Swiss driver Simona De Silvestro has reportedly become the second female racer associated with a Formula One team following her joining Sauber with the aim of racing in 2015.
De Silvestro, who has raced in the US since 2006 and in IndyCars since 2009, has become the second woman associated with an F1 team following Scotland's Susie Wolff's role as development driver at Williams.
According to the BBC, in order to qualify for the 'superlicence' required to race in F1, De Silvestro will have to complete 300km of testing in an F1 car, although the testing can be waived if governing body FIA considers that a driver has proven their capabilities in a suitable category.
Indian-origin Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn said that they regard De Silvestro as a very talented driver for which they decided to support her on her way to the pinnacle of motorsport.
De Silvestro, who has been named an 'affiliated driver' at the Swiss team, said that her joining Sauber is a major step towards achieving a life-long dream and she is happy to have the opportunity to take this step with a great team like Sauber.
Sauber's race drivers this year are German Adrian Sutil and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez, with Sirotkin as reserve driver, the report added.