Everybody's favorite racing driver has been getting a lot of attention since claiming her "maiden" victory in the IRL race at Motegi in Japan two weeks ago. Now officials are considering giving Danica Patrick a shot at test driving a Formula One car.
Patrick has had a checkered past with F1 prospects. She was initially offered a chance to demonstrate an F1 car at Indy in 2005, but declined saying it was just for show. Around the same time, she was shocked by Bernie Ecclestone, who compared her to a kitchen appliance. Since her Motegi win, however, the international motorsport community has been abuzz about the prospect. Honda, which supplies the engine in Danica's IndyCar (and everyone else's, for that matter) says it will seriously consider giving Patrick a shot at testing for its F1 team. While some debate whether a woman has the physical strength to drive an F1 car, Patrick says she wants to focus on contending for the IRL championship before she considers a possible step up to Formula One.
[Source: Autosport, Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Sean Flanagan @ May 2nd 2008 10:40AM
No offense to her, but one win in an open-wheel championship doesn't even qualify her for the FIA Super License required to race in F1.
"drivers who have competed in the former Champ Car World Series or the IndyCar Series are eligible for a Super Licence if they finished within the first six places of the drivers championship." She finished 7th last year.
Luis @ May 2nd 2008 12:48PM
I agree. One win does not make an F1 driver. Besides, there are other female drivers that I'd like to see in F1 instead. Not that she's not talented; but the Danica thing has gotten out of hand again.
chrisdavis @ May 2nd 2008 1:51PM
Timo Glock: 13 Champ Car races, 0 wins, 0 poles, final placing 8th. The back of the F1 grid is not all that good.
BPeredo @ May 2nd 2008 2:25PM
@ chrisdavis
And a GP2 championship. But who's keeping track anyways?
BowserUSC @ May 4th 2008 6:58PM
The only reason anyone pays her any attention is because she's a mildly attractive racer.
BowserUSC @ May 4th 2008 7:00PM
Honestly, look at her pics in FHM. The expression on her face in most of them makes her look like a deer caught in the headlights.
Brett @ May 2nd 2008 10:41AM
why let her test? Honda already has one of the most sought after drivers on he grid in Jenson Button. Almost the most experienced in Rubens Barrichello, and one of the best test pilots in Alexander Wurtz. Apparently they also have that 16 year old prodigy waiting in the wings aswell...
Mr. Oak @ May 2nd 2008 10:55AM
4 or 5 years ago I would say Rubens (whom I like) was experienced, now he is just old.
Nothing wrong with her testing in the car. Don't think she is about to leap into F1 though. Hey, more than half the Hondas sold in the world are owned by women. This is good for Honda.
Tomas @ May 2nd 2008 10:54AM
Still want to see her naked.
Pat @ May 2nd 2008 12:13PM
Too bad you're too immature and sexist to actually discuss the topic at hand.
MUSASHI66 @ May 2nd 2008 12:24PM
And she is really not playing the sex card by posing half naked in magazines...
Franz @ May 2nd 2008 10:56AM
A woman driver in F1 would be cool, but I don't think Danica is ready. I like her and all, but she'd probably get her ass handed to her. Then again, there's really no harm in letting her test. Plus, think of the publicity... I'm sure lots of people would tune in just to see how she does.
Mr. Oak @ May 2nd 2008 10:56AM
Pervert. I've got pics :)
Tomas @ May 2nd 2008 3:47PM
How much? Ohhh, Anna. Her too.
tankd0g @ May 2nd 2008 11:06AM
She would be the perfect fit with pretty boy Button and the Honda Fail1 team.
John P. @ May 2nd 2008 11:06AM
I don't see her having a problem with the strength needed. I'd say let her test. Her skill (or lack of) as a driver is what matters. Most other F1 drivers aren't capable of winning a race either so having even a somewhat competitive woman in the field would be kinda cool. Her low weight is definitely a good start.
Mr Oak, about those pics?,... :p
Mr. Oak @ May 2nd 2008 11:10AM
Just kidding on the pics. Was responding to Tomas' need to see her naked. She is not my kind of girl. I like mine to be a little bit more "spankable" than she is.
Sean Flanagan @ May 2nd 2008 11:24AM
Mr. Oak, why do I always find myself disagreeing with you? I find her perfectly spankable!
j @ May 2nd 2008 1:07PM
Most drivers on the F1 grid *are* capable of winning a race, if they had the right car. Not all, sure, and some would need a bit of luck, but other than some guys like, say, Super Aguri, they're all pretty damned qualified.
That said, I think letting Danica test would be for publicity's sake. One win does not make an F1 driver. I'd still love to see it happen :)
And who cares if she's showing up in men's magazines? She's not saying it makes her a better driver. No one complains about Anna Kournikova...
lamboman @ May 2nd 2008 2:00PM
Seconded, j.