Branson wanted Danica to be a Virgin in F1 2010

Sir Richard Branson has revealed that he wanted to sign IndyCar Series winner Danica Patrick for F1 2010.

Branson's Manor GP-run Virgin Racing F1 team confirmed it driver line-up last week, when Lucas di Grassi was announced as the partner for ex-Toyota man Timo Glock.

However, speaking to British tabloid newspaper, The Daily Star, Branson added that he would love to have put a woman on the grid in 2010 to compete against the likes of 2009 F1 World champion, Jenson Button.

"I would have loved to have had a looker like Danica drive [for us]," he told the 'paper. "She is not only good and quick, she's a stunner.

"I believe there is room for women drivers in F1."

Virgin Racing F1 team principal, Alex Tai meanwhile echoed those thoughts - although he doesn't believe there is a female driver, other than Patrica, that is up to the task at the moment.

"There isn't really a female out there right now who could do it," he continued. "This is a really physical and exhausting sport and they would find it hard to cope."

So do you think there is a place for female drivers in F1?

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