Calderon: F1 car in some ways easier than GP3

Tastiana Calderon has claimed that Sauber's Formula One car is "in some ways easier" than her usual GP3 car after driving her first kilometres in the Sauber on Tuesday.

Calderon has been on Sauber's books since the start of last season and she was handed an opportunity to drive the C37 as part of a filming day in Mexico.

The Colombian driver managed 23 laps of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez; recording a fastest lap time of 1:23.170.

Calderon insisted that she encountered no issues with the car during the test and she believes it's easier to steer because of the power steering, which is not an option in the GP3 car.

"Obviously the heart-rate was a bit high, especially when you see so many cameras and when you start the engine, but the team prepared me very well to know what I had to do at all times," Calderon told Motorsport.

"It has been incredible, a dream come true. You cannot describe what it feels like to be in a Formula One car. The first time I accelerated, it seemed like I was on a PlayStation with how fast everything happened.

"The instruction was to take things step-by-step. I honestly did not have any physical problems, that means that the physical preparation has gone in the right direction.

"In some ways, I found it easier to handle than the GP3 car. I hope I can continue to show that there is no physical disadvantage (for women). Now that this day has passed, I do not want to go back to my GP3 car, I want to stay here! Hopefully I can continue breaking barriers and achieve my dream of reaching F1."