Tung Ho-Pin broke new ground with Renault on Sunday when be became the first Chinese driver to be named in a Formula One team line-up.
The Netherlands-born 27-year-old, already the first Chinese national to drive a grand prix car, will be Renault’s official third (reserve) driver this season.
Tung will also be racing in the GP2 support series with the DAMS team in Renault colors.
“This step will be the breakthrough I think in terms of media attention, of interest,” he said at the launch of the new Renault F1 car.
“I will be the first Chinese guy ever who is officially part of a F1 team and that’s going to be a big thing, I think.
“It’s a very nice thing. China has had race since 2004 but never had Chinese involvement within a team. Now they have and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Tung first tested with Williams in December 2003 after winning that year’s Asian Formula BMW series and again with Renault late last year.
He is managed by Gravity Sport Management, owned by Genii capital which recently bought a large stake in the Renault team, and had been linked to a possible race drive.
“As a driver you always want to race but in the end this is a fantastic opportunity,” he said. “To be officially third driver is already a big thing. I am showing the world I am on the threshold of F1.
“I hope to gain as much experience as I can and gain a race drive in the near future.”
Asked whether he might get a chance to drive in Friday practize in this year’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, Tung said he would certainly be there.
“Never say no but for the moment that’s not the case,” he said of the possibility of a home-track appearance.

