Calderon: F1 car easier to drive than GP3 machine

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Tatiana Calderon: F1 car easier to drive than GP3 machine

Tatiana Calderon: F1 car easier to drive than GP3 machine

Following her first run in a Formula 1 car, Tatiana Calderon says the Sauber is “easier to handle” than a GP3 car.

The Sauber test driver had her first taste of Formula 1 machinery at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Tuesday.

Driving the car during a filming day with the team, she completed 23 laps with a best time of 1:23.170.

“Obviously the heart rate was a bit high, especially when you see so many cameras and when you start the engine, but the team prepared me very well to know what I had to do at all times,” said Calderon.

“It has been incredible, a dream come true.

“You cannot describe what it feels like to be in a Formula 1 car.

“The first time I accelerated, it seemed like I was on a PlayStation with how fast everything happened.

“The instruction was to take things step-by-step. I honestly did not have any physical problems, that means that the physical preparation has gone in the right direction.

“In some ways I found it easier to handle than the GP3 car. I hope I can continue to show that there is no physical disadvantage [for women].

“Now that this day has passed, I do not want to go back to my GP3 car, I want to stay here!

“Hopefully I can continue breaking barriers and achieve my dream of reaching F1.”

The 25-year-old was limited to just 100km of running which had to be done on development tyre.

Head of trackside engineering Xevi Pujolar added: “We had a limited test with her and she has proven herself as a professional.

“She has not had a single problem and is what we expected from her.”

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