Sauber promote Calderon to official test driver

Calderon will spend time in the simulator and receive coaching from engineers both at Sauber’s headquarters at Hinwill, Switzerland, and on-site at several Grand Prix weekends.

The 24-year-old, who is backed by the team’s Mexican sponsor Telmex, is competing in the GP3 series again this season after finishing 18th overall last year.

Swiss-based Sauber were the first Formula One team to have a female principal, although Monisha Kaltenborn departed last year. They also had Swiss racer Simona de Silvestro as an ‘affiliated driver’ in 2014.

Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, who raced for Ferrari-powered Sauber as a stand-in last year, is the reserve driver.

Formula One has not had a woman driver start a grand prix since 1976.

“This collaboration will build upon the experience that I have gained as Development Driver with the team over the past year,” she said. “I have been able to substantially expand and develop my skills as a race driver and I am convinced that I will be doing so throughout this year.”

Team Principal Fred Vasseur added: “Tatiana is a very hard-working person, who has impressed the team with her focus and dedication. She has made good progress as a driver, developing both her mental and physical capacities continuously over the past few years.”

Calderon will combine her F1 duties with a racing campaign in junior series GP3 with Jenzer Motorsport, having finished 18th overall with DAMS last year.

She said, "This collaboration will build upon the experience that I have gained as Development Driver with the team over the past year, and I look forward to continuing on this positive path together."

"I have been able to substantially expand and develop my skills as a race driver, and I am convinced that I will be doing so throughout this year."

"I would like to thank the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for this marvelous opportunity, which would not have been possible without the long-term support that I am receiving from Escuderia Telmex."

"I look forward to this season, and will give my all to demonstrate my capabilities in both GP3 and Formula 1. added Calderon.