Jorda dismisses criticism from 'jealous' rivals

F1's new female signing has hit back at her harshest critics. Although she finished last year's GP3 season just 29th overall, 26-year-old Spaniard Carmen Jorda has been signed up as a development driver by Lotus.

Some of her former on-track rivals were unimpressed with the news, suggesting it was more about her gender, appearance and marketability than her talent and results. Rob Cregan, her GP3 teammate in 2012, said on Twitter: "Carmen Jorda couldn't develop a roll of film let alone a hybrid F1 car."

Jorda, however, dismissed the criticism. "Formula one is full of jealousy," she told the German newspaper Bild. "There are few cockpits, so only a few can make it. Rob is obviously jealous that I'm here and he is not. I wish him all the best, that's all I can say," Jorda added.

Lotus has said she will work on the simulator, attend grands prix this year and even drive the E23 car at some point. "First I must understand how the team works," Jorda insisted. "What happens here cannot be compared with GP3."

She also said the matter of a F1 super licence can wait for now, as she takes the leap into the highest category of motor racing "step by step". (GMM)