now and I want to thank the team for making it happen.

"I'm getting to know the car and the engineers more each time and this makes me more confident every time I step in the car."

To read AUTOSPORT's analysis of why Ma Qing Hua could be pivotal for F1's profile in China, click here.

To read why his HRT drives have meanwhile caused controversy, click here.