Calderon makes history with F2 graduation

Tatiana Calderon will make history in 2019, having signed a deal to race in Formula 2 with Arden – making her the first female to race in the competition. No female racer has competed in F2 since its inception in 2017, nor did a female drive in GP2, the competition's predecessor which ran from 2005-2016.

The Colombian steps up after three years in GPE, one of which, 2016, was spent with Arden – the junior team co-founded by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Calderon will be partnered by GP3 champion Anthoine Hubert in 2019.

It is unclear how Calderon's move will impact her role with Sauber, now Alfa Romeo, having served as the team's development driver last year and driving for their affiliated junior outfit Charouz in the end-of-year F2 test.

Calderon twice drove F1 Sauber machinery last year, suggesting that the greater power suited her driving style better than that in GP3.

In an Arden statement, Calderon said: "I'm very excited to compete in the FIA F2 Championship with Team BWT Arden in technical partnership with HWA RACELAB. It is a new challenge in my career and a step closer to my ultimate goal: Formula 1.

"I want to thank my sponsors Coldeportes and Escuderia Telmex-Claro for making it happen and to my family for always giving me their unconditional support.

"I'm sure we will achieve great things together. I can't wait for testing to start next week!"

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