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Tatiana Calderon determined to show she can make it in man's world of Formula One

The first woman driver at Macau Grand Prix since 1983 has proved she can mix it with the boys

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Colombia's Tatiana Calderon is very much at home in the Macau Grand Prix paddocks and hopes for at least a top 10 finish in the F3 race this weekend. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Tatiana Calderon is talking about the challenges of being a female racing driver as teammate Lucas Auer strips to his underpants over her shoulder - it's clear she's long been accepted as one of the boys.

But it's been difficult for the Colombian, only the second woman to compete at the Macau Grand Prix, after Cathy Muller in 1983.

It's been very tough, no boy likes to be beaten by a girl and they make it tough for you
Tatiana Calderon

"It's been very tough, no boy likes to be beaten by a girl and they make it tough for you," says the 21-year-old from Bogota.

"Slowly you earn their respect and they start to treat you like any other driver. With the results I've had that's started to happen - I'm really happy to be the only one because that represents a big challenge.

"It's amazing that no one else has ever competed in such a long time. It's really special to be representing my gender and my country in such a big event. It's a really special place and an honour to be here."

Calderon just finished her second season in the Formula Three European Championship, finishing 15th after a difficult first half was followed by seven top-10 finishes in the second. Her best result was fifth at Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps.

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