No driver from the great Asian nation had started a top flight race.
Guanyu Zhou will enter the history of the Formula 1 in March 2022: He will become the first Chinese to race in the highest category of the automobile, after the Alfa Romeo team announced his signing on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old, who replaces the Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, will have as a teammate Finnish Valtteri Bottas.
“Being the first Chinese driver in Formula 1 is a breakthrough in the history of Chinese automobile sport. I know that there is a lot of hope placed on me and, as always, I will take it as a motivation to improve, ”said Zhou.
The announcement of his signing completes the starting grid of Formula 1 next season.
Alpine’s reserve driver for the second consecutive season in 2021, Zhou participated in his first F1 practice session this year, during the Austrian Grand Prix.
Ma Qinghua he had been the last Chinese to participate in rehearsals, in 2012 and 2013, with the HRT and Caterham teams. No driver from the great Asian nation has started a race of the highest category.
Born on May 30, 1999, Zhou joined a karting team in Sheffield in northern England in 2012 as a teenager.
Following his good results in various categories, Zhou joined the 2019 Renault Sport Academy, subsidiary of the French constructor (turned into Alpine), tasked with advancing drivers on their way to F1.
In his first season in Formula 2, in 2019, finished as best rookie, seventh overall with the British UNI-Virtuosi Racing team.
Last year, disturbed by the pandemic, he achieved his first victory, in Sochi, finishing sixth overall.
This course is second to 36 points behind the leader, Australian Oscar Piastri, with two rounds (six races) to play.
Great economic movement
Zhou’s rise brings several economic challenges: China, which hosted its first race in Shanghai in 2004, is a huge market for F1 and carmakers. A local driver will mean another leap for the discipline.
A sample of the importance of the signing, the general director of Formula 1 Antonio Giovinazzi reacted minutes after the announcement.
“This news is fantastic for the sport and for the millions of passionate Chinese who now have a local hero to cheer on all year long,” said the Italian coach.
The arrival at the ‘great circus’ of Zhou coincides with the renovation of the Chinese GP until 2025 -although it has not been disputed since 2019 and it will not be held in 2022 due to the pandemic-.
“It is a pleasure to receive Guanyu Zhou. Too we look forward to welcoming all new chinese fans who will join the team. Alfa Romeo is a historical brand that embodies the spirit of Formula 1 and we will do everything possible to make the experience of our sport in China formidable, “he said. Fred Vasseur, director of the pilot’s new team. (D)
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