Women should aim for Formula E over F1 - Jorda

Carmen Jorda has sparked controversy by suggesting women are not physically capable of competing in Formula 1 and should aim for Formula E instead. The Spanish driver, who has previously served as a development driver for the Enstone team in F1, recently tested a car in the electric series.

Jorda tested for Enstone across their Lotus and Renault iterations in 2015 and 2016 but was not offered a race seat.

As a member of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, she has previously courted controversy by suggesting F1 should set up a women-only competition.

After testing a Formula E car in Mexico this week, she said: "It's a less physical car than in Formula 1 because of the downforce and because of the power steering as well.

"So yes, for sure. The challenge that we women have in Formula Two and Formula 1 is a physical issue and I think in Formula E, we won't have it.

"It's not for me to decide what's good for women or not in the sport. But in my experience I can say Formula 1 -- not all the other championships, karting, Formula Three, GT, I think women are capable of good results in all those series -- in Formula 1 and Formula Two there is a barrier that is a physical issue.

"I think there is a big issue for women and that's why there aren't any in those championships."

Former F1 champion Jenson Button was among those who rounded on Jorda after her comments, highlighting the achievements of Danica Patrick in NASCAR and IndyCar.

Oh Carmen, you’re not helping proper female racing drivers with this comment. Ask @DanicaPatrick about being ???????? enough to drive a race car! She’d kick my butt in the gym & she’s probably as strong as any driver on the F1 Grid right now. Physical barrier is not your issue Carmen https://t.co/hbyMzrCypg — Jenson Button (@JensonButton) March 6, 2018

Leena Gade is a three-time Le Mans 24-Hour winning race engineer and is a member of the FIA's women's commission alongside Jorda. She too expressed her displeasure in a series of tweets.

@CarmenJorda you and I are both members of the FIA Women's Commission, designed to encourage women and girls into Motorsport, a highly competitive environment for all concerned. Your comments today belittled the quality of the field in @FIAFormulaE and it's competitive prowess. — Leena Gade (@Leena_Gade) March 6, 2018

Added to that, you told young girls not to aspire to beat the best competition but to find easier avenues. Indycar, rallying, Sportscars, touring cars, even Formula E have G forces and physical strength is needed for all. The reason for women to compete in FE is because the — Leena Gade (@Leena_Gade) March 6, 2018

competition is high and beating the best is how you become great. Your opinions do not represent Commission members and what we are working to do. We want women to come into a sport that has given so many of us so much joy and to grow the sport that we are passionate about. — Leena Gade (@Leena_Gade) March 6, 2018

You are entitled to your opinions and I respect that. But do not use the name of the Commission to justify them when it contradicts the message and work we are doing. Women want to beat and be the best on equal terms. Not by the easiest route. — Leena Gade (@Leena_Gade) March 6, 2018