Branson wanted Danica to be a Virgin in F1 2010

Sir Richard Branson confirms he tried to get Danica Patrick to agree to drive for his Virgin Racing F1 team in 2010.
Richard Branson (GBR) Virgin CEO, Australian F1 Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne, 27-29th, March,,
Richard Branson (GBR) Virgin CEO, Australian F1 Grand Prix, Albert Park,…
© Peter Fox

Sir Richard Branson has revealed that he wanted to sign IndyCar Series winner Danica Patrick for F1 2010.

Branson's Manor GP-run Virgin Racing F1 team confirmed it driver line-up last week, when Lucas di Grassi was announced as the partner for ex-Toyota man Timo Glock.

However, speaking to British tabloid newspaper, The Daily Star, Branson added that he would love to have put a woman on the grid in 2010 to compete against the likes of 2009 F1 World champion, Jenson Button.

"I would have loved to have had a looker like Danica drive [for us]," he told the 'paper. "She is not only good and quick, she's a stunner.

"I believe there is room for women drivers in F1."

Virgin Racing F1 team principal, Alex Tai meanwhile echoed those thoughts - although he doesn't believe there is a female driver, other than Patrica, that is up to the task at the moment.

"There isn't really a female out there right now who could do it," he continued. "This is a really physical and exhausting sport and they would find it hard to cope."

So do you think there is a place for female drivers in F1?

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