Female Spanish driver Maria de Villota has hinted she may find out before Christmas if she will have an official role at Lotus in 2012.
The 31-year-old said recently she is close to signing a contract to become third driver for the former Renault team in 2012.
"You cannot assume something before it is assured," she is quoted by Marca sports newspaper, admitting that a F1 contract "would be the perfect Christmas gift".
The last woman to enter the world championship was Italian Giovanna Amati, who failed to qualify for Brabham three times in 1992 before she was replaced by future title winner Damon Hill.