Dutch-born Chinese driver Tung Ho-pin, who was recently awarded with a F1 testing session for Williams , will go for his inaugural session on December 11 at Spain's Jerez circuit.

Since receiving the testing notice from BMW's Motorsports Department in late October, Tung has been busy training on a simulator and getting into top physical shape.

Erwin Gollner, who was on former world champion Jacques Villeneuve's team, has been working with Tung since mid-November. He has developed a special simulator for Tung, which has the same seat position as in an F1 car.

Besides simulator training, Tung has also undertaken a jogging and mountain hiking regimen.

"The training was incredibly heavy but also effective," Tung said.

On November 26, Tung went to BMW's factory in Grove, England, where he was fitted for a seat, steering wheel and pedals.

"When I arrived at the factory, there was a BMW Williams F1 in the reception with my name on it," said Tung. "The feeling I had at that moment was incredible, very special and one I will never forget."

He will continue training this week in Austria and Hungary and will leave for Spain next Monday to get a feel for the circuit and his fellow team members.

"I haven't driven on that circuit before," said Tung. " Hopefully, I will be able to drive around the track."

(People's Daily   December 3, 2003)