Ma Qing Hua’s days of playing a supporting role to his Citroën team-mates in the FIA World Touring Car Championship are over.
Instead, the Chinese ace reckons he has what it takes to battle for the coveted title against his illustrious colleagues Sébastien Loeb, José María López and Yvan Muller.
Although Ma made history when he became the first Chinese driver to win an FIA-level race by claiming WTCC glory in Russia last season, his limited programme of events meant he was always playing catch-up to his rivals.
However, with a full 24-race programme in store for 2015, Ma has high hopes for more sustained success in his Citroën C-Elysée WTCC.
“Of course the title is the main target,” said Ma. “From the testing and also the early session today I’m quite comfortable with the car. I have the experience and it’s easier than last season. When I come in the middle of last season with the new car, new team, everything new I was quite struggling. This year we are preparing well, more relaxed and we have more time to think about strategy for the full year.
“With the full season you start with the same point as everyone else and you have the time to think, to change things. When I arrived last season everybody was already 10 steps ahead of me so I have to catch everything in a short time and it’s quite difficult.
“My team-mates are good teachers. I’ve learned a lot from last year and this year we are learning between each other again. But there will be more competition. Last year I was not fighting but this year we are team-mates but fighting as well.”
Ma is one of 18 drivers contesting WTCC Race of Argentina from 6-8 March.