Tatiana Calderon enjoys maiden F1 run with Sauber

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Touted as the next possible female F1 driver, GP3 racer Tatiana Calderon completed 23 laps behind the wheel of a Sauber C37 in Mexico City on Tuesday, the young Colombian driver enjoying her first experience in an F1 car.

The run at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was conducted within the context of a Sauber promotional event and filming day, thus limited to the mandatory 100-kilometer distance.

Sauber has stayed on in Mexico as part of its participation in Pirelli's tyre test programme, entrusting development work to its 2019 driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

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"Driving the Sauber C37 today was an incredible experience," said an ecstatic Calderon.

"The power, braking and grip of this car are unbelievable, and I felt very comfortable on track. After a few laps, you start getting used to the speed, and I had lots of fun.

"I want to thank the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, Excuderia Telmex, Telcel, Infinitum and Claro for giving me this opportunity today, and trusting me to do the job. This is a day I will remember forever."

Xevi Pujolar, Sauber's head of track engineering was impressed with Tatiana's skills and commitment.

"Tatiana drove a Formula One car for the first time today and did a very good job," said the Spaniard.

"We are happy to see her perform so well, and once again were impressed by her dedication and work ethic.

"This event marks a positive step for our sport, and we look forward to seeing Tatiana continue to make progress."

Calderon has been associated with Sauber for the past two years in her capacity as a development driver, the 25-year-old taking part in technical debriefs and conducting simulator work at the team's base in Hinwil.

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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.