Colombian hopeful Tatiana Calderon has joined Sauber and will be vying to break the male domination on the Formula 1 starting grid.
The 23-year-old's race program this season includes the GP3 support series but Calderon will also be entrusted with simulator work with Sauber's engineers at the team's Hinwill base in Switzerland.
"We are very pleased to welcome Tatiana onboard to the Sauber family," said team boss Monisha Kaltenborn.
" We have the opportunities and facilities to provide Tatiana a professional platform on which she can further develop her knowledge and skills in racing.
"I am convinced that we can provide her lots of in-depth motorsport know-how for her future career in racing."
Formula 1 hasn't had a female driver line up on the grid since Lella Lombardi in 1976, although a few have unsuccessfully tried.
"I am extremely happy to join the Sauber F1 Team as a development driver," said Calderon.
"I want to thank Monisha Kaltenborn and the whole team for giving me this opportunity, and also Escuderia Telmex for their support.
"I am grateful to be working with such an established Formula 1 team and to benefit from its long experience."
Calderon also detailed her planned involvement with Sauber.
"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.
"I look forward to working with the team and learning as much as I can. It is a step closer to my dream – one day competing in Formula 1!"
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