Lotus F1 confirmed their development driver for the 2015 season, signing Spanish racer Carmen Jordá to the role. Carmen has been gathering experience in the Indy Lights and GP3 championships, but as with most young drivers, has always had an eye on making the step up to Formula One.

"I’ve been racing since I was ten years old so it was my dream to drive a Formula 1 car since I was very young. Joining Lotus F1 Team is a big step towards my goal. I will be working to improve myself as a driver as well as helping the team to develop the car by testing new developments in the simulator; it’s such a fantastic opportunity."

Jordá's duties will include plenty of simulator work as well as being present at races to gain experience. The team say "Carmen will drive the E23 Hybrid on track during the course of 2015" without being specific as to when or where. Carmen follows in the footsteps of Williams tester Susie Wolff who started with the team as a development driver and made the transition to official test driver this year.

CEO of Lotus, Matthew Carter, is looking forward to the "fresh perspective" that Jordá can bring to the team, saying: "She is a unique addition to the team and we are looking forward to helping her progress her goals as well as receiving the benefit of her insights and contributions to the development of the E23 Hybrid."