Chinese driver Ma Qing Hua will drive a fourth works Citroën throughout the 2015 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) season, it has been announced.
Ma made his début in Russia in 2014 and sensationally scored victory in only his second race in the championship. The 27-year-old, who competed in five events last year, has been entrusted to a fourth works’ C-Elysée, despite having earlier been linked with a berth in the independent Sébastien Loeb Racing outfit.
“I’m really happy to be carrying on with Citroën,” said Ma. “As soon as I arrived in the team, I felt like part of a family. I have learnt a huge amount with Citroën Racing and through the other drivers.
“Competing in every round of the championship marks a new stage in my career. I know that Citroën are counting on me, and I promise to give it my all.”
Citroën Racing Team Principal Yves Matton is hoping the Chinese racer can build on his first season, in which he finished 13th overall in the championship.
“Last season, we tested lots of drivers to find one that had the potential to shine at the wheel of a Citroën C-Elysée WTCC in the FIA WTCC,” said Matton. “Our decision to go with Ma Qinq Hua was vindicated in his second race, in Russia, which he won. We hope to build on the experience he has gleaned from his first five meetings with a full racing programme in 2015.”
One of the main reasons to give Ma a berth in the works’ team is the importance of the Chinese market to Citroën, as explained by Director of Marketing in Communication and Sport, Julien Montarnal.
“China has become Citroën’s biggest market in terms of sales,” explained Montarnal. “Welcoming Ma Qing Hua, a high-quality Chinese driver, into our team has already enabled our brand to boost its profile among a population that is just beginning to discover motorsport.
“Our ambition is to continue to move forward together. Ma is a perfect ambassador for Citroën, on track and off.”