Hopes of a woman making it to the F1 grid (again) get a boost as Lotus recruits Spanish GP3 racer.

As Lotus F1 team's Development Driver, Carmen Jorda will attend Grands Prix and F1 tests throughout 2015 as well as undergoing a significant simulator programme at the team's base in Enstone. She will drive the E23 Hybrid on track during the course of 2015.

Carmen, daughter of former racer Jose Miguel Jorda, has a distinguished racing career having participated in the European Open Formula 3 Championship - where she achieved three podiums - the American Indy Lights Championship and most recently the GP3 Series.

"We are happy to announce Carmen Jorda 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 Matthew Carter, the team's CEO. "Carmen will bring a fresh perspective to the team. We have a strong programme for her attending Grands 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."

"It feels like a dream come true to join Lotus," said Jorda. "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."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Paul C, 27/02/2015 23:03

"It could be worse - Lotus could hire Milka Duno the Venezuelan road obstacle to make Maldonado look faster."

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2. Posted by tommo22, 27/02/2015 17:36

"Having watched Jorda in GP3 a few times, all I can say is that this is a disgrace of a signing - for whatever reasons they did it- and is part of the reason why there will not be a woman on the grid for some time to come, and just adds to the idea that women 'can't hack it' at F1 level. Judging by her race performances (seen live and regarding results), no one of this calibre should be allowed in modern F1 machinery.."

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3. Posted by CL, 27/02/2015 10:20

"Well, yeah...because all other F1 hirings are made purely on talent and ability...just like in the rest of the world. Hope she proves a worthwhile hire and achieves whatever she was taken on for, be it PR, developing a car or grooming for being CEO. At least she's not paying her way and will bring something to the table.

Oh, and "smells good"? Seriously? The whole of your sad little comment is misogyny at its least attractive. Maybe you feel threatened by women? Actually, I don't care."

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4. Posted by SideGlance, 27/02/2015 0:00

"Pretty face, maybe smells good, maybe slept with the correct person, WHY NOT?

I hope she has real skills otherwise a PR joke !!"

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5. Posted by REV, 26/02/2015 16:45

"In GP3 her best qualification was 22nd, best finish 13th... She will however bring lots of publicity to Lotus and I assume that's the goal."

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Lotus signs Carmen Jorda as Development Driver

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