http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10062008/23/honda-confirms-danica-patrick-f1-test.html Honda confirms Danica Patrick F1 test. Tue 10 Jun, 07:06 AM IndyCar Series' first female race-winner, Danica Patrick, to live out her F1 dream after Honda reveals a test will take place. Honda has confirmed that Danica Patrick will get a test in one of its Formula One cars later this year, fuelling speculation that the American is also to be given a race chance in the top flight in the not-too-distant future. Wisconsin-born Patrick currently sits sixth in the IndyCar Series point standings following her historic breakthrough victory at Motegi back in April, the first success by a female driver in the premier open-wheeled championship across the Pond. The 26-year old Andretti Green Racing ace has hinted in interviews at her long-held desire to have an outing in an F1 car. Now it seems that dream has come true. Honda CEO Nick Fry has admitted to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung that a test will indeed take place, and that it is likely to do so at either Barcelona or Jerez in Spain in November, following the end of the 2008 F1 campaign. "We will put her into our car after the season at the latest and see how quick she is," the Briton said. Honda's current driver Jenson Button had previously joked in an interview with men's lifestyle magazine FHM that 'a girl with big boobs would never be comfortable in the car, and the mechanics wouldn't concentrate. Can you imagine strapping her in? You wouldn't want to be on the circuit with them, would you?'. The last woman to enter the top flight was Giovanna Amati, who attempted to qualify three times for Brabham back in 1992 before being replaced at the ailing British outfit by Damon Hill.
You never know, she might actually do OK. I'm certainly not going to say either way. She is much better on those scary ovals at 220MPH, probably because she has much bigger balls than most men. I hope she does well.
I hope she does well too... it could be the savior of F-1 in the USA... she has the name recgonition, she appeals to a WIDE audience... the marketing potential is huge... if I were Honda I would do it seriously! I would think she could do as well as Button and maybe Rubens.... I think they are both pretty much washed up.
this isn't saying much, but many IRL fanboys do think she's a better road racer than oval racer. I've only seen her race in person once at Mid-Ohio last year and I vaguely recall her being first or second quickest. Like its been said above, its all in the laptimes. I remember IRL's Tony Kanaan did a test a few years back and unfortunately his lap times weren't cutting it.
I can't speak for the GP2 guys, but yes, this has much to do with publicity which is sorely needed in the United States fo F1.
This is great because it will bring plenty of F1 attention to the United States. I think she should do a bit better than Marco who tested for Honda previously.
Sebastian B. was unbeatable at champ and can hardly keep up with the F1 boys , why would Danika be better than that when she in not considered a top driver for Indy? She should proof herself first as a serial champion just like everyone else that has gone to F1 (Montoya,damata,bourdais...)
Actually Danica was considered a favorite to win the Indy 500. And she is considered one of their top drivers. As for F1, she would bring attention and money to a sport that runs on attention and money. Anything to get Americans to understand F1 as they now understand IRL. Don't forget, Danica comes from European road racing. At least so far she hasn't gone NASCAR. That shows some class and good taste on her part. Don't get me wrong, I like NASCAR, but it doesn't have the same sex appeal of F1.
Agreed but F1 has seen more than its fair share of bad and pay drivers taking over spots much more deserved by others (GP2, f3000, etc.). This is no different. I don't like how Danica comes across as an individual/driver but if she delivers and probes her self, it's fine with me. Most likely she will not perform up to par.
Anyone remember Katherine Legge's test with Minardi? I hope danica doesn't do a repeat. This is a publicity stunt for Honda, no one is seriously considering her for an F1 seat. No one. Here is her road/street course record in IRL: St. Petersburgh:12th-6th-8th-10th Infineon: Ret-8th-6th Mid-Ohio: 5th Watkins Glen: 16th-8th-11th Detroit:2nd (only because the 3 drivers ahead of her, Buddy Rice, Dario Franchitti, and Scott Dixon were all eliminated in a last lap crash) What is certain is that she is not getting an F1 test on the basis of her road course skills.
Seabass has done very well considered he is partnered with the vaunted Vettel, who many thought was the second coming of MS. She always has done well at Indy and at least she has won a race this season with AGR as none of the other drivers on that team have done this year so far.
Wonder what the Indy team thinks of this? I.E., will it put a little damper on her spoiled princess status there?
Her team is owned by Michael Andretti, who we all know had a "great" Formula One career Personally if I were a Tony Kanaan, I would be pretty upset. Tony is a much better driver for AGR is very good friends with Rubens who is already on Honda.
The only thing I know about her is that she's won a race and pops up now and then in thread titles here. Is it possible she just got the test 'cause she's a woman, or is she really good?
It seems for quite some time there are many stories posted on F1 websites that are eventually shown to be partially or totally incorrect (usually with few retractions or apologies). Should they not be held to a higher standard?
I would really just like to see an American driver do well in F1 don't care if its a he or she. I have to say she would draw a lot of attention no matter what. Fact is IRL needed her attention getting looks and she can drive. The only thing I dislike is her tendency to act a little childish if things don't go her way.
