Sauber sign Calderon to test driver deal

Tatiana Calderon has taken a step closer to making her Formula 1 racing debut after earning promotion to official test driver at Sauber.

The 24-year-old Colombian impressed the team with her dedication to the development driver role last season and will now take on more responsibilities for the team this season.

Calderon will spend time in the simulator and receive coaching from engineers both at Sauber’s headquarters at Hinwill, Switzerland, and on-site at several Grand Prix weekends.

“This collaboration will build upon the experience that I have gained as Development Driver with the team over the past year,” she said. “I have been able to substantially expand and develop my skills as a race driver and I am convinced that I will be doing so throughout this year.”

Team Principal Fred Vasseur added: “Tatiana is a very hard-working person, who has impressed the team with her focus and dedication. She has made good progress as a driver, developing both her mental and physical capacities continuously over the past few years.”

Calderon will combine her F1 duties with a racing campaign in junior series GP3 with Jenzer Motorsport, having finished 18th overall with DAMS last year.