Is Carmen Jorda Ready for F1?

PR Stunt or Female Sensation

Now, I'm usually quite objective when I do this sort of thing. However; I feel a bit of a rant coming on. Carmen Jorda is a 26 year old Spanish Racing Driver who has competed in Spanish Formula 3, F3 Open Series, GP3 Series and Indy Lights.

While this might seem like quite an impressive feet and a good lead for female motorsport, it's clear to see that the performance does not match the credentials. During her time in GP3 she competed in the 2012 / 2013 / 2014 season. However; as many of you who watch GP3 will know, she isn't the most competitive driver. She would often find herself at the back and it was rare for her to qualify off the back row. This was most summed up in a Sprint Race last year where she didn't only finish last, but also finished behind a driver who had to pit for damage in a race without pit stops. 

To add on to her list of "achievements" she managed to join a very select group of drivers who have failed to Qualify for a GP3 Series event. She is the 3rd most experienced (in terms of races) and holds the record for most GP3 Races without a point.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing her because she's a women driver. I was fully invested in Simona de Silvestro's plight for Formula One, because, in her, as well as a few other female drivers we see talent. However; we must ask, is this being used simply as a PR stunt.

Carmen has taken on the role of Development Driver. I bring this up because this was the role of another female Counterpart; Susie Wolff. My concern remains though; what is the plan for these drivers. Neither Jorda or Wolff have had incredibly successful youth careers (at least not outside of karting.) So is the aim to "develop" them to F1 ability, or is it simply to get young girls interested. I talk about using her as a PR stunt as a bad thing. But maybe the aim isn't to get them into F1 but to instead use them as a catalyst for the next generation. If so, then I applaud Lotus.

My only concern comes from the current young driver situation. There are many highly skilled young drivers coming through the order, it seems unfair to push aside drivers like Palmer (GP2 Champion) and Ocon (European F3 Champion) (both at Lotus) in order to promote a driver that will get the sponsorship.

Also, maybe I was too harsh on her career. She did achieve 4th in the Spanish F3 [Copa F300 class] and did achieve a point in Indy Lights. Formula One has been very male based for a number of years, and it would be great to make it more even, and not just have a female driver in the sport for PR purposes. However; I feel this will take time and there a very few from this generation that could do it.

 -|RacingRecaps|-