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Search on for First Chinese F1 Driver

During the F1 Grand Prix week in Shanghai, a preliminary agreement was reached between Red Bull F1 team and FRD Motorsports, the Asian motor sports pioneer, indicating that the former will become the extension of FRD's driver training programme by providing testing and European race team placement opportunities for the drivers recommended by FRD. Further, FRD Motorsports will represent Red Bull F1 team in China to find the talents that Red Bull is looking for.

In 2006, Red Bull will have two F-1 teams, their current F1 team and their recently acquired Minardi F1 team, which will be called Squandra Toro Rosso. This allows them to have one main team, and a second team for up-and-coming F1 drivers.

FRD's training system has always aimed at finding and fostering young Chinese drivers that are at the head of the pack. Since its inception, it has found and trained the best drivers in China such as Marchy Lee, Francky Cheng, Jim Kato, and current A1 Grand Prix drivers Jiang Tengyi and Ma Qinghua.

Caption:Left to right: Kenneth Ma (president of FRD), Jim Kato (Red Bull Jr. team member), and Dr. Marko (sporting director, Red Bull F1 team).