Danica Patrick to test with Honda F1 at end of year

BRACKLEY, England — Danica Patrick, the first woman to win in IndyCar competition, is scheduled for a test drive in a Honda Formula 1 car in November, Internet sources reported Sunday.

"We will put her into our car after the season at the latest and see how quick she is," team chief executive Nick Fry was quoted as telling an Austrian newspaper.

IRL IndyCar Series machines used Honda V8 power, hence the relationship with the F1 work outfit. Patrick, 26, turned down a token exhibition ride already, but this session is reputed to be a full-scale test at one of two Spanish courses, Barcelona or Jerez.

Patrick achieved quick stardom when, in 2005, she became the first woman to lead a lap in the Indianapolis 500. She finished 4th, stealing much of the attention from race winner Dan Wheldon.

Subsequent to that, American open-wheel fans anticipated watching the feisty brunette score her first victory, but they had to wait until April of this year, when Patrick won at the Twin Ring Motegi course in Japan.

What this means to you: Detractors believe Patrick has yet to prove herself as a legitimate contender for victory in IndyCar, but her star power makes her an obvious candidate for a chance in F1. — David Green, Correspondent