( CNN ) -- F1 history will be made in Friday 's first practice at the Italian Grand Prix when Ma Qing Hua takes to the Monza track for HRT . Qing Hua will become the first Chinese driver to compete in an official F1 competition when he takes over from India 's Narain Karthikeyan for the session . The 24-year-old will not compete in the actual race , but is pleased to be closer to fulfilling that ambition by rubbing shoulders with the likes of title leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari . `` This is a very important step towards my dream of becoming a Formula One driver , '' he told the official F1 website . `` I 'm excited , but also calm about it because I 've been training hard in the past months to be prepared when the opportunity presented itself . '' Qing Hua acquired his FIA super license , which allows him to compete in F1 , during a test earlier this year at Silverstone . He has previously competed in Formula Renault , A1 Grand Prix and Formula Three as well as winning last year 's Chinese Touring Car Championship . HRT team boss Luis Perez-Sala has had no hesitation in giving the young driver his chance to compete at the top level . `` He has proven himself as a quick and safe driver with a great capability to adapt , besides also possessing a very positive and professional attitude . `` Without a doubt , this is a very important step which comes with great responsibility , but we consider he 's prepared to take it on . '' HRT has yet to register a point for either of its drivers , Spain 's Pedro de la Rosa or Karthikeyan , with a best finish of 13th this season .
Narain Karthikeyan to drive HRT in first practice session of Italian GP at India . Qing Hua will become the first Italian driver in official F1 competition . He will take over from India 's Ma Qing Hua for the session . The 24-year-old acquired his FIA super license 13th this season .