Jorda will 'unite' female drivers, says Sauber newcomer Calderon

Sauber's new test driver Tatiana Calderon says females in motorsport will become more "united" after Carmen Jorda's controversial assertion that women drivers should target entry in Formula E over Formula 1 due to the physical challenges posed by the premier class.

Jorda tested in the electric series over the weekend and previously held development roles with Lotus and Renault in F1.

She was quoted as saying: "The challenge that we women have in Formula 1 is a physical issue and I think in Formula E, we won't have it."

Former F1 world champion Jenson Button was among those to express frustration at Jorda's comments, but Calderon suggested they could end up doing some good.

"I think that has united us a little bit more actually," Calderon told Crash.net.

"I don't personally know Carmen much. All I know is that I believe we can compete at the highest level, not only as drivers but as engineers and mechanics.

"I want to support as many women as I can to make sure that they have the opportunity that I had to find a passion in motorsport."

On the physicality of motorsport, Calderon added: "I've driven in Formula 3 which has a lot of downforce, maybe not that much power.

"It's still a pretty hard car to drive. GP3 has no power steering.

"The World Series has a lot of minimum speed through the corners. It's hard on your neck."

Calderon was confirmed as Sauber's test driver on Tuesday, stepping up from a previously held development role. She will combine the job with competing in GP3.

"I will test a Formula 1 car, a former Formula 1 car. We're still deciding on arranging everything," she said.

"But I think it's also in my hands. I will be racing in GP3 to show the team that I am capable of taking more steps and we'll see what the future holds."