Tatiana Calderon joins W-Series team in Almeria

Formula 2 racer Tatiana Calderon will join the W-Series team in a mentoring role at next week's Almeria tests.

W-Series has revealed that FIA Formula 2 driver and Alfa Romeo F1 development driver Tatiana Calderon will join the 14 new candidates next week at Almeria circuit, Spain, where the newcomers will be evaluated for a potential grid slot for the second season of the all-female championship.

Calderon, one of the highest-profile female racing drivers in the world and first woman to race in F1 main feeder series, accepted the series invitation and will witness to the selection process on the Spanish racetrack only on the first testing day, Monday 16th, when she will take the opportunity to share her experience with the 14 applicants.

“I'm excited to meet the other drivers on track, learn more about W Series and give a bit back to the sport that I love, and that has given me so much.” - said the Colombian driver.

“We have been watching Tatiana’s career with great interest, and she is clearly one of the most successful female drivers in the world." - commented Catherine Bond-Muir, the series CEO. "We have seen some brilliant talent emerge during our first W Series season, and so naturally we are really happy to have her support. With her experience she already knows the strengths you need to succeed.”

The three days testing programme will get underway on Monday 16th September and will feature both track runs as well as simulator sessions.

As announced earlier this week, 8 of the 14 candidates will get the chance to join the 2020 W-Series grid, as the top-12 from 2019 are automatically qualified. It is not clear yet how the drivers who finished outside the 12 top spots last season will get the chance to defend their entry.

Ph credits: F2 Media