Ma Qing Hua was critical of some of the driving standards in the opening World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) race in Ningbo, after the Chinese racer could only bring his Honda home in last position.
Ma started the race in 16th position, but the Boutsen Ginion Racing driver was on the receiving end of multiple contact in a chaotic first few laps, picking up suspension damage on his Civic that meant he struggled to the finish at the back of the pack.
The Chinese WTCC race winner was critical of the driving standards in the mid-pack, which meant he was unable to put in a strong showing in his first race in WTCR on home soil.
Ma’s difficulties wre compounded by the fact that despite hailing from China he has never before raced on the relatively new Ningbo International Speedpark circuit.
“It’s my first race here, so I’m working very hard to chase the balance and set-up,” said Ma. “We were planning to do race one as a big practice for me.
“I made a good start and I think I took one position at Turn 2. I continued, but then after sector one I got several punches in the rear, one really bad one.
“I lost the car completely and went off the track, then came back on with a damaged car and tried to finish the race.
“I was hit about four or five times on the first lap through the middle section by many different drivers, who all seemed to want to use me as a brake.
“That left me with some damage to the suspension – I could hear a ‘tut tut tut’ noise from the corner of the car all the race, but that damage had a big effect on the pace I could run.
“I was able to catch up with the few cars ahead of me towards the end, but the damage was done early on.”
Ma called for more ‘professional’ driving standards for Sunday’s two races, which should allow the 30-year-old to gain more experience at the wheel of his Civic.
“I understand I’m not fighting for the championship and the other drivers are trying to get as many positions as they can, but they should be doing it in a professional way.
“Tomorrow is another day and I hope we can do a better job to have a better race.”