Apr.23 (GMM) Former grand prix driver Hans-Joachim Stuck is convinced that Danica Patrick, the first female competitor to win a race in premier American open wheeler racing, would be a good addition to the formula one grid.

26-year-old Patrick drove into the history books last Sunday by beating Helio Castroneves to the chequered flag in the IndyCar race at Motegi, Japan.

She drives for Andretti-Green Racing, which is co-owned by former McLaren racer Michael Andretti, whose son Marco has tested for the F1 team Honda.

"It is quite clear that, with Danica, formula one could conquer the United States.

"She is good enough for it," Stuck is quoted as saying by the German magazine Sport Bild.

Stuck, however, believes Patrick would need a season in GP2, as well as some F1 testing, before making the leap.

Sport Bild claims that Flavio Briatore, the Renault boss, has contemplated making contact with Patrick in view of a formula one collaboration of some sort.