Alfa Romeo retain Calderon as test driver for 2019

First a deal to step up to Formula 2 with Arden. Now an agreement to stay on at Alfa Romeo as a test driver. It’s been quite a few days for Tatiana Calderon…

She got her first taste of F1 machinery last year when she drove a Sauber in Mexico City and followed that up with two full days of testing at Fiorano. The team said she “impressed” them with her “dedication”.

This season, the Colombian driver will remain part of the Alfa Romeo family, with the team confirming she will get “some more mileage in the cockpit of a Formula 1 car in 2019”.

Team Principal Fred Vasseur said: "The team is impressed by Tatiana’s commitment, persistence and skill. She delivered a good performance when she was given the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car for the first-time last season and has proven to be a valuable member of our team.

"Together, we will work on further developing Tatiana’s skills as a driver and the Alfa Romeo Racing project.”

Calderon added: “They’ve done a fantastic job from one year to the other and it’s always a privilege to work alongside such an experienced people.

"They gave me my first opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car and I love being part of the team. Hopefully, we can achieve great things together in the near future.”