The Formula 1 fraternity is set to welcome a new female member in the beautiful form of Carmen Jorda. The 26-year old Spaniard has joined Lotus F1 Team as a development driver. Carmen comes from the GP3 series, where she finished 29th last year, and has experience in Formula 3 and Indy Lights.
Daughter of ex-driver Jose Miguel Jorda, Carmen has been racing professionally since 2001 and her goal has always been F1. "It feels like a dream come true to join Lotus F1 Team. 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 is a big step towards my goal. 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," she added.
As development driver, Carmen will work closely with the team on an intensive simulator programme in Enstone, while being put through a comprehensive fitness regime to prepare for the opportunity to drive this year's E23, now powered by Mercedes-Benz after Lotus made the jump from Renault.
Combined with attending Grands Prix and tests for the team, her role will focus on assessing the latest developments of the team's 2015 challenger. With racing experience in both Europe and America, Carmen's distinctive perspective will serve to further enhance the E23's evolvement curve, the team says.
"Carmen will bring a fresh perspective to the team. 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," said Lotus F1 Team CEO Matthew Carter.
Carmen is going down the same path as that taken by Susie Wolff at Williams last year. The 32-year old Scot has been promoted to the role of test driver this year.
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