Calderon working on Formula 2 switch for 2019

Tatiana Calderon is continuing to work on a move up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship for the 2019 season, with the aim of sampling the series’ machinery for the first time later this month in Abu Dhabi.

Calderon, 25, has raced in GP3 for the past three seasons, and is currently enjoying her strongest campaign to date in the category after recording three straight points finishes.

The Colombian took part in her first Formula 1 test last week in Mexico with Sauber, testing its 2018 C37 car, but will turn attention back to GP3 later this month at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Calderon is hopeful it will prove to be her final appearance in the series, confirming in Mexico that she is continuing to work on a move up to F2 for 2019.

“We’re still waiting and organising, but I would love to do Formula 2 and to start testing in Abu Dhabi after the end of season race. It would be amazing,” Calderon said.

“We are putting everything together. Also it depends on which team you go with the budget, there is quite a lot, but our intention is to really go for Formula 2.”

Were Calderon to reach F1 and become the first woman to race in the category since Lella Lombardi in 1976, she recognised that a strong finish in F2 would be required due to the current FIA Super License points structure.

“I think if you want to go to Formula 1, now you are obliged to do Formula 2 as well,” Calderon said.

“I’ve been always watching those races, and to be honest, they’re sometimes the best races! I would really like to have a go.

“I think it’s a car that could suit me with the pit stops. I’ve been struggling more with qualifying, and I think in Formula 2, you have a chance even if you don’t do that well in qualy.

“So hopefully that will be the case."

Calderon is yet to confirm plans with Sauber for the 2019 season, but has worked as its test and development driver for the past two years, and is hoping to retain her ties to the team.

"We haven’t really had time to look at the future. Of course I would love to stay with the team, especially if we find a deal in Formula 2, but I think we are thinking right now [about the test] and we see how that goes."