Apr.24 (GMM) Physical strength may be the last obstacle to having a female competitor on the formula one grid, according to veteran McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa.

26-year-old American woman Danica Patrick made history last Sunday by winning the IndyCar race in Japan, prompting a question to de la Rosa about the prospect of a similar feat being achieved in F1.

"There are less and less obstacles because there are now many women in kart racing," the 37-year-old Spaniard said at a team sponsor event this week. "The base of the pyramid is expanding.

"I would be delighted to see it happen sooner or later, but it is more difficult for women because of the important physical elements of racing in formula one," de la Rosa insisted.