Calderon promoted to Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 test driver

Tatiana Calderon has graduated to Alfa Romeo Sauber’s test driver role in Formula 1 for the 2018 season having acted as development driver at the Swiss squad last year.

In 2017 Calderon was named Sauber development driver alongside her GP3 Series commitments with DAMS and for the upcoming F1 season has been named as the team’s new test driver. Calderon will combine her Alfa Romeo Sauber role with a third year in GP3 Series, switching to Jenzer Motorsport, and the Colombian driver is eager to build upon her experience as development driver at the Swiss squad from last season.

“I am very pleased to confirm my role as Test Driver for the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team in the 2018 season,” Calderon said. “This collaboration will build upon the experience that I have gained as Development Driver with the team over the past year, and I look forward to continuing on this positive path together.

“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.

“I would like to thank the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for this marvellous opportunity, which would not have been possible without the long-term support that I am receiving from Escuderia Telmex. I look forward to this season, and will give my all to demonstrate my capabilities in both GP3 and Formula 1.”

Frederic Vasseur, Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 team principal, is thrilled to welcome the 24-year-old back into the Swiss squad fold as its new test driver having been impressed by her efforts in 2017.

“We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with Tatiana Calderon as our test driver,” Vasseur said. “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. We look forward to having Tatiana on board for our first chapter as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.”