Calderon gets F1 chance with Sauber

Tatiana Calderon will get her hands on Formula 1 machinery for the first time next week after being handed the reins by Sauber to take part in a promotional event in Mexico. Colombian Calderon was appointed test and development driver by Sauber at the start of 2018.

Calderon has combined duties at Sauber with a third season in GP3 this year, scoring points in five of the last seven races.

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Dreams DO come true! Very excited to drive the @SauberF1Team C37 @F1 car for the first time next week in Mexico! Thank you very much for making my dream a reality @escuderiatelmex and Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for their trust! pic.twitter.com/9xaQAf2M8d — Tatiana Calderon (@TataCalde) October 26, 2018

She said: "I am very thankful and excited about the opportunity given to me by the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, Escudería Telmex, Telcel, Infinitum and Claro to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time in my career.

"Since I started racing, my dream and goal has been to drive at the highest level one day. It will be an incredible experience to discover the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez from the cockpit of the Sauber C37 in Mexico City.

"As a Latin American driver, there could not be a more special place for me to make my debut behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car."

News of Calderon's opportunity comes on the heels of the announcement of the W Series – a female-only championship to be launched next year with the stated intention of providing women racers with the opportunity to get on the F1 ladder.