F1 tests ‘best preparation’ for Calderon’s step up to F2

Tatiana Calderon feels her two Formula 1 tests with Sauber towards the end of 2018 have helped her adjustment to Formula 2 ahead of her debut in the championship this year.

Calderon will make her F2 debut in Bahrain next month with BWT Arden after spending the last three years racing in the GP3 Series, leaving her just one rung down from F1.

The Colombian announced last week that she would be continuing to work with the rebranded Alfa Romeo Racing team through 2019, having taken part in two F1 runs late last year.

Calderon explained how the F1 running – comprising one filming run in the 2018 Sauber C38, and two full days in the team’s 2013 car – had aided her acclimatisation to F2.

“Everything after Formula 1 feels small! The speeds that you go in Formula 1, I think it just slows everything down for you,” Calderon told Crash.net.

“For sure it was an incredible experience, and I learned a lot of things that I need to try and put into practice in Formula 2.

“It definitely was the best preparation I could have. And if I could have a little bit more of that this year, it would be incredible.”

Alfa Romeo Racing confirmed in its announcement that Calderon would test an F1 car once again this year, and while no firm details have yet been made public, she expressed her gratitude for the team’s support and guidance.

“It’s nice to be in my third year, it’s like I belong here and they are my family. I’m really happy to be part of the team,” Calderon said.

“They trust me, and we’ve built this great story together. I drove a Formula 1 car for the first time and it was very special. They provided that opportunity for me, so I hope that together in the future, we can hope for even better things.

“But one step at a time. I’m super happy that they trust in what I am doing.”

After racing in GP3 and Formula 3 for a number of years, the move up to F2 will see Calderon encounter a number of new elements in racing, such as enforced pit stops and multiple tyre compounds.

“Everything is completely new for me. It’s the first time I have two compounds, pit stop practice, going out on cold tyres - so there’s a lot to learn,” she said.

“But I think testing has been very positive. I think the team has really tried to help me get more comfortable.

“We have three more days here in Barcelona before the first race, so I hope we start to close the gap, and we’ll see where we are in Bahrain.”