Calderon: Jorda's comments united women in motorsport

Tatiana Calderon feels that Carmen Jorda's recent comments have united the majority of women in motorsport "a little bit more" as she sets her sights on inspiring future generations after being appointed as Sauber's Formula 1 test driver for 2018.

Jorda sparked controversy in motorsport circles last weekend when she suggested there was a "physical issue" for women wishing to race in F1, suggesting they should instead turn attention to easier series such as Formula E.

The comments caused a backlash from a number of prominent women in motorsport including IndyCar driver Pippa Mann, IMSA champion Christina Nielsen and three-time Le Mans-winning race engineer Leena Gade, as well as from other figures such as Jenson Button, who said she was "not helping proper female racing drivers" with her comments.

Calderon was named Sauber's new test driver for the 2018 season on Tuesday, and will test an older-spec F1 car this year as part of her role with the team, with details still to be confirmed.

Asked by Crash.net about Jorda's comments, Calderon said: "I think that has united us a little bit more actually.

"I don’t personally know Carmen much. All I know is that I believe we can compete at the highest level, not only as drivers but as engineers and mechanics.

"I want to support as many women as I can to make sure that they have the opportunity that I had to find a passion in motorsport."

Calderon also knocked back suggestions there would be a physical barrier for women wishing to drive an F1 car, having herself competed in series such as Formula 3 and Formula 3.5.

"I think sometimes people underestimate the lower categories," Calderon said.

"I’ve driven in Formula 3 which has a lot of downforce, maybe not that much power. It’s still a pretty hard car to drive. GP3 has no power steering.

"The World Series has a lot of minimum speed through the corners. It’s hard on your neck.

"I’ve stepped up my training during the winter knowing that I would have an opportunity and to be ready. The neck is something that I am working really hard on. But I feel ready at the moment to step it up."

Despite having the F1 test lined up, Calderon said she would be focusing on her racing duties in GP3 through 2018 in tandem with her Sauber role, knowing it is down to her to put in a good display and prove her talent.

"I will test a Formula 1 car, a former Formula 1 car. We’re still deciding on arranging everything," Calderon said.

"But I think it’s also in my hands. I will be racing in GP3 to show the team that I am capable of taking more steps and we’ll see what the future holds.

"But I want to give my best to keep opening doors."