Honda has confirmed that Danica Patrick will get a test in one of its Formula One cars later this year, fuelling speculation that the American is also to be given a race chance in the top flight in the not-too-distant future.

Wisconsin-born Patrick currently sits sixth in the IndyCar Series point standings following her historic breakthrough victory at Motegi back in April, the first success by a female driver in the premier open-wheeled championship across the Pond.

The 26-year old Andretti Green Racing ace has hinted in interviews at her long-held desire to have an outing in an F1 car [see separate story – click here]. Now it seems that dream has come true.

Honda CEO Nick Fry has admitted to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung that a test will indeed take place, and that it is likely to do so at either Barcelona or Jerez in Spain in November, following the end of the 2008 F1 campaign.

“We will put her into our car after the season at the latest and see how quick she is,” the Briton said.

Honda's current driver Jenson Button had previously joked in an interview with men's lifestyle magazine FHM that 'a girl with big boobs would never be comfortable in the car, and the mechanics wouldn't concentrate. Can you imagine strapping her in? You wouldn't want to be on the circuit with them, would you?'.

The last woman to enter the top flight was Giovanna Amati, who attempted to qualify three times for Brabham back in 1992 before being replaced at the ailing British outfit by Damon Hill.