GP3 driver Tatiana Calderón has joined the Sauber F1 Team as their official development driver for the 2017 season.
The Columbian has been working her way up through the ranks in recent years including the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 series, FIA European Formula 3 and last season GP3.
“I am extremely happy to join the Sauber F1 Team as a development driver. I want to thank Monisha Kalterborn and the whole team for giving me this opportunity and also Escudería Telmex for their support” said Calderón.
“I am grateful to work with such and established Formula 1 Team and to benefit from its longtime experience. I look forward to work with the team and to learn as much as I can. It is a step closer to my dream – competing one day in Formula 1!”
The 23-year-old will take part in simulator work alongside attending a number of F1 races in an official capacity, observing the team in action throughout the weekend and taking part in meetings and debriefs with senior engineers and drivers.
Sauber will also support her second season in GP3 as she makes the switch to the DAMS squad for 2017.
“My Sauber role will be a great addition to my race programme in the GP3 Series with DAMS, where I plan to build on my experience from last year. DAMS run a very professional operation and it is the perfect place for me to continue to improve on the strengths I was able to show last year while further developing my speed and race-craft in one of the toughest junior championships in the world. I’m very happy to face the 2017.”
Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal Sauber F1 Team added, “We are very pleased to welcome Tatiana onboard to the Sauber family. We have the possibilities and facilities to provide Tatiana a professional platform, on which she can further develop her knowledge and skills in racing. I am convinced that we can provide her lots of in-depth motorsport know-how for her future career in racing.”