Calderon disputes 'physical barrier' argument for women in F1

©Sauber

Recently appointed Sauber test driver Tatiana Calderon has refuted the claim that women are not physically capable of racing competitively in F1.

The idea was triggered by comments earlier this week from Carmen Jorda, who briefly held a development role with Lotus and Renault in the past, and is a member of the FIA's Women in Motorsport Commission.

Jorda contended that after testing a Formula E car in Mexico last week, she labeled F1 as physically too hard for female racers, claiming its electric counterpart was indeed an accessible series for women.

Lambasted Carmen Jorda issues statement

"The truth is that I have never driven a Formula E car to know if it is difficult or easy to drive," Calderon told El Mundo Deportivo.

"I have not personally felt that there is a physical barrier, although obviously women and men are different and women have a little less muscle mass.

"But I have worked hard with training to make up for that," added the 24-year-old Colombian racer.

"Susie Wolff has already shown that there is no physical barrier and now I hope to be able to show that we can compete as well," she added.

Asked about Jorda and Bernie Ecclestone's support for an all-female F1 world championship, Calderon says she would have no interest in such in participating in such an endeavor.

"I want to be the next woman to compete in F1," she declared.

"I really do not need a women's championship because there is no physical limitation. I think women really can do a good job."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.