Sarah Fisher to Get First Taste of F1 at Indianapolis

American driver Sarah Fisher will get behind the wheel of a McLaren Formula One car when she completes a demonstration run in front of her home crowd during the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis.

21-year old Fisher, currently competing in the Indy Racing League (IRL) for the third season, will become the first woman to drive a Formula One car since Italian Giovanna Amati drove for the extinct Brabham team back in 1992. Amati never qualified for a Grand Prix.

"I'm obviously very excited about driving a Formula One car in front of my home crowd," said Fisher, who earlier this year was on pole position for the Kentucky race and has a second and third place race finish to her credit. "It's extremely rare to get a chance like this and I can't wait.

"I'm grateful to TAG Heuer, Bernie Ecclestone and McLaren for making this happen, and hopefully it will help to promote Formula One in the USA and will also bring international attention to my series, the Indy Racing League as well."

McLaren said that Fisher visited their factory yesterday to get a seat fitting. The demonstration run will take place on Friday 27, and the American will drive the spare Mercedes-powered MP4-17.

"We are pleased to provide Sarah with this one-off opportunity," added Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren's managing director. "Through our 39-year history we have never had a female drive one of our Formula One cars so I guess it's about time.

"Hopefully Sarah's demonstration will assist in promoting Formula One in America further and give her a taste of the category."