Jorda clears up 'physical issue' controversy

Carmen Jorda has moved to clear up controversy surrounding her suggestion that women suffered a "physical issue" in Formula 1, and should pursue careers in Formula E instead, as the cars are easier to handle. The Spanish racer's comments drew heat from the likes of Jenson Button and Sauber's new test driver Tatiana Calderon.

Jorda was speaking after testing in the electric series for the first time.

She has previous experience in F1, having served as development driver to Lotus and Renault in 2015 and 2016.

Button said her comments "didn't help proper women racing drivers", while Calderon, speaking just after her promotion at Sauber, said female racers would be "united" by the comments.

Jorda took to Twitter to say that she was merely discussing her own thoughts on the different series, and backed Calderon to make it in F1.

"I was asked to compare driving a Formula E car to a Formula 1 car, and then specifically, whether Formula E is easier for women to compete in that Formula 1," she posted.

???? Statement pic.twitter.com/717ulEFWIm — Carmen Jorda (@CarmenJorda) March 7, 2018

"Having some experience of both cars, I gave my personal opinion that driving a Formula E car presents less of a physical challenge than Formula 1, because of the lower downforce.

"I also referred to there being 'a physical issue' for women in Formula 1, something which has created considerable debate over the last few days - including from many prominent women within our sport.

"I would like to thank fellow drivers for sharing their opinions, and respect their views greatly.

"I am sorry if my comments appeared to speak for all women and created all confusion - as I was reflecting merely on my own personal experience.

"I never intended to discourage other women from competing at the pinnacle of our sport, or say that they physically cannot.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to Tatiana Calderon, who was announced as a Formula 1 test driver at Sauber.

"I hope that she can become the first woman in 41 years to start a race on the Formula 1 grid and wish her the very best of luck for the coming season."