Former Verizon IndyCar Series regular Simona de Silvestro will be once again racing in the series after agreeing a one race deal with Andretti Autosport.
De Silvestro, who left the series before the start of the 2014 season to take up an ill-fated role with the Sauber F1 Team as a test driver, will be looking to impress on her return to a championship where she is just one of three women to stand on the podium. (Sarah Fisher and Danica Patrick are the other two).
The Swiss national said: “I am very excited to be joining Andretti Autosport and to become part of a team with such a successful history. It feels really special to have been given this opportunity to drive for them. I also want to thank Michael for believing in me and I can’t wait to start working with the team. Also, I am looking forward to get back behind the wheel of an Indy car.”
The 2010 Rookie of the Year has 65 starts under he belt since joining the championship five years ago following a career path that saw her take in Formula Renault 2.0 Italia, Formula BMW USA and the Atlantic Championship.
Her inclusion in the Andretti Autosport line up gives the team a strong quartet of drivers heading into the first round at St Petersburg with De Silvestro joining 2012 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2014 Rookie of the Year Carlos Munoz and IndyCar veteran Marco Andretti in the Honda powered cars.
“We are really excited to have Simona come on board with the team for St. Pete,” stated team owner Michael Andretti. “She will be a great fit for the team, and hopefully we’ll be able to build on the program, eventually taking it from this race to future events and maybe even a full-season relationship. Fans should stay connected with the team to hear more about our potential future with Simona.”
