Russia’s Marussia Formula 1 team have celebrated International Women's Day by making Spain’s Maria de Villota their tester for the 2012 season.
"I am very happy to be joining the Marussia F1 Team test-driver program," de Villota told Autosport.com. "This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a Formula 1 team and gain important experience to help me progress my career, including the chance to drive the new car later in the year at the Abu Dhabi test.”
The 32-year-old, who has competed in Spanish F3, the Daytona 24 Hours, the Superleague Formula Championship and several other racing series, added that the partnership with the Russian team will boost her “future ambition to step up to Formula 1 racing.”
The 32-year-old, who has competed in Spanish F3, the Daytona 24 Hours, the Superleague Formula Championship and several other racing series, added that the partnership with the Russian team will boost her “future ambition to step up to Formula 1 racing.”
The Spaniard alreday appeared behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car last year when she tested a Renault R29 at the Paul Ricard circuit, becoming the first female driver to test for a Formula 1 team since Katherine Legge in 2005.
"We are pleased to welcome Maria to our test-driver program, which will enable her to be integrated into a Formula 1 team environment and gain a vast amount of experience that will be useful to her career progression,” John Booth, Marussia’s team principal, commented.
"We are pleased to welcome Maria to our test-driver program, which will enable her to be integrated into a Formula 1 team environment and gain a vast amount of experience that will be useful to her career progression,” John Booth, Marussia’s team principal, commented.
The announcement came on the eve of March 8, which is celebrated as Women's Day in Russia and more than 20 other countries.
Source: Russia Today