Sunday 27 April at 15:57 : Danica Patrick has vowed to push for an IndyCar title before seriously considering a switch to formula one.

After becoming the first woman to win a premier open wheel race last Sunday, reports have linked the 26-year-old American with an eventual switch to the sport's highest category.

But she told the Daily Star: "First I want to contend for the IndyCar championship and then we'll see what opportunities arise."

Patrick admits to setting her heart on a grand prix foray after spending some of her formative career in England as a youngster.

"During my three years in England, I followed F1 closely and became dead set on racing in it," she recalled.

"F1 is regarded as the highest level of racing with the best drivers in the world and it's very flattering to have that as an opportunity," Patrick added.

Sebastian Vettel, the German rookie who is racing with Toro Rosso this year, at Barcelona played down suggestions that women are not physically strong enough to race in F1.

"Well, I'm not exactly a bear!" he laughed.