Tatiana Calderon becomes first female driver within this IndyCar team

Tatiana Calderon has been announced as the new driver of the legendary AJ Foyt Racing team in IndyCar. It is the first time the team has hired a female driver.

This means that for the first time since 2013, a woman will be competing in almost all races in IndyCar. Simona de Silvestro is the last woman who drove full-time in the championship.

Last year Calderon already participated in a test day in the IndyCar, but now she has secured herself a seat in the racing class. Previously, the 28-year-old driver drove in GP3 and Formula 2, among others. She has also been the official test driver for Alfa Romeo in Formula 1 for several years.

Dream for Calderon

The Colombian is overjoyed with this opportunity and is very grateful to the entire team. "It’s a dream come true to be on the grid this year! I’m well aware of the challenge ahead, but this is the chance of a lifetime and I’m keen on making the most of it," she revealed in an official press release from the team.

According to the team president, Larry Foyt, Calderon showed a lot of potential during her test at Mid-Ohio last year. Later this week, the team will test at Sebring Raceway before the season opener on February 27. Calderon will team up with reigning Indy Lights champion Kyle Kirkwood and Dalton Kellett for a three-car team. She herself will focus on the road courses and street circuits.