Calderon Q&A: "An F1 test for Sauber is the goal"

The Colombian will combine her new duties with the Hinwil-based outfit with a second season of GP3 with the DAMS team, after making her debut in the F1 support series last season at Arden.

In this exclusive Q&A, Calderon sets out her objectives for the season, and says she hopes to show Sauber just what she is capable of as she continues to work towards her target of becoming a fully-fledged Grand Prix driver.

What does your new driver development role involve exactly?

"I'm looking to learn about all the technical aspects of an F1 team – I will be travelling to some of the races to learn inside the team, as well as doing simulator sessions. It's about helping me to be ready for driving the car – that's that what the simulator and being with the team at the races will do."

Will there be a chance to drive the car this year?

"Of course driving the car is going to be the aim; that's what I'm working towards. But as a development driver, I am here to learn and put what I learn into practice in GP3 - and hopefully translate that into results. It's on the table, we'll see."

Do you believe you are ready for the chance should it arise?

"For sure the cars will be much more demanding this year, but sometimes people underestimate how much hard work the cars are to driver in lower categories, like Formula 3.5, GP2, GP3. Those cars are really physical to drive, maybe in a different way from an F1 car.

"Of course your neck needs to be really strong in F1, but because you don't have power steering in GP2 or GP3 you need to build strength in your forearms and upper body. It's unknown territory, but for sure I'm training harder to try to be ready if the opportunity shows up. 

Would it be a big deal personally to be the first female to have driven an F1 car in two years?

"Of course driving an F1 car would be a dream, regardless of if it makes history or not. It's always been my personal goal to be able to drive the quickest type of car on earth – I want to make sure I'm ready if the chance arrives, and this is a really good start to make it happen.

"It's obviously very difficult for a girl to race in F1, that's why no-one has done in it in such a long time. But all through my career I've been the first girl to do many things, so I will keep working until I reach my goal."

Do you feel your achievements up to now warrant your place in the team?

"Of course I want to achieve more. Last year was really tough, and I know I need to work on certain areas, which is why it's a great chance to learn from a team like Sauber, they have a lot of experience with young drivers. We'll see how this year goes; I want to show what I can do with the right guidance."

What are your specific aims with DAMS in GP3 this year?

"I want to improve from last year. I showed some really good speed in pre-season testing, and I showed some really good race pace on worn tyres as well to be able to score points. That's the aim, to improve on last year and score points more regularly."

Is there any chance of a race drive at Sauber in 2018?

"You have to walk before you can run. My focus now is on having the best possible season in GP3 and making the most of my role with Sauber in every possible way. What happens next year will largely depend on how much I can achieve this season and what I can show Sauber I'm capable of. "