26/02/2015
NEWS STORY
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."