Sauber’s development driver Tatiana Calderon successfully undertook her maiden full F1 test in the past two days at Fiorano in the C32 car.
After her first-ever F1 run in Mexico post the grand prix where she drove the 2018’s C37 car as part of the filming day, Calderon got her first proper taste in a F1 car for two full days at Ferrari’s test track, Fiorano, this weekend.
The Colombian drove the V8 Ferrari-powered Sauber C32 – which was used during the 2012 F1 season, across the two days on November 17-18 where she completed a total of 202 laps (594.89 km) with 90 on Day 1 and 112 on Day 2 in a trouble-free run.
The first day was focused on learning the track as well as the car where she clocked the best time of 59.913s on Pirelli’s promotional tyres, while the second day comprised of qualifying and long-runs as she improved her best time to set a 58.802s lap time.
“It was a really great first experience driving in Fiorano,” she said after the run on Saturday. “The track is interesting, and the atmosphere is special. The air and track temperatures were quite low today, but consistent.
“Our target was for me to learn the track and find a good balance for the car, which we achieved. Driving the Sauber C32-Ferrari feels incredible, and the sound and power of the V8 engine are amazing.”
Post her run on Sunday, she added: “It was another interesting day of testing. We focused on qualifying simulations in the morning, and long-runs in the afternoon. Overall, the past two days have been very beneficial to my development.
“And I have gained valuable experience. The team did a great job in the preparation as well as the implementation of my programme and I felt comfortable in the car as well as on the track. I look forward to putting what I have learned to practice.”
Calderon was greeted with a dry weather conditions which helped her to complete a full programme without any issues. The team rated her performance as ‘excellent’ with the progress made by her and also with her endurance level with the long-runs.
Así lucen @TataCalde @SauberF1Team #AMáximaVelocidad 🏎💨#GirlPower pic.twitter.com/5dabdTVLxs
— Escudería Telmex (@escuderiatelmex) November 17, 2018
The Colombian – backed by Escuderia Telmex – is currently racing in the GP3 Series with a move to FIA Formula 2 Championship being talked about for 2019 especially now that Sauber has partnered with Charouz Racing System to form a ‘Sauber Junior Team’.