Andersen Racing announced that it will field a car for 21-year-old Carmen Jorda of Alcoy, Spain, in Firestone Indy Lights this year. Jorda, who will be based in Miami while racing in the United States, competed in the European Formula 3 Open and the European Formula 3 Open Copa de España series last year. She had two podium finishes in the latter series, including a second at Magny-Cours, France. She also made three starts in the LMP2 class of the Le Mans Series in 2009.

Jorda competed in Spanish Formula 3 and Spanish F3 Copa de España in 2007 and 2008, becoming the first female driver to record a podium finish in either  Spanish F3 class. She competed in Master Junior Formula in 2005 and 2006 after her racing career began in karts at age 11.

Jorda tested with Andersen Racing at both Barber Motorsports Park, and Sebring International Raceway recently. Her first race as a member of the Palmetto, Fla.-based team will be March 28 on the street course at St. Petersburg, Fla.

"I'm really excited to be racing in America this year!" Jorda said. "Firestone Indy Lights provides a different challenge to what I am used to in Europe, but I am very much looking forward to the journey.

"All of the tracks will be new for me, but this is something which I have to deal with," she continued. "I am sure the experience of the team will help me on this front."

Jorda's goal is to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series and compete in the Indianapolis 500. "Racing at Indianapolis will be a highlight for me this year," she said, referring to Indy Lights race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 28 prior to the Indy 500.

"We're delighted to add Carmen to the Andersen Racing lineup for 2010, and we're expecting great things from her this season," said Dan Andersen, who owns the team with his brother, John. "She clearly demonstrated her commitment and focus at the two recent tests. She showed excellent speed at the Sebring test last week, and lowered her times in each session. She has what is needed to excel in that she brings talent and a willingness to listen and learn, and we know she will surprise a lot of Firestone Indy Lights observers this year."

Jorda follows in the path of Brazil's Mario Romancini, who won two races in Indy Lights with Andersen Racing in 2009 prior to moving up to the IZOD IndyCar Series this year, and the reigning Indy Lights champion, J.R. Hildebrand, who was a member of the team in 2008.