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Duno draws attention at Indy

Few of the hundreds of mostly young men lining up to get Milka Duno's autograph early on Saturday had ever seen the glamorous Venezuelan behind the wheel of an Indy car

Hardly surprising, since the 35-year-old former model and naval engineer's resume includes just one Indy Racing League start as her only tune-up for Sunday's Indianapolis 500.

In fact, most of the more than 300,000 spectators who will descend on the famed Brickyard for Sunday's spectacle will not have heard of Duno until a week ago.

By the time the green flag drops, however, the Venezuelan will have become the most-photographed driver in the 33-car field, taking over pole position as the paparazzi favourite from American Danica Patrick.

Duno makes no attempt to play down her role as the sex symbol of the sport, often striding through Gasoline Alley in tight tops, jeans and high heels.

"I am Milka, I am the same Milka in every place and I think the people feel that," Duno told reporters. "I am so surprised by all the fans."

Despite all the attention focused on her looks, Duno is more than just a pretty face.

She has earned four masters degrees and worked as a naval engineer designing oil recovery ships.

Duno did not begin racing until her mid-20s and has had most of her success in sports cars, including a second place at this year's 24-hour of Daytona -- the highest finish in history by a female driver.

Winning the respect of her fellow Indy drivers, however, will prove tougher than winning the hearts of fans.

The rookie is given little chance of making it to Victory Lane on Sunday and some have privately expressed concern that her lack of experience could produce tragic results.

In her only race at Kansas City, Duno finished six laps behind winner Dan Wheldon of Britain and she crashed during practise at the Brickyard.

"A rookie mistake," said Duno, dismissing her accident. "I learned from that. I know it's going to be a very tough race.

"I feel a little nervous but I know how to put away all the feelings that make you a little nervous. But it is normal, this is a big race."

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