The Lotus F1 Team have signed Spanish female racer Carmen Jordá as a Development Driver for the 2015 Formula 1 season.
The GP3 Series racer will participate in a ‘significant’ simulator programme during this season, and will have her first taste of the E23 Hybrid with a track run later in the year.
In 44 starts in GP3 between 2012 and 2014, driving for Ocean Racing Technology, Bamboo Engineering and Koiranen GP, Jordá has a best finish of thirteenth, and has never threatened to score points, but the Spanish lass feels happy to be able to drive an F1 car for the first time this year.
“It feels like a dream come true to join Lotus F1 Team,” revealed Jordá. “I’ve been racing since I was ten years old so it was my dream to drive a Formula 1 car since I was very young.
“Joining Lotus F1 Team is a big step towards my goal. I will be working to improve myself as a driver as well as helping the team to develop the car by testing new developments in the simulator; it’s such a fantastic opportunity.
“I know this is just the beginning and the biggest challenge is yet to come but already being part of a team with such a history is a real honour. This is a great achievement, but an even greater opportunity which will lead to bigger and better things.”
Matthew Carter, the CEO of the Lotus F1 Team, was happy to see Jordá announced as a Development Driver and revealed the team have a strong programme for her in 2015 to enable her to progress her career.
“We are happy to announce Carmen Jordá as a Development Driver for Lotus F1 Team and we are looking forward to working with her over the course of the season and ultimately seeing her behind the wheel of the car,” said Carter.
“Carmen will bring a fresh perspective to the team. We have a strong programme for her attending Grand Prix as well as extensive time in our sophisticated simulation facility at Enstone.
“She is a unique addition to the team and we are looking forward to helping her progress her goals as well as receiving the benefit of her insights and contributions to the development of the E23 Hybrid.”
