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Former Formula 1 development driver and World Touring Car Championship race winner Ma Qing Hua still intends to compete in the World Rally Championship despite the loss of Rally China.
The Chinese star was scheduled to make his WRC debut in Beijing next month but the event's cancellation has forced a change of plan that could involve a longer-term commitment to rallying.
Working with the Norwegian Adapta team - run by Mads Ostberg's father Morten - Ma has tested a Ford Fiesta R5 and a Fiesta RS WRC on asphalt.
He got his first taste of making pacenotes when he completed the recce for Rally Germany with experienced British co-driver Stuart Loudon.
Morten Ostberg told Autosport: "Qing Hua is very, very keen to do some rallying now.
"He has done a test in an R5 car in Norway and then in the Fiesta [RS WRC] in Austria.
"Obviously he's disappointed about China, but we're looking at some options to get him out on a rally.
"He has made very good progress through the training we have provided him with.
"Looking at the calendar, he's unlikely to compete this year - Corsica's not the best place to go and make your rally debut - but we are looking into next year and possibly at more than one event."
Ostberg confirmed the team was looking at the European Rally Championship as well as possible WRC outings.
